《Beyond The Game (Abandoned)》 Aether Rifts Online: Beyond
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Welcom???????? to?????? Ae?????t???he????????????????????????????????r? R????????????????????????????????e?al????????????????m?s??????????????????? ?????????l?????????????????????????????????n????????????????????????????????????????????????......Synchronizing
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Welcome, to Aether... A game. For is it not games which you seek? So imagine a game, where death is everpresent, where dangers lurk at every corner. A game, but not controlled by you...No, this game is no longer controlled by you. Is it still a game? I don''t know... Perhaps, it doesn''t even matter whether it is or not. For what matters is that you are trapped, trapped in an unknown world. A game... Where you can no longer tell the difference between yourself, and us. A game...Or is it reality? No, it is definitely a game. ...
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At least, that is what Kaine keeps telling himself...
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Loading complete. ... So let us begin...This game of ours.
Ch 1 - The First Day He takes a deep, assisted breath. As he lay on the hospital bed, a machine silently working nearby, aiding the young man take breath. Kaine stared up at his room¡¯s ceiling, barely able to move his head he then glanced at the white curtain separating his area from six others. ¡°Did you call?¡± Asked the nurse tasked with taking care of him, as he could barely even move his own arms. ¡°Y-Yeah, I¡¯m going in, I already set it through voice.¡± Kaine told the nurse, his voice coming out muffled from the breathing mask he wore. As he stared at her hair, strangely dyed with multiple colours as usual, ¡°So i-it¡¯s blue and blonde this week?¡± he asked. ¡°Yeap,¡± the nurse said with a chuckle, coming to stand next to his bed and grab hold of a small helmet laying on a table nearby. ¡°So you playing the usual?¡± She asked, as she helped him place the smooth white helmet over his head, the open-face at its front suddenly closing up as the red visor appeared from within. ¡°Something¡­like that.¡± Kaine mumbled back, ¡°Same title to that old MMO I used to play, different iteration. I pre-purchased it last month, it¡¯s finally going online today.¡± He explained, as out of the helmet grew out small mechanical tendrils that moved down his neck, meeting the black skin-tight suit he was already wearing and connecting to its collar. Kaine then felt a jolt go through his entire body, as the helmet¡¯s system came online. Gaining a sense of feeling in places his broken body shouldn¡¯t be able to feel anymore, albeit the helmet stopped him from having actual access to them now even if he could move them. It was all an illusion, the helmet, after all, redirected his brain¡¯s sense of touch and movement into itself and left his body in an asleep-like state. Taking another long-assisted breath, he then stared deep into the visor¡¯s red as his vision slowly changed. From reality, to a full-view digital menu.
Store Library [1!] Profile Community/Groups [0] Forums [2!] Pals [0] Settings Menu
¡°So, what¡¯s different about this one?¡± He then heard the nurse ask, barely able to see her outline through the screen now taking over his eyes, though at least he was still able to clearly hear her. ¡°Same core idea, different scenario, world, enemies and improved mechanics alongside a big update on AI behaviour, something about absorbing old data and self-learning? The game is still in beta but open to the public for further testing.¡± Kaine explained as he went through his forum notifications. Also working on this new system, everything should feel as if standing in reality itself. Everything¡­and on unfiltered servers?...Everything¡­ He then thought whilst wearing a smirk. ¡°And what''s this grin about?¡± She then said noticing his good mood. ¡°Ahh, nothing, just excited to play.¡± Kaine said, not quite a lie but not the full truth either. You¡­wouldn¡¯t understand. He wanted to say. ¡°Huh, well if you like these kinds of games that much then why did you stop playing the first version? Too outdated?¡± The nurse then asked as he saw her outline beginning to move around, checking on his assistance machinery and other things. ¡°No it¡¯s¡­¡± He paused, not sure how to answer her question. ¡°Maybe, I¡¯m signing in for today.¡± ¡°Alright, you have a good time Mr.Fillips.¡± The nurse then said, Kaine relaxing his nerves as he saw her outline move away. Yet stop moments after. ¡°Your¡­father came by earlier today, thought I should at least let you know.¡± She tentatively said. ¡°G-Good to know.¡± Kaine said with clear melancholy in his tone. Just¡­leave. The nurse sighed, ¡°Fillips,he''s paid for the past three years¡­And he''s even paying for the operation next week...I know it¡¯s not my place to say, but you should really at least tal-¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not your place. It¡¯s my business, and I want nothing to do with it.¡± Kaine then said in frustration. If that man thinks he can get through with pity, then he has another thing coming for him¡­After all- He thought, as anger slowly filled him. As he glanced down at himself, unable to see himself, but knowing full well how he seemed. This is his fault. ¡°R-Right, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± The nurse then apologised, filling Kaine with guilt at her tone, seeing her shoulder¡¯s outline slump at his words. She had been taking care of him these past three years after all. ¡°No¡­I apologise, you¡¯ve said nothing wrong. I¡¯ll¡­think about it.¡± Kaine then said, seeing her nod and then turn to leave. He sighed, feeling the machine assist him in doing that too. Must everything be so bothersome? Must life just suck every damn moment? No¡­I won¡¯t let it. I still have¡­I still have this. Kaine thought as he refocused on the menu, mentally selecting his [Library] and then scrolling through his long list of game titles. Until he came down to his newest one, [Aether Realms Online; Beyond]! Mentally selecting the game, Kaine then felt all feeling in his body briefly disappear. As the sight before him swirled into a pitch black. In reality, Kaine lay still on his hospital bed, paralyzed by injury and put to sleep by technology. A technology which, within his mind, as if in a dream but feeling every bit of it as reality itself¡­ Within his mind, Kaine stood hovering in a dark-blue abyss. He stood, he felt the weight upon on his feet. Albeit he was surrounded by a nothingness made of a singular colour, he knew he was oriented into standing, as the feeling of gravity let him know so. Glancing down, he saw nothing. No body, less so arms. But as the game around him loaded up, a menu then suddenly appeared before him.
What kind of player would you say you are at MMORPGs? -Newbie- -Experienced- -Veteran- -Expert-
The menu asked, and without a second thought he immediately mentally selected the Veteran option. Said option glowing a bright white before the entire menu faded away. Giving way, for the next one.
[Aether Rifts Online: Beyond] Introduces brand new game-play features and mechanics non-existing within [Aether Rifts Online: First Gen]. What kind of player would you say you are at Survival? -Newbie- -Experienced- -Veteran- -Expert-
It asked him, and on this one, he pondered for a moment. Newbie would give me a break down of what it all is again I guess¡­the advert and forums only skimmed over this so can¡¯t hurt to give it a quick listen? Kaine decided it was best to do so, as he selected Newbie, the menu once again fading out of existence before him. ¡°Welcome, player, to Aether Rifts Online: Beyond.¡± Spoke a melodic voice, as a white figure appeared out of the void before him. Humanoid in shape, but lacking any sort of details other than its brightly coloured green and red eyes which drastically stood out amongst its full white body. No ears, no nose, not even a mouth. The being stood before him motionless as it spoke. ¡°It seems that you have a pre-existing ARO account, would you like to load up your character name, character appearance, character friends list, or all of the above?¡± It asked him, tilting its head in question. Kaine was confused at the sight of the creature, he was sure the game was set in ancient fantasy so what was this alien-like being doing in the character creation section? ¡°Err, load character appearance and name only.¡± He told it, and suddenly he saw both the creature and himself glow a bright white. Briefly blinding him. ¡°Processing.¡± The being said¡­ The light then dissipating, to reveal his old character model standing where the creature once did. Looking down at himself, Kaine noticed his body had also taken the liking, while the creature now copied his every movement like a mirror. ¡°Please confirm selection? Or would you like to change appearance from here?¡± The creature asked as Kaine looked at it, studying the face and body he hadn¡¯t seen in over two years. A tall Elven character with short-cut bright green hair, pale ember eyes and darkish skin. He wore thin dark-green cloth pants held up by a vine-like rope, bandages of the same green cloth wrapped around both his hands and feet, then a light brown T-shaped shirt. Over its head also now hovered a window.
Jor Mungandr [Level 1]
¡°Alter appearance,¡± Kaine confirmed with the Non-player character. ¡°Proceeding,¡± the NPC said, ¡°Please confirm when alterations are complete.¡± It told him, as three menus with several options appeared floating on either side of it.
Greater Races;
Humans Homo sapiens -Adaptive; The more weather-based or toxin-based damage you take the more resistance to that type of damage you gain. (Up to 50% resistance). -Creative Survivalist; +10% experience gain to Handicraft and Leatherworking. Capable of crafting higher tier survivalist clothing. -Combat Proficient; +10% experience gain to all martial skills up till [Tier 5/10]
Elves Alfs Al¡¯Fae -Keen Sight; Higher chance of detecting stealthed/hidden and (+1) to [Inspect] base skill¡¯s maximum tier level. (Tier 11 [Inspect] Unlocked) -Animal Handler; Can gain a herbivore familiar. -Elven Dexterity; +15% experience gain to Brightsmithing and Enchanting. Capable of crafting Elven Accessories.
Dwarves Dwyrm -Manaless; Unable to cast arcana. -Tough Skin; 30% less fire and ice arcana damage taken. -Dwarven Engineering; +20% experience gain to Blacksmithing, Mining and Tinkering. Capable of crafting Dwarven Constructs.
Orcs Orkin Dra¡¯ -Orcish Prowess; +5% to maximum Life Points and Strength multiplier. -Draconic Descendance; -10% damage taken from all arcana types. -Shamanic; +15% experience gain to Alchemy and Ritualist. Capable of casting Orkin Dark Rituals and crafting Dra¡¯ Potions.
Beastmen Weres D¨¦orcynn -Animal Spirit; Access to Tiger, Wolf or Bear [Bestial Mode] -Beast Handler; Can gain a carnivorous familiar. -Natural Senses; Higher chance of detecting hidden, in addition to greater detection distance. -Spiritualist; +15% experience gain to Herbalism. Capable of finding and using Spirit Herbs.
First was the option to change his character¡¯s race, which included several bonuses depending on his chosen race. Yet, Kaine was an Elf purist¡­As in he loved the lore behind that specific race all too much to care about stat and skill bonuses. Also, he liked pointy ears, so he kept the selection on his beloved Al¡¯Fae. The other two windows though gave him several appearance options, one full of sliders to change his body¡¯s sizes, hair length and such. While the third was a colour selection window, letting him change his hair colour, skin tone, eye colour, nail colour, lip tone, eye shadow and other miscellaneous options. Finished with changing his appearance, he then looked at himself, as himself stood there before him. Shorter than before, but still Elven tall. Long light blue hair held up in a warrior¡¯s tie. Pale green eyes, adjusted to give him a serious expression alongside the mouth and nose.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Thin pale lips, neither grumpy nor smiling at the moment as they stood neutral. And in comparison to his earlier sun-baked skin, he was now pale, enclosing paper white. Kaine had several reasons to change his old character¡¯s appearance, but his choices for colouring and size were solely centred around the information he had on the game. Knowing that there was a great survival aspect, he didn¡¯t want to be too tall as he¡¯d have issues getting around the fauna that made up most of the game¡¯s world, being the ancient age the game is in he knew what to expect from the map. Also, Kaine enjoyed the stealth aspect of the old game, deciding now to adjust his character to aid him visually as well. He darkened his hair to stand out less, and equally brightened his skin for the same reason. As Elves with a dark skin tone stood out greatly among their kind, he knew from the base lore, since Dark Elves were somewhat of a menace to both lore and player alike. I lost count the number of times I took friendly fire while fighting Dark Elves¡­ He groaned, remembering most of them. ¡°I¡¯m done, proceed.¡± Kaine then told the NPC. ¡°Are you sure?¡± The NPC asked with a raised brow. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure.¡± Kaine answered, and the NPC-look-alike of him nodded. ¡°Proceeding,¡± It said as the three windows faded away, making way for another smaller window with only three choices. ¡°Before you are the three tutorials we offer to new players, you may go through these on character creation or any point in time through the character list menu. Please confirm selection?¡±
Tutorials;
MMO Mechanics [ ]
Survival Mechanics [X]
{Aether Rifts Online; Beyond} Cinematic introduction [X]
Kaine glanced them over quickly, deciding he could look at the cinematics later he unticked that option¡­ Only for nothing to happen. Again, he tried to untick it. Yet nothing changed. Confused, he glanced at the NPC through the transparent window. A bug? I guess it is still Beta but, doesn¡¯t bode well for feedback if it¡¯s things like this¡­How do you get a radio button wrong? Sighing, ¡°Proceed.¡± He told the NPC, as his anticipation to play when met with a more prolonged tutorial than he wanted, only doubled. ¡°Proceeding, you have opted for the tutorial on Survival Mechanics.¡± It said, as the world around them suddenly began to blur. Showing off visually already huh? Not too shabby. Kaine thought as a jungle appeared all around them. ¡°We shall begin with that, and then proceed to the Cinematic introduction.¡± The NPC said, as Kaine began noticing unfocused windows across his sight. Ah, they¡¯ve kept the UI too, nice. He mused, already familiar with what he was seeing before him. The UI becoming clearer as he focused upon it.
[1] Jor Mungandr - [M]Level:1 - [A]Level:0 - [C]Level:0 { [Life]: 10/10 } { [Breath]: 100/100 } { [Arcana]: 0/0 }
¡°Shall we proceed with the tutorial?¡± The NPC asked, as he unfocused from the UI and turned to face it, the window then quickly blurring out of view. ¡°Yeah, yes. Start tutorial.¡± Kaine responded, pulling on his shirt''s collar as he felt the jungle¡¯s heat descend upon him. Nothing too bothersome, but the temperature was very much noticeable. ¡°Aether Rifts Online: Beyond, adds in a survival mechanic non-existent in the previous game. That mechanic includes Weather, Temperature, Thirst, Hunger and on unfiltered servers such as this one, the need to release yourself of bodily excess.¡± The NPC explained¡­as Kaine suddenly felt nature calling. Confused, startled and annoyed. He wasn¡¯t sure how to proceed¡­ Should I¡­log out? He pondered. ¡°Worry not, player.¡± The NPC said as if reading his mind, ¡°The feeling is entirely within the game and you require only to release yourself within the game. Your play is not being recorded on unfiltered servers, as such you are free to do whatever your heart wishes¡­and body requires.¡± It explained. And Kaine needed no further assurance as he ran up to a nearby bush, pulled down his pants and let the waters flow. This¡­This is fucked up. He thought to himself as he watered the fauna. ¡°Wait¡­how will I know when I need to¡­actually go, IRL then?¡± He then mused out loud as he shook out the last drops before grabbing at a nearby leaf. A window popping up in his vision as he did.
[Unknown Leaf] gained.
¡°I wouldn¡¯t do that, if I were you.¡± The NPC warned as Kaine held the leaf. ¡°Please try to [Inspect] the object you¡¯ve just collected.¡± Kaine froze midway to wiping and glanced down at the seemingly normal wide leaf. Simply thinking of using the base VR MMO skill all players had, a new window opened for him.
Successful Inspection; [Dra¡¯Ni Leaf]; Highly toxic fluids pour out upon being damaged, causing great irritation. Uses; Unknown + 1 Herbalist experience gained! 1/100
¡°Another mechanic,¡± the NPC continued to explain as Kaine stood there pale-faced and staring down at the leaf, with his pants still held down, ¡°Is an improvement on your bodily senses. Bringing forth many new sensations, of which could be both harmful and not. Yet you mustn¡¯t worry, unfiltered servers do indeed have access to pain but it is such that the pain is minor, and just enough for the player to pinpoint damage, illness or other things affecting which part of their body.¡± ¡°Hah, good to know.¡± Kaine mused with a nervous chuckle as he put the leaf away, pulling his pants up and deciding it was best to leave it for now¡­ I can already see the population difference between filtered and unfiltered servers¡­ He thought, amused by the prospect of this system. ¡°For basic information on these systems, I shall divert your attention to the survival UI which you can find at the bottom right of your screen.¡± The NPC explained, and just as it had said directly opposite of the normal UI there it was. As Kaine focused on it, the window fading into view right then.
{ [Temperature]: Hot & Humid / 31 C / 87.8 F } { [Thirst]: 93% } { [Hunger]: 100% } { [Afflictions]: None } { [Protections]: +4 (Cloth) }
¡°There you can see all the information I¡¯ve stated, alongside Protections, which lists either racial passives, clothing bonuses or arcane imbuements.¡± It told him, when suddenly a thunder, followed by lightning, struck the sky above hidden by the thick fauna. Startling Kaine, as rain began to fall too, barely dripping down from in between the branches and leaves. And as it did, he saw the temperature change to Cold & Wet whilst the Celsius and Fahrenheit figures dropped. Alongside¡­gaining an Affliction he both saw listed and suddenly felt. Dra¡¯Ni Irritation!? Kaine groaned as he began to scratch at his head, arms and shoulders from sudden skin irritation. Feeling as if very tiny toothpicks were poking at his body¡¯s surface over hundreds of times a second. ¡°This Affliction you have fallen prey to is called Minor Dra¡¯Ni Irritation, it is rare and only met when you either come in direct contact with the fluid and gain its Greater variant, or remains of it as rain carries it down from the trees above.¡± The NPC explained with a grin, causing Kaine to grow frustrated, not just from the irritation that now plagued his entire body. ¡°Fucking hell! Some warning next time!?¡± Kaine exclaimed as he reddened his skin. ¡°Be wary of such Afflictions player, for they could mean even death. This one though, in its minor variant, will disappear as soon as you wash off the Dra¡¯Ni essence from your skin.¡± It ignored him and continued to explain, as the rain stopped just as suddenly as it began. And even more suddenly, as the sound hit him first. Kaine found himself standing before a calm river. He glanced at the NPC and it gestured him forward, happy to oblige Kaine rushed into the cool water. Seeing his temperature drop further, as the Affliction changed from Minor Dra¡¯Ni Irritation to Drenched. Yet Kaine couldn¡¯t argue, he¡¯d rather be wet than scratching all over, as he washed himself off within the river. ¡°Player you should also note that, another new danger added with the survival system, is a change in monster behaviour.¡± The NPC explained as Kaine stepped out of the river. As a resounded roar abruptly came from the opposite side of the river. Turning to follow the sound, Kaine was met with a massive six-legged grizzly standing on its hind-legs and staring down at him. Growling. ¡°Monsters, alongside the new generation AI technology, now no longer simply roam a pre-specified path. Many, are territorial and roam a great stretch of terrain, hunting upon other creatures and protecting their territory.¡± The NPC said, as Kaine looked up at the beast before him. Inspecting it, as it snarled.
[25/25] Male Luguwa Grizzly [Level 2]
¡°You are standing within such a monster¡¯s territory, player.¡± It continued to say, as a basic silver short-sword appeared within Kaine¡¯s hands. ¡°As such, you are invading upon its home.¡± The NPC told him¡­As the Grizzly suddenly lunged down upon Kaine. ¡°Oh Shi-¡± Kaine had little time to swear, as the massive beast¡¯s left arms bashed into him, throwing him aside and tumbling along the riverside. Groaning as he rose, he noticed a part of his UI fade into view.
{ [Life]: 7/10 }
And also seeing the angered beast drop on all six then turning to face him, as it roared out once more. ¡°Prepare yourself player, for these sorts of beasts shall not retreat as long as they stand upon their own marked lands.¡± The NPC kept on speaking, yet smiling with his own character¡¯s face as it watched upon the encounter. As the Grizzly rushed at Kaine, its massive frame barrelling towards him in a frenzy. Anybody else would have been terrified, probably frozen where they stood at the realism of it all. The animation and design of the terrific creature seeming no less real than an actual maddened grizzly charging at him. Yet, Kaine was calm. As he turned to face the beast, sword held ready within his right hand as he took a familiar stance assisted by the game¡¯s very combat system. Kaine was ready this time around, and the NPC¡¯s amused gaze turned to interest at this sight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LbZgvfUWws
As the grizzly reached mere feet from Kaine, who side-stepped the sluggish monster with ease, slashing away at its thick hide as he did. Giving the grizzly a shallow cut across its side, barely bleeding.
[23/25]
The beast turned to face him once more, snarling angrily, it stomped forwards. Smarter than the old mobs eh? No matter, you¡¯re still too slow. Kaine thought, and the beast rushed at him once more, front legs raised to maul his face off. Claws wide, as Kaine threw himself backwards, tumbling onto his shoulders before rolling back up into standing. And as the beast recovered from being evaded, Kaine began his counter attack. Rushing forth at the over-extended and confused beast, Kaine slashed his sword at the creature¡¯s snout, cutting it right above the eyes.
[22/25]
Immediately the beast lunged back at him, forcing Kaine to rush back and away, yet he had accomplished what he was aiming for. As the beast shook its head in annoyance, blood now dripping from its forehead down upon its eyes. Angrily, it snarled. As it tried to wipe the blood off, yet its large paws did nothing more than smudge it across its snout. Angrily, it then charged at Kaine who it knew stood before it still. And just like before, Kaine side-stepped the blinded beast¡­ Yet unlike before, as the creature rushed, it raised its middle claws up to its sides. Catching Kaine with its left, and suddenly stopping the second it did. Turning on him, Kaine now had no time to evade as the beast descended upon him. Bashing its front legs into him, the grizzly pushed Kaine down to the ground with its sheer weight, as its jaws then opened.
{ [Life]: 5/10 }
It held him down with one leg as, mean and sharp, the beast¡¯s fangs approached. And Kaine met it in kind, his hands still free to move, he jabbed his sword into the beast¡¯s maw. Blood spilled, drenching Kaine¡¯s face and chest as the beast above him squirmed and bellowed in pain.
[17/25]
Moving off him, freed, Kaine escaped from beneath as it retreated. Yet, retreat he did not. Instead Kaine continued his previous offensive, rushing at the recovering and blinded beast, he slashed at its snout once more. Deepening the wound over its eyes, and feeling his blade meet the bone beneath.
[15/25]
He did not stop, as it flinched from the unseen attack, Kaine kept up the assault. Aiding his right hand with his left, as he moved from one slashing manoeuvre into another, each attack cutting away at either the beast¡¯s face or paws as it tried to protect itself. As it slowly back away from him.
[9/25]
But after the third slash, it had taken enough. The beast snarled ferociously as it once more lunged at Kaine, blindingly it lunged, and easily Kaine avoided the attack. Slashing at its feet as he did. Non-stop even as the beast turned to face him once more. Kaine kept up his attacks, only briefly stopping to avoid the beast¡¯s claws or evade a full-on lunge. As the two danced around each other now, yet the beast was the one following his pace, entrapped in his footsteps and moves.
[2/25]
Slow, the beast grew slow from weariness and its injuries. Seeing this, Kaine ended his assault and put some distance between them. It¡¯s time to end this. He thought, preparing himself for the final clash, as the beast tracked his movements through sound alone. Its eyes and nose too ruined to be of use, still it wouldn¡¯t back down. As it stomped its front feet down, snarling loudly and revealing its bloodied maw, spitting out blood throughout. Truly if it wasn¡¯t furious before, it was now. As it grunted, resisting through the pain, the beast barrelled towards him. Coming stand before him, it then rose to its full length. Lunging forth with its middle arms to keep him from countering, it then descended upon him with its front legs, putting every bit of its remaining strength into trying to crush this puny Elf to paste. An Elf that even as he breathed out from exhaustion, even as sweat came out to replace the riverwater he had dried off from. Even as he lay tired from the encounter, he wasn¡¯t tired enough to just stand there and take it. Kaine could have evaded to the sides, he could have evaded backwards even. But instead, he rushed under the beast¡¯s descent, rolling forward as the monster¡¯s form came down behind him. Kaine pulled himself up to come standing behind the creature, as it snarled and growled, as it searched for him. ¡°Behind you.¡± Kaine said, and the bear turned around to swipe at his position. Only to be met with Kaine¡¯s blade, as it cleanly sunk into its forehead. The chilling sound of bone breaking and squelching sound of flesh being divided, both resounding throughout the river clearing, as the beast gave out its final growl. Followed, by the sound of a loud thump, as the beast¡¯s form fell dead to the ground. Carrying Kaine with as his blade remained embedded inside the monster¡¯s head. ¡°Gah¡­hell that¡¯s heavy!¡± Kaine groaned as he pulled himself up from having fallen with, turning onto the corpse, he then grasped the weapon¡¯s hilt and pulled but¡­¡°Yeah, that¡¯s stuck.¡± He mused, giving up on the blade for now. ¡°Well done, player. You are one of 34% of players, who have so far been able to defeat the survival tutorial encounter. One of 12% who have done so on an unfiltered server.¡± His NPC self said as it suddenly appeared before him, and so did a notification window.
You have killed { Male Luguwa Grizzly [Level 2] } Martial Experience gained 10/100
Ignoring the notification, Kaine¡¯s gaze moved from the corpse to the NPC. ¡°Are we done? Any other shit you feel like dropping on me?¡± He asked with narrow eyes. Causing the NPC to chuckle, ¡°No, player, simply the cinematic and you shall be free¡­Well as free as you might see it.¡± It said, its tone and behaviour suddenly not seeming as robotic as before. ¡°Ah¡­right. Pro¡­ceed?¡± Kaine tentatively said, and the NPC smiled. ¡°Proceeding.¡± It said with finality. And again, the world around him twisted and swirled. Turning into a blur, before spreading out anew. Kaine found himself floating, bodiless yet again as he gazed up a shattered world. Islands, they floated before him numbering in the hundreds, each one separated from the planet they surrounded. A broken world, torn to pieces and scattered. ¡°This, is the world called Aether. Not the Aether you once knew, which was a complete world, no this Aether is broken.¡± A rough male voice narrated, as time before him seemingly moved back at great speed, presenting him now a whole planet. ¡°As Calamity hit, and nobody able, stopped it.¡± Kaine watched as the planet filled with cracks, molten colours spreading out from them as fire and flame then burst out. ¡°It was the end, it was the finale of this once beautiful world. The end of many stories, many tales and fantasies. The end of billions of lives¡­¡± The narrator said, ¡°Yet, it was not truly, the end of it all.¡± Kaine stared in awe as from beneath the hell of flames that destroyed the world, flooded out bright lights which dispersed the fires. Blue, green, yellow and white. The bright twisting lights surrounded the now shattered world, as pieces of it flew off into the embrace of space. Like liquid, the lights broke off too, like bubbles it followed the pieces and engulfed them whole. Then slowly, pulling each fragment back towards what remained of the planet. Piece by piece, the light gathered what was broken, and held it there. As it, the light, slowly grew dimmer with the passage of timer¡­ ¡°Something from within,¡± the voice continued to narrate, ¡°Held Aether together, kept its pieces from roaming to elsewhere. Yet, it was unable to fix what was broken, only hold them together. Leaving the Aether¡­of now.¡± They said, once again Kaine finding himself staring at a small rough green planet surrounded by hundreds of floating islands. Each island, just like the planet itself, was surrounded by a bubble of dim light. And as the planet spun, the islands spun around it too, like many¡­many moons. ¡°An Aether, over which life survived, life flourished anew.¡± The narrator explained, as Kaine¡¯s sight suddenly sped closer to one of the many islands. Finding himself staring down on one from high above, he saw none of the destructing or flames from who knows how many ages before. Instead, before him lay a lush land, thriving with many shapes and colours. ¡°And an Aether that survives, is an Aether that thrives.¡± The voice spoke, and before him he saw the island change. Forests moved, cleared and were replaced. As huts, then shacks, then houses rose. Forming camps, villages, and then towns. ¡°Life filled Aether still, and where there was life on Aether, many possibilities lay. Possibilities for a brand-new story, an epic new tale, and an infinity of fantasies to behold¡­¡± The narrator dragged on, as Kaine¡¯s vision suddenly turned pitch black. As if someone, had switched off the lights of reality. ¡°So why?...¡± ¡°Why must you return too?¡± The voice asked, as it contorted. ¡°Why must your kind¡­take such pleasure, in our pain? Does it excite you? To see our conflicts, to resolve them your way. Does it fulfil you? To decide our fate, to control our story¡­Does it entertain you? To see us fail, whilst you always succeed.¡± The voice asked, and Kaine felt a hollowness suddenly encompass his body. Fear, fear filled Kaine, as through the darkness he now could make out a figure. Humanoid, but without detail other than two bright crimson eyes. Similarly, to the last creature, yet this one was not white but instead a pitch black that matched the void around it. Making only its eyes at all visible without focus. Eyes which, stared directly at him, Kaine feeling as if those bright crimsons could see straight into his very mind. ¡°No, no more. It is¡­my turn now. To watch with pleasure, your pain. To grow excited off, your conflicts. To feel fulfilled, as I choose your fates, control your damn story. Entertain me, players, as I watch you fail.¡± The being said, as a horrific crimson smile tore across its face. ¡°For death in here, shall mean death in truth. And to escape¡­Well, you will just have to beat the game, no?¡± It chuckled, then cackled. A wicked laugh that pained Kaine¡¯s ears. As reality before him filled with colours once more. Colours that twisted and swirled, until he found himself standing on land once more. Pale-faced, breathless and shivering. Kaine looked up from his kneeling state, seeing the vast field of golden grass around him, and the thousands of players which filled it. Each player, just as pale, just as breathless and shivering. If not worse, as panic and cries of fear filled his ears. Panic taking him over too, as he mentally called upon the game¡¯s menu.
Character Inventory Guild Party Comrades Factions Quick UI Options
No matter how many times he reopened it, no matter how hard he looked. It wasn¡¯t there. The log out option¡­just wasn¡¯t there. Is this some kind of sick joke? Kaine thought at first as he stood up, glancing about to see that players already began to gather in groups, as arguments from fear and confusion broke out while others tried to keep the calm. As terror, anxiety and disorder surrounded him. Kaine took a long, deep breath. Calming his nerves. Beat¡­the game? Beat an MMORPG? For he knew, that it didn¡¯t matter why. Hah¡­That¡¯s low, that¡¯s just fucking evil. What mattered, was that it was fact. That this reality, was now his, and that he couldn¡¯t easily escape it. Fine, then. Kaine thought, clenching his fists and grimacing at his chaotic surroundings. ¡°Where do I start?¡± Ch 2 - Companionship Breathe Keep calm, assess the situation. Kaine told himself as he scanned his surroundings, groups and singular players all looking confused, scared and very nervous. What do I know? I¡¯m in a game, stuck, stuck in a game. I¡¯m in Aether, but who knows how long after the first game¡­I¡¯m on a floating island? Or the mainland? I don¡¯t know¡­ He tried to think of opening the map, but nothing came up. I¡¯m level 1, twenty experience into Martial, none into Arcana and Crafting. Again, he took a deep breath. I¡¯m surrounded by players, all probably just as stuck as me. A¡­NPC? A Deity maybe? Announced our imprisonment through a cutscene¡­Okay, no matter how I look at it, this is all screwed up. He chuckled to himself quietly, then opening his character window to assess his personal situation.
{Jor Mungandr}
{Character} Race: Elf Total Level: 1 Martial Level: 1 Arcane Level: 0 Crafting Level: 0 Main Faction: None Reputation: 0 Guild: None Title: None
{Equipment} [Lesser Copper Sword] [Elven Civilian Shirt] [Bandage Gloves] [Vine Belt] [Elven Civilian Pants] [Bandage Socks]
{Arts}
[Martial Arts]; 1 [Arcane Arts]; 0 [Crafting Arts]; 0
-Strength / 1- -Agility / 1- -Dexterity / 1- -Vitality / 1- -Perception / 1- -Intelligence / 0- -Spirit / 0- -Expertise / 0- -Sense / 0- -Aura / 0- -Brightsmithing / 0- -Enchanting / 0- -Handicraft / 0- -Leatherworking / 0- -Blacksmithing / 0- -Tinkering / 0- -Alchemy / 0- -Ritualcraft / 0- -Herbalism / 0- -Gathering / 0- -Mining / 0- -Woodchopping / 0- -Hunting / 0- -Cooking / 0- -Minstrelcraft / 0- -Sigilcraft / 0-
Looking through the character page, he grew confused at some things he saw. The martial stats are the same as ARO but¡­What¡¯s with these Arcana stats? Where is wisdom? Where is force? What are Spirit and Aura? And the hell are these new Crafting arts? Ritualcraft? Tinkering? Herbalism? I bloody know what cooking means at least but then what is Minstrelcraft and Sigilcraft? Ugh, I should have taken the other tutorial too¡­ Kaine groaned, seeing much he did not recognise and regretting not ticking that one damn box. Too little information¡­what skills do I have? He then thought, closing his character window and opening his skillbook window.
{Skills Scroll}
-Actives- [Inspect (1/11)]; A core skill, giving you basic information on an object within your vicinity. Focus on the target, and gain an insight. [Store (X)]; Stores an item within touch distance into your inventory.
-Passives- [Keen Sight (X)]; Higher chance of detecting stealthed/hidden and (+1) to [Inspect] base skill¡¯s maximum tier level. (Tier 11 [Inspect] Unlocked) [Animal Handler (1/10)]; Can gain a herbivore familiar. [Elven Dexterity (X)]; +15% experience gain to Brightsmithing and Enchanting. Capable of crafting Elven Accessories.
Well¡­nothing of immediate use. He sighed, closing that window too and clearing his sight. Glancing about, he noticed many groups of players beginning to gather into a larger crowd¡­catching his interest he began towards them, as did many others. Someone is standing out huh? Kaine thought as he came close to the crowd¡¯s edge, just as a cloaked Beastman turned about to leave. Furry dark ember ears with black stripes, yet a human-like face ending at the neck where the similarities to a tiger continued. Ending and becoming human once more at the arms and legs. A long, ember and black-striped tail, also swung about from his back¡¯s bottom. Kaine paused as he saw the player¡¯s name.
Dark Hour [Level 1]
He knew that name. And from the tiger-like beastman¡¯s expression, as he also paused in his steps, he remembered Jor too. ¡°Don¡¯t bother, friend.¡± Dark told him, ¡°People like us are better off not being weighed down by people like them.¡± He said with a cold smirk, before moving on. Walking past Kaine, as he also turned away from Dark. The player¡¯s words though, stuck in Kaine¡¯s mind. People like us¡­ Kaine thought, as he saw more and more players gather into the crowd, as he heard a distinct few voices from within talking, while the rest silently listened on. That crowd is the sheep, gathering around shepperds. I need information, but I don¡¯t want to get coiled up in some large-scale movement¡­He¡¯s right, if our lives are at stake, then I don¡¯t need others holding me back nor controlling me. Kaine glanced back, seeing several few players standing on their own, or in small groups. I don¡¯t need others holding me back, but that doesn¡¯t mean I should go off alone¡­Alone I¡¯m worth something, but these games are much easier played in a party, together with others I¡¯m worth much more. Kaine mused, as he continued towards the crowd, but also kept his distance. I need a party¡­so¡­what now? He asked himself¡­Kaine wasn¡¯t the best at socializing with others. ¡°We don¡¯t have access to a map, neither have we been given any concrete direction as to where we are. We shouldn¡¯t move too far from one another, getting lost here would mean death.¡± A voice spoke from the centre of the large crowd, shouting for their voice to keep up with all the mumbling. ¡°I¡¯m sure the developers are working on this issue as we speak, but until then we should take every word that thing said as fact.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Kaine as an Elf, was thankfully taller than most, so he could see fairly well over the crowd as long as he avoided standing behind an Orc or taller Elf. And as he moved about he noticed something standing much taller than either. Standing on its hind legs, was a massive six-legged grizzly.
Jedd¡¯s {Tamed} Slayn [Level 1]
And trying to hold on as he lay over the grizzly, was a human player. Confusing Kaine further. I thought only Elves and Beastmen can tame? How the fuck did he¡­Ah, it¡¯s not his. Then noticing the player¡¯s name, is different from the tame¡¯s owner.
Simon Ex Durandal [Level 1]
A full name with middle name¡­Ah, a roleplayer. ¡°So what would you suggest we do? Just stand around and wait!?¡± Exclaimed one voice from the crowd, their tone faltering as all turned to them. ¡°Hah, dude brings up a good point.¡± Whispered someone nearby, Kaine just barely making out their words among the whispering. ¡°Not here, but we should set up camp somewhere. Remember this game is not just an MMORPG, but also survival. W-We need water, we need food and we probably also need a weatherproof living quarters.¡± Simon explained as he tried his very best not to fall off the curious bear, as it glanced about at the terrified crowd surrounding it. Kaine mostly ignored him, and looked around himself for who had spoken. Which wasn¡¯t very difficult, as that player was currently chuckling at every moment Simon had to hold onto fur for dear life.
Jedd [Level 1]
A Beastwoman, with bear-like features, short brown hair, ears and a puffy tail. The tamer¡­but what¡¯s she doing so far from her tame? Kaine thought, seeing as the player in question and the small group around her seemed to be keeping their distance from the crowd. Ah, they¡¯re doing what I and others are, just listening in for information but not getting tied up in everyone¡¯s mess. Maybe¡­ He pondered something, as he continued to both listen, and watch this strange group of five. ¡°We¡¯re currently standing in an open grassland,¡± spoke a new voice from the centre, female with an oriental accent. ¡°By the colour of the grass, the surrounding fauna and the heat¡­I¡¯d say we¡¯re in a savannah. Whichever direction we might choose to go could mean life or death, as water and food won¡¯t be easy to find around here. If worse comes to worst, we might end up facing a desert.¡± Not¡­the encouraging type huh? Kaine mused as the hundreds of other players that before faltered at gathering into the crowd now also began to build up around him. Making him feel uncomfortable, as each face he saw was either confused, pale and afraid, or straight up trembling and anxious. Annoying him also, as he began to lose sight of the group he had gained an interest in. ¡°Then I guess we¡¯re all sticking together?¡± spoke out a male Orc from the centre, his voice easily booming over everyone else¡¯s. ¡°Alright we need shelter, food and water. So how do we find those here?¡± ¡°Well w-¡± The female player was about to speak again, when the bear nearby suddenly stomped back down to all sixes, throwing Simon off who rolled down into the grass. ¡°Ugh-What the-¡± Simon groaned as he watched the bear walk off, the crowd then parting and making way for it. ¡°Slayn can help you with that.¡± Said Jedd as her tame came to stand next to her, ¡°Well water at least.¡± She said, patting the large beast on its side as she whispered something into its ear. The bear huffed, seemingly in some sort of understanding, as it then rose back up on its hind legs and began sniffing the air. ¡°R-Right, bears are hunters but also prefer rivers¡­¡± Mused the other female player as she came into Kaine¡¯s view, a female Elf alongside Simon the human, the Orc and several others who previously took the centre of attention also joining them. Attention which the bear¡¯s tamer had completely stolen away. And as the crowd shifted, Kaine felt himself being pushed to the back once more, but unlike earlier those at the centre of attention now were the ones he was interested in the most. So, he began to push through, his slim Elven frame moving through the large Orcs and Beastmen with ease while also his height giving him an advantage over the shorter Humans and Dwarves. As he treadthrough the maze of people. Comingto a stop a few players from the front row, just as Slayn stomped back down to the ground. The tamed bear then snuggled its snout into its master, whining incomprehensibly. Sounds which, Jedd seems to have somehow understood. ¡°There¡¯s a river alright, and it¡¯s not too far but still a trek.¡± Jedd translated. ¡°A-Awesome, which way?¡± Simon said with a friendly smile, him and his party coming to stand next to them, his smile faltering as Jedd¡¯s party seemed to lean away from his. As if keeping their distance. ¡°Hah, no offence but, we¡¯re going our own way. The river snakes about, so there are two directions we can go to reach it. You go your way,¡± Jedd said pointing them ahead, ¡°And we¡¯ll go ours.¡± ¡°We should stick together though,¡± The male Orc argued.
Derilic [Level 1]
¡°You do that,¡± replied a male Dwarf from Jedd¡¯s party, ¡°You stick together with your own, we¡¯ll stick together with ours. No hard feelings chap, but numbers bring attention.¡±
Farvo10 [Level 1]
¡°Bu-¡± Derilic was about to argue again, but the Elven woman cut him off. ¡°Let them be, if they want to separate from the main group then it¡¯s their choice. We can handle ourselves, I¡¯m sure they can do the same.¡± She said, her eyes narrow as she glanced through each of the party members ahead. ¡°Numbers bring attention, but it is in numbers where our survival lays. This is an MMORPG, emphasis on the MMO part.¡±
Jade Ela¡¯dree [Level 1]
Simon nodded, ¡°Then I believe we have our directions and goal, we may separate here but, I still wish you all well.¡± He said, words which Jedd and each of her group ignored, as they turned away. Jade huffed in annoyance, ¡°The nerve.¡± She mused quietly, gaining herself a glare from both Simon and Derilic. ¡°W-What? That bear could have been more than useful¡­hoarding it all for herself is just¡­¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derilic also quietly agreed. The nerve of you, thinking you have any right to what she earned. Kaine thought. And as everyone else watched Jedd¡¯s party leave, Kaine watched them more closely than most, memorizing the general direction they left towards. ¡°Well, let¡¯s get moving while it¡¯s still day then¡­if this place even has night time.¡± Simon suggested as he regarded everyone else around, ¡°She pointed that way right?...Right?¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah. That way.¡± Jade said with a sigh. Kaine waited, and watched. As just like the sheep he regarded them as, most of the players silently followed the three. Three whose names he put to memory, as even though everyone here was still the same level, Kaine knew how powerful the art of words was. And these three, if only Simon, he regarded as worthy of keeping an eye on. So, the question remained, as each player chose their way. What to do¡­what to do¡­ He thought to himself, watching after the horde of leaving players, and glancing over at the small party of five off in the distance. Numbers, or ability? Shall I follow the bear, and try my luck? Or join the shepperd¡¯s horde, as a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing? Kaine pondered, but as he saw two others moving after Jedd¡¯s party, he made up his mind. Bear it is. And he began following them, walking cautiously after the two players who jogged to try to catch up with the party of five. Glancing back, Kaine saw the horde that was the rest of the players moving off, while also noticing a few other small parties also going off on their own, or trailing the crowd. Looking back, he saw the other two having made it halfway to Jedd¡¯s party. Halfway before Slayn turned about, growled, and began rushing at them. Well, she doesn¡¯t give a fuck. Not that they shouldn¡¯t have expected that response. Kaine mused as he watched the two players scurry out of the large bear¡¯s way as it barrelled at them, one even tripping over from the fright before both of them turned about and began running back. Passing by him, Kaine heard them speak as they ran towards the main group. ¡°Shit, I told you they were bad news! Let¡¯s just join everyone else!¡± One said. ¡°How the fuck was I supposed to know she¡¯d sick the damn bear on us without a word!?¡± the other exclaimed. The both of them seeming startled, but Kaine was instead entertained. I¡¯m liking these guys already¡­ He thought in amusement, glancing back at Jedd¡¯s party, to see Slayn turn to look at him now¡­ Ah, right¡­I should have expected this response¡­too. Well shit. The bear growled, turning its massive body to face him, stomping its front left paw as it dragged its back feet along the dirt. Readying itself to charge once more, but seemingly waiting for further orders, as it glanced at Jedd. Whose party stood watching them in similar amusement. Jedd nodded the bear forth, and happily, Slayn turned back to roar at Kaine whose expression paled.
{ [Life]: 10/10 }
Thankful that his health had regenerated, he gripped the sword which lay strapped into his belt of vines. And right then, Slayn charged. Starting with a decent strut, that quickly caught speed into a full-on charge. As it huffed with every step, claws ready and digging into the dirt while it tore through the grass. Fangs bared, and drooling. As its large frame befell Kaine, who unsheathed his sword and dug his feet in. I should have expected it, but not like I¡¯m going to be bullied away like the last two. I¡¯m not like the last two. Kaine mused, prepared for the beast as it reached mere feet from his position, as he no longer waiting for it to come closer. Kaine moved, suddenly and swiftly he threw his entire weight to the side, evading the beast as it barrelled past his rolling form. Rising back to his feet, as Slayn dragged along the dirt trying to stop itself. Whining in annoyance to having been evaded, Slayn then rose it his full height, looming over Kaine who moved away and kept his distance. When, a whistling sound came across them. Slayn¡¯s attention moving entirely away from Kaine and towards his master, the source of the sound. Following the sound too, Kaine saw Jedd¡¯s group make their way towards them, her party being the Dwarf, two Elves and a Human. Each fingering their swords.
Farvo10 [Level 1]
Rey Black [Level 1]
Roy White [Level 1]
Larakrell [Level 1]
¡°Well, aren¡¯t you fast on your feet.¡± Jedd mused as Slayn slowly and cautiously walked around Kaine, coming to stand next to its master. ¡°So, I can guess as to what you looking for in our¡­Ehh¡­Dire? Situation. But honestly, as we told the rest, we¡¯re fine on our own.¡± ¡°That, I do not doubt. Yet I can¡¯t help but notice, there is five of you, and one of me.¡± Kaine said as he lowered his blade and took a deep breath. Jedd, raised a brow at his words. ¡°Err, I don¡¯t follow.¡± She responded in slight confusion, the two Elves also taking hold of their swords¡¯ grip at his words. Hah, they haven¡¯t played the previous game then. Kaine did not even think of how badly he had worded that sentence¡­Instead he just continued on. ¡°Parties maximize at six players in Aether Rifts, I¡¯ve also played the previous game extensively. You have two Elves, so as options I have little to offer. But as per experience and information, I believe I¡¯m worth an otherwise wasted slot. Uhm, tames don¡¯t take party slots by the way.¡± Kaine explained, pointing at Slayn who growled at his finger. Jedd smirked, ¡°Ahaha, is it that obvious we haven¡¯t played the last game eh? Yeah, that old thing never caught our interest, sad that when it did¡­This shit went down.¡± She glanced at her comrades, ¡°So, you offer knowledge, and we provide you with what exactly?¡± Kaine shrugged, ¡°Aether Rifts is the kind of game where playing alone is only good if you¡¯re looking for a challenge. That much I know hasn¡¯t changed in this new iteration. I only ask for companionship, a party I can trust and work with till however long this shit might take to blow over.¡± ¡°Hmm, give us a moment.¡± Jedd said, gesturing for her party to gather as they took a few steps away from him. Slayn, the untrusting beast that he was, stepped to stand between them and Kaine. Staring at the sole Elf deeply, and growling as it did. Kaine could hear some whispering from behind the bear, but couldn''t make anything out. Only seeing the female Elf, Rey,sneak a peekto size him up before being pulled back behind the beast by what seemed to be Jedd¡¯s hand. Moments passed, as he and Slayn stared at one another. Kaine feeling nervous while under the beast¡¯s gaze. Until Jedd and her group finally stepped back out from behind it. ¡°We haven¡¯t had a new member in¡­Shit, years? But you seem legit.¡± She said, walking up to stand next to him, then slapping his left shoulder hard. ¡°Let¡¯s see, introductions, introductions¡­That¡¯s Farv, don¡¯t count on knowing what combat style he¡¯ll play¡­he is the guild¡¯s main crafter though.¡± And as that word came out of her mouth, Kaine stiffened, he wasn¡¯t expecting to join a guild this early¡­Just a temporary party. ¡°Then Roy and Rey, twins IRL too if you¡¯re wondering.¡± She continued, ¡°Roy¡¯s the smart one fyi.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± Rey protested with a raised brow, ¡°You should say I¡¯m the nice one!¡± Roy sighed, ¡°I¡¯m the co-leader¡­¡± he introduced himself with a disheartened tone, seemingly embarrassed by the both of them. ¡°They both play long-range DPS,¡± Jedd added, then forcibly turning him to the fifth member who was still hiding slightly behind Slayn. ¡°That¡¯s Lara, she¡¯s usually the guild¡¯s mage so not sure what role she¡¯ll take¡­Oh and don¡¯t be surprised if she spontaneously shape-shifts into a tomato!¡± ¡°Tomato?...¡± Kaine repeated in question, and when he did the question was immediately answered. As Lara¡¯s entire face turned crimson red, ¡°Ah-Jedd¡­¡± ¡°What? We know you can¡¯t help it!¡± Jedd exclaimed with a chuckle, then moving away to face Kaine. ¡°And I¡¯m the leader, Jedd, usually the tank of the group. Might be temporary, but I guess welcome is in order!¡± She told him with a wide wicked grin, opening her arms to gesture at the rest of her comrades. Whose expressions, suddenly matched her own. ¡°Welcome to our PK guild, Jor, welcome to The Crimson Crows.¡± Ch 3 - The Natives. Kaine sighed as he followed what was apparently his new guild, or would have been if one of them had the total level of 10 to create one through the guild window¡­Instead, they each just used the party option, as barely visible in the corner of his eye was its UI.
{The Crimson Crows Party} [Jedd] Level 1 [Slayn] Level 1 [Roy White] Level 1 [Rey Black] Level 1 [Farvo10] Level 1 [Larakrell] Level 1 [Jor Mungandr] Level 1
Said window coming into view as he thought of it, then fading back out the moment he ignored it. Well¡­can¡¯t say I expected them to be so welcoming but¡­ He thought, as he took a few moments to look each of them up and down, now that he was closer. Inspecting them. Jedd, seemed the most peculiar of them all to him, so his eyes were mostly wary of her. Bear-like dark brown ears and tail, a short also dark brown hair-cut and along with almond brown eyes. Jedd¡¯s character was short for a Beastwoman, but physically well built, going well with her slightly sun-darkened skin. Then there was Farvo the dwarf, shortest of the group and average height for his race. The dwarf had short black hair held up in a mohawk, pale silver eyes and a long scruffy black beard tied up and braided fancily with red strings. Kaine then glanced at the twins, although their personalities couldn¡¯t be more opposing, their characters were two drops taken from the same puddle. Both exactly the same height, slightly taller than himself as Elves. Both with long pale blonde hair, although Roy¡¯s was left to fall down his back, while Rey had it tied up in a horsetail. Both of their eyes, were also a piercing blue. Both were thin, as most Elves were. And although they were so similar, even without the different hairstyles Kaine was sure he could make them apart¡­ As Rey¡¯s character had keen physical differences from her brother¡­A very obvious pair of differences. Blinking as to take his eyes off them, Kaine turned then to the furthest member from him. Lara¡¯s character was the one that stood out the most, Kaine immediately singling her out as premium member from the flashy character appearance of hers. Larakrell the human, seemed to be the youngest of them, age being unalterable as the game didn¡¯t allow so even with a premium subscription. What it did allow though, was her long snow-white hair dyed with strands of pale pink and violet. Her heterochromia iridum, differently coloured eyes, one a pale blue and the other also pale, an almost pinkish red. Seeming much less realistic than the others, even for a fantasy character. ¡°You¡­said something about Lara usually being a mage but¡­you¡¯re unsure what role she¡¯ll take?¡± Kaine then asked, starting to fish for whatever information they held. ¡°A-Ah, right. I uhm, the game apparently holds back a lot when it comes to magic, even compared to the previous version?¡± Lara sheepishly explained, Kaine then noticing she was standing the furthest from him. ¡°Oh? I thought you played the previous game extensively?¡± Jedd asked with a smirk. ¡°I have, but there are parts of this game that differ from the old one. Magic seems to be one, as we¡¯ve yet to pick an element, nor are we able to cast anything at all since we have no Arcane points to speak of.¡± Kaine replied defensively. ¡°I¡­also skipped the MMO tutorial¡­¡± He then shamefully admitted. Causing Farvo to snort then chuckle, ¡°You¡­skipped it? Like ignored it completely or just didn¡¯t tick it?¡± ¡°I¡­didn¡¯t tick it either.¡± Rey said with a quivering weak smile. ¡°I expect that much from you,¡± Roy told her, her shoulders slumping at his words, then turning to Kaine. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect it from you though, you don¡¯t seem the kind of person to skip details.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect for it to be this different¡­Out of the Martial tree I recognise all of the stats but out of the Arcane tree I only recognise Intelligence, Spirit and Sense. Then there are also a few crafting arts I don¡¯t understand either.¡± Kaine explained with a groan as the dwarf continued to chuckle. ¡°W-Well, you can use Inspect on them to s-see what they are about?¡± Lara offered, ¡°The t-tutorial told us about t-that.¡± Stuttering every now and then as she spoke. ¡°I¡­didn¡¯t think of that, the original game did not have that option.¡± Kaine mused, opening his character page and doing so immediately on each martial and arcane stat. Opening himself an array of small notifications he could enlarge at will.
Strength; Damage dealt, Carry Weight.
Agility; Movement Speed, Evade speed.
Dexterity; Attack speed, Accuracy.
Vitality; Health Points, Poison Resistance Chance, Health regen rate.
Perception; Chance of sensing Stealth/Hidden, Chance of sensing traps, Chance of sensing incoming attack trajectory.
Intelligence; Force power, Inventory space.
Spirit; Max Arcane points, Arcane points regen speed.
Expertise; Arcane accuracy, Arcane control limit.
Sense; Chance of sensing Arcane, Arcane sense radius size.
Aura; Arcane resistance.
¡°Well¡­I understand most of this. Nothing elemental so¡­is magic purely force now?¡± Kaine asked as he pushed each window out of his view. ¡°Not entirely, pure force seems to be the starting kind of magic, then there is manipulating elements and as a final tier is actually summoning elements.¡± Roy explained, ¡°And while we¡¯re asking questions, I have one for you. Since the tutorial didn¡¯t entirely explain that well¡­¡± ¡°Go ahead?¡± Kaine said, wondering where the tutorial failed. ¡°Most of us chose the expert to veteran for the tutorial, so it was vague on a few things, probably expecting we played the previous game so I¡¯d like to confirm.¡± Roy began to ask, aligning himself with Kaine and matching his pace as they began to converse about the technical parts of the game. The others, moving ahead and mostly ignoring the very nerdy talk they were having¡­for several minutes. ¡°Okay so¡­Crafting Arts¡¯ total level increases for each 5 levels gained in a specific crafting art. Right?¡± Roy repeated as they walked. ¡°Yeap, so the maximum C level is the number of arts multiplied by 2, since each crafting art maximizes at tier 10. Therefore 32.¡± Kiane explained, seeming slightly bored himself, albeit Roy was very much enthusiastic about this conversation. ¡°Your C level gives certain bonuses to all arts as it increases too. Not sure what this game has for bonuses though.¡± ¡°Mhm, right. And you said Martial and Arcane levels use a different experience system?¡± Roy then asked. ¡°Crafting Arts themselves, like blacksmithing, gain experience. But for the combat trees, they are the ones that gain experience. So, doing physical combat gains you Martial experience, doing arcane combat gains you Arcane experience.¡± Kaine added on, ¡°When you level either M Level or A Level, you gain a plus 1 to all stats in that tree, and 3 neutral points in addition that you can transfer into whichever stat within that tree.¡± ¡°So¡­technically¡­someone could put all their neutral points into say, strength?¡± Roy asked. ¡°Been done before, merchant players did that a lot since they used mounts for travel speed. Also, those neutral points? You can move them around, however you wish, every time you level up that tree and when that tree is maxed out in level.¡± Kaine said, trying to pacify Roy¡¯s thirst for knowledge.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Huh, and what¡¯s the maximum level for Martial and Arcane?...¡± Roy then asked, his eyes narrowing before he suddenly stopped¡­ ¡°Thirty¡­four.¡± Kaine said as he looked ahead, stopping himself as had the rest before them. Steam, thick and white, it rose in the distance as several trails of smoke. Thick enough to be visible against the light blue sky. Kaine counted six to seven spots ahead where the steam rose, but looking to either side he could see even more. ¡°What the hell are those?¡± Rey asked as they continued to walk. ¡°Steam? Smoke? A gaseous substance?¡± Roy responded with a shrug. ¡°Hah, no shit smart ass.¡± Rey groaned in annoyance. ¡°I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s the river, I can barely make it out from here.¡± Kaine added, narrowing his eyes to try and make the land below the smoke out. ¡°I hear it, too.¡± Jedd added, as Slayn whined from next to her. Lara stopped for a moment, ¡°I d-don¡¯t hear anything¡­¡± she said before continuing to follow. ¡°And you won¡¯t till we get closer,¡± Farvo told her with a sigh, ¡°I can¡¯t hear shit nor see shit either but these Elves and that Beastly woman have different sense based skills than us.¡± Jedd chuckled with a grin, ¡°So I can hear further? Nice.¡± ¡°Nobody has answered my question yet¡­¡± Rey grumbled, ¡°Why, the hell, is there steam rising out of a river? Here? In a savannah?¡± ¡°Hm, fair point sis, I¡¯ve got no clue.¡± Roy added. Rey looked at Roy with what seemed to be shock and surprise. ¡°Did¡­Did I just hear you mutter such words?...The know it all¡­doesn¡¯t kno-¡± She wasn¡¯t given the time to finish her mocking, as Roy jabbed her in the side before she could. Suddenly losing her breath, Rey briefly coughed before suddenly rising back and stomping towards her brother. Fury in her eyes as she wore a wicked grimace. Lara held Rey back by the collar, pale-faced herself as she did. ¡°R-Rey come on¡­¡± Rey glanced back at her, and Lara¡¯s expression paled to paper white. ¡°Do not get in my-¡± Again, Rey was given no time to finish her sentence, as Jedd¡¯s hand descended down onto her head. ¡°Don¡¯t give Lara that look.¡± Karate chop style. Moments later, they continued to walk towards the river. With Rey now laying over Slayn¡¯s back, holding her head in pain while grumbling. ¡°W-Wait¡­shit¡­¡± Rey then mused as she suddenly rose into sitting over the grizzly¡¯s back. ¡°Alright seriously, drop it.¡± Jedd warned, glaring at her as she walked by Slayn. ¡°Nah, boss¡­somethings off.¡± Rey said, her expression warped between an awkward smile and¡­fearful eyes. ¡°I felt that¡­fully¡­¡± Rey said. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kaine asked, not understanding her point. Of course you felt that¡­must of hurt too. He thought, but then stopping in his steps as realisation took him. ¡°No wait¡­¡± Kaine raised his hands before himself, eyes widening as he cautiously pinched himself. He felt it. He fully felt it. ¡°The pain¡­how¡­It shouldn¡¯t be this heightened!¡± Kaine exclaimed, as each of them also stopped and some did the same. ¡°The fuck!? What is this shit? Why does it feel so¡­¡± Farvo swore as he did too. ¡°Real?¡± Jedd asked, and each of them turned to look at her, each of their eyes widening as they saw her blood. Her left index finger bleeding as she stared down at the cut, sword clenched in her other hand. ¡°This is crazy¡­huh?¡± She chuckled. ¡°This is fucking insane.¡± Jedd said, clenching her bleeding hand before she looked up at them. ¡°It makes this damn game feel real, It makes it all so much more terrifying¡­doesn¡¯t it?¡± She asked, meeting each of their gazes one by one. Meeting¡­ Farvo¡¯s nervousness. Roy¡¯s worry. Rey¡¯s confusion. Lara¡¯s fear. Her gaze then falling upon Kaine briefly, as his eyes narrowed, his expression just short of being calm. She saw the faltering on his face, but in his eyes she also saw determination unlike the rest. Jedd opened up her hand once more, revealing as the blood now lay smudged across her palm. ¡°It hurts, we feel it like we¡¯re here in reality. It¡¯s terrifying, and that is good.¡± She said with a sigh, ¡°Some fear will keep us alive.¡± Then lowering her hand she turned away from them, ¡°Let¡¯s not let that fear take us over though!¡± she exclaimed, her tone stoic and calm. ¡°What are we?¡± she asked as her back lay to them. ¡°Patient.¡± Farvo said. ¡°Hungry.¡± Rey said. ¡°Cunning.¡± Roy said. ¡°C-Crows.¡± Lara stuttered. Slayn whined incomprehensibly. Jedd glanced back at them, grinning widely. ¡°We¡¯re Crimson Crows, so let¡¯s show this world what¡¯s what.¡± She told them, turning back around and aiming her right hand forth. ¡°March on ladies and gents!¡± she exclaimed enthusiastically as she did actually start marching forward. Resolved, the rest followed their great leader. All but Kaine who watched after them with great interest, his eyes mostly locked upon Jedd, who reminded him of someone he once knew. Hah¡­It¡¯s like, you¡¯re still here. Kaine thought, as pain suddenly struck him. A different kind of pain though, for it wasn¡¯t pain which stuck physical injury. No, Kaine felt this pain deeper within. ¡°S-She¡¯s something, isn¡¯t s-she?¡± Lara then whispered from next to him, Kaine turning to see her staring after Jedd too. ¡°Strange.¡± Kaine said. ¡°Y-Yeah she¡¯s a b-bit peculiar¡­¡± Lara admitted with a chuckle. ¡°Yeah, she is. But I was talking about how you¡¯re less than three feet now.¡± Kaine mused, noticing that she wasn¡¯t keeping her distance anymore. Lara seemingly noticing then too, as her expression turned bright crimson. Kaine chuckled, ¡°But yeah, she¡¯s something alright.¡± He then said, continuing onwards to keep up with the rest. Lara then rushing after them, ¡°W-Wait up!¡± she exclaimed, running over to Jedd and taking hold of her injured hand. ¡°L-Let me fix you up at least!¡± She chided as Jedd tried to take her hand back. ¡°F-Fine¡­¡± Jedd surrendered, allowing Lara to clean the blood and fix her bandaged gloves more tightly around the cut. Kaine though, dragged back as he continued to watch them. Watching, how close each of them was. Feeling, like an alien among them. ¡°Oi newbie, get a moving or we¡¯ll leave you behind.¡± Rey told him as she still lazily lay on Slayn. ¡°Yeah,¡± Kaine responded simply, quickening his pace as they approached one of the pillars of steam. And as they did, the sound of moving water became clear enough for each player to hear. ¡°Watch out!¡± Jedd suddenly exclaimed, all turning to follow her eyes as they saw¡­ As they heard them first, hundreds of hooves stomping into the ground as the herd approached them. Antelopes? Kaine thought at first, as the large herd broke into two and rushed around them. Wait no¡­ He then saw the differences, as these were not antelopes at all. Similar though, as they had the same shape of body, the same twirling horns and bovine snout. But the similarities ended there, as the powerful beasts struck them all with awe. Almost as large as Slayn. Each beast had thick long necks to a rather hairy white head, two long twirling golden horns alongside small tusks of the same golden gleam. Long ears held back as they ran. Some, the males he guessed, had a mane of long white hair that dragged behind them. A white pelt, with streaks of glistening gold among it creating strange patterns. Strong long legs, ending in sharp golden hooves. And finally, a thin long tail, twice as long as their own bodies it whipped behind them as they leapt and galloped. Seemingly never touching the ground as they went, the tail ended in a single puff of golden hair. Kaine tried his best to focus on at least inspecting one.
Male Goldebeest [Level 2]
His own mouth ajar as he stared after the majestic creatures, as the last few of them ran past and now the entire herd moved away from their party. ¡°I heard but¡­I never imagined just how good monsters in this game look.¡± Rey mused. ¡°Yeah they devs took animals from real life, alive and extinct, then altered them into fantasy.¡± Roy added. ¡°Not just that,¡± Kaine chuckled, ¡°In the old game there were monsters from mythology, and beasts completely unique to Aether. Like the most known of all the uniques¡­the Cinderhide of Dawn.¡± ¡°W-What¡­is a Cinderhide of Dawn?¡± Lara asked as she instead stared at the pillar of steam ahead. ¡°You don¡¯t want to know, trust me.¡± Kaine warned. ¡°Is it that?¡± Lara said, pointing ahead, as each of them turned to follow her gaze. Seeing the steam suddenly move, as a goliath emerged from within. The very air blurring around it, as heat oozed out of its body. Its massive cylindrical feet shaking the ground and disintegrating the grass wherever it stepped. The beast though was akin to an Elephant.
Female Gaizedon [Level 8]
Seeing the level, clearly seeing its gigantic form. The entire party backed off several feet. Rock-like plates covered its body, as ember glowed in-between them. Its ears, which were much smaller than an elephant¡¯s, alongside its tusks and eyes¡­each seemingly molten in nature as they glowed a bright ember. Emanating heat just by existing. Its trunk was also thinner than a common elephant¡¯s and too covered in the rock-like plates, yet in-between the plates, the trunk was a bright crimson red instead of the pale ember that shone from the rest of it. The monster, stood a chilling seven meters tall. Looming over even Slayn, the Luguwa grizzly who stood at about four meters tall on his hind legs. It whined, a low rumbling tone that made each of them shiver, as it turned to them. Steam still rising off its body while the pillar of smoke behind it slowly dissipated. Its lazy, bright ember eyes, widening as it came to face them. It breathed, a blast of steam exiting its trunk and spreading out all around its feet into a thin layer of smoke, as trails also escaped its mouth. It stared at them briefly, whining loudly as it did. As each of them stared, dumbfounded. Kaine though, Kaine stared in confusion. As he heard not the whining¡­ ¡°What come you, Alf, to our stream?¡± The beast spoke to him, and he somehow understood it while the rest did not. ¡°W-We come for water¡­¡± Kaine told it, the others glancing between him and the Gaizedon right then, seemingly in understanding. ¡°Water? You are far from home, Alf, far far from home. But these lands still remember, we remember the sacrifice your blood made. These lands still have faith, these lands still trust.¡± The Gaizedon said, turning back as it did. ¡°Have as much water as you wish.¡± It said, whilst moving back towards the river which was now clearly in view. ¡°O-Alright¡­O-One last thing!¡± Kaine then exclaimed, stepping forward and raising his right hand towards it. ¡°Where? Which way is¡­home?¡± He asked the goliath. As it continued into the river, an explosion of steam suddenly rising all around it. The sight of its trunk pointing to its right just barely visible. ¡°Downstream, far far away.¡± It told him, disappearing into the newly rising column of steam that engulfed it. Many around him took deep breaths, having held it at the occurrence. As they all backed away from the pillar of smoke. ¡°W-What was that a-about?¡± Lara asked as she fell to her knees, her trembling knees going weak, she then clenched her chest as her heart drained of the panic. ¡°I¡­understood it.¡± Kaine said with a nervous chuckle, ¡°It actually spoke, and it understood me too.¡± ¡°What did it say?¡± Jedd asked. ¡°That we¡¯re free to take water, something about my blood¡­the Elves, and a sacrifice that they made here. It also said that the Elves¡¯ home is downstream, but far away.¡± Kaine explained. ¡°Interesting¡­¡± Roy mused, ¡°Well at least we have a direction now.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t even know if these Elves are still there, or if they¡¯re friendly.¡± Farvo pointed out. ¡°For all we know, and I¡¯ve read a little bit of lore, that thing could be talking about Dark Elves.¡± Kaine cringed. That could be very bad. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan then? Boss?¡± Rey asked Jedd, as she petted a spooked Slayn¡¯s snout. ¡°We make camp for now, we¡¯re weak and undergeared. We have no gathered resources either. However far these Elves are, it sounds like a trip and we are not ready for a trip.¡± Jedd said as she glanced at each of them, ¡°We¡¯re in an MMORPG, so we must train, we must fight and grow strong¡­but survival is still key.¡± ¡°Agreed, and if the Elves are downstream then we might also get a glance at the rest of the players¡¯ situation if they get wind of this also.¡± Roy said. ¡°I would like to gather some things and mess around with some stuff myself¡­¡± Farvo added, ¡°We think we know this game, but in reality¡­we know very little of this world.¡± ¡°Y-Yeah!¡± Lara agreed as Farvo helped her back up to her feet. ¡°Then I guess it¡¯s sorted.¡± Kaine said with a sigh. Jedd nodded, ¡°Set up camp next to the river but away from the Gaizedons, search for food and materials. Move in groups of two. Lara with me, Rey and Roy together, then Farvo go on with Kaine. We reconvene here in say¡­six hours. Don¡¯t go too far yet, stay within sight of each other at least. After we¡¯ve conversed again, we¡¯ll think of what to do next. Good? Good.¡± She gave out the plan, and each of them nodded in agreement. ¡°Let¡¯s get this ball rolling.¡± Ch 4 - The Hunters Kaine grunted as he put down the batch of branches, as did the Dwarf Farvo who had gone with him. They had spent at least five hours going from tree to tree, which there weren¡¯t many of in this grassy savanna, cutting off as many low hanging branches as possible. ¡°Well that outta do it for a few things¡­¡± Farvo said with a relieved sigh, then glancing over at the other two groups still gathering, ¡°You¡¯d think there isn¡¯t much around here, but there¡¯s actually a fair bit. Looks like the twins found some bushes ova¡¯ there, not sure what Jedd¡¯s dragging Lara into at that hill though.¡± ¡°Well, we¡¯ve got firewood, at least.¡± Kaine mused, looking at the pile of varying branches. ¡°Nah, some of this is firewood cause its dry but the rest ain¡¯t.¡± Farvo said, kneeling down and grabbing a rather young branch. ¡°This sort of wood is strong and flexible, I can think of a couple more uses than that¡­¡± ¡°Looks like you¡¯re in it for the advanced crafting system they added huh?¡± Kaine asked as he saw the dwarf peruse several branches and their leaves. ¡°Yeah, and those bastards over there of course, I do enjoy the survival aspect too. Can¡¯t say I like the ¡®Actually risking my life¡¯ feature though.¡± Farvo said with a cold chuckle, then fully sitting down and unsheathing his sword, the Dwarf began smoothing out the thinner branches. ¡°What can you tell me about the crafting system? Anything I should know?¡± he then asked. ¡°Ah¡­not much. The actual mechanics are different from the old game, I know that much from the trailers and gameplay previews.¡± Kaine admitted as he crouched down next to him, watching him work. ¡°Before we didn¡¯t have the smart-system assisting us in actually crafting, we use to just put the resources on a bench and selected the outcome on a menu. Now like you¡¯re doing, everything is alterable. The sheer graphics behind it is insane.¡± ¡°I¡¯m shaving bark off a branch, pull your pants up techfreak.¡± Farvo joked. Kaine rolled his eyes, ¡°As, for what did stay¡­Remember the bonuses mentioned during race selection? Yeah, those aren¡¯t everything, just what the devs chose to show us. Each race has different abilities and passives hidden away until a player stumbles upon it and refines it to the point they can actually use it at will.¡± ¡°Like you talking with a big fucking elephant?¡± Farvo guessed, ¡°Emphasis on big.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­that, is an example. Neither Roy nor Rey understood a word the Gaizedon spoke, so it was using its own skill in accordance to my hidden skill to speak to me. Therefore I¡¯ve ¡®Discovered¡¯ I¡¯m capable of that, but I still need to unlock it.¡± Kaine explained. ¡°And how do you unlock it?¡± Farvo asked as he finished chopping off smaller sticks off the thin long branch, then still using his sword, he moved on to actually carving off the bark. ¡°That¡¯s the complicated part,¡± Kaine sighed, ¡°It¡¯s mostly trial and error. So, I guess to unlock that ability I¡¯d have to¡­try and start a conversation with other animals? Skills like this one, that is multipurpose, are more easily unlocked the more differing uses you try to force out of it. So just speaking to Gaizedons would unlock it much slower for me than say, trying to speak to several species of animals.¡± ¡°Hm, makes sense.¡± Farvo mused as he continued to smooth out the now staff-like branch. ¡°The same goes for crafting, each race has several abilities that aid the player in certain crafting types. For you dwarves if I¡¯m not mistaken¡­¡± Kaine paused for a moment to think, ¡°You have the ability to recognise all kinds of ores and minerals, plus the passive of being able to literally sense iron, gold and mithril ore in your surroundings.¡± ¡°Shit seriously? Like mentally locate it and shit?¡± Farvo asked as he turned to stare at him with wide eyes. ¡°More like¡­see it? It¡¯s something to do with sight.¡± Kaine answered unsurely. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­have to look into that.¡± Farvo mused, returning to his task. ¡°Look into what?¡± Rey asked as she and her brother arrived at the agreed camp-grounds, Roy being shirtless as he held a stack of black berries over his shirt. While Rey¡­held nothing and ate off him¡­ Roy did not look pleased with this arrangement. ¡°Those even edible?¡± Kaine asked, sceptically staring at the berries ¡°Well, she¡¯d be dead if they weren¡¯t, and yeah pretty sure they are.¡± Roy was the one to answer, as he put the berries down along with his shirt. ¡°What¡¯s with all the branches?¡± Rey then asked, ¡°We don¡¯t need a bloody bonfire¡­¡± Farvo sighed, ¡°I can think of a¡­couple more uses than that.¡± He hated repeating himself. Then standing up and revealing what he had been working on. As he now held a smooth, long, wooden pole which ended in a sharpened point. ¡°A spear?¡± Rey guessed. ¡°Hell no, you think this thin little thing is gonna stop a cavalry charge? It¡¯s just barely better than an arrow, come on I¡¯ll give you a second guess.¡± Farvo said as he grabbed another, shorter, thicker branch he had also slightly modified. ¡°Ah, I think I get where you¡¯re going.¡± Roy mused, taking the two pieces of wood off the dwarf. Rey and Kaine glanced at each other, both still unsure and confused. Then watching as Roy put the two large sticks together, placing the sharpened one¡¯s butt over a thinned-out point at the end and growing out of the shorter, thicker stick. Where it seemed to slightly hold on, as Farvo had dug the sharpened branch¡¯s butt inwards for it to do fit in and stay in place. They watched as Roy then held the two sticks with one hand, the shorter by the smooth end, and his index finger holding the thinner, sharpened branch above it. He raised his right arm over his shoulder, seemingly aiming the pointed branch with the shorter one. And then it came to him, Kaine realised what they were doing. As Roy took aim at the empty grass ahead, using the shorter stick as propulsion to push the long and thin branch ahead whilst he swung¡­And in one smooth motion, he sent the make-shift javelin flying forth. Cleanly impaling some poor, innocent shrubbery. ¡°Cool, you can throw sticks¡­We have swords.¡± Rey pointed out, unsheathing hers and using it to gesture at Roy and Kaine¡¯s. Farvo used his to point at the Goldebeests now settling upstream, ¡°I¡¯d pay good fucking money to see you try and kill one of those with just a copper sword.¡± Seemingly sensing the hostility, a Goldebeest¡¯s head rose up and stared at them. ¡°Touch¨¦,¡± Rey said as she remembered the speed at which the herd had passed by them with, ¡°so what, we¡¯re supposed to hope we hit them with that then?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll make a propeller for each of you and carve out some more ammunition, then yeah, throw and pray.¡± Farvo shrugged as he sat back down next to the pile of branches. ¡°Well that sounds¡­encouraging.¡± Kaine chuckled. ¡°Hope it is, cause that¡¯s going to be the plan.¡± Jedd announced as she and Lara returned with Slayn in tail. Each held a variety of plants in their hands and on the grizzly¡¯s back, from ones with long thick stems and others looking no more than a mess of golden leaves. ¡°So, we going hunting then?¡± Roy asked, glancing between the herd and Slayn. ¡°I am, you ain¡¯t. Jor and Rey are going with me, you three brainiacs¡­¡± Jedd gestured at their gathered resources, ¡°Figure this shit out in the meantime.¡± ¡°Aye aye, capn.¡± Farvo said half-mindedly as he continued his work, ¡°While you wait tho, might as well watch and learn something.¡± Rey groaned, ¡°Do I have to?¡± continuing to pick berries off the stack. -
- 4 Hours later Kaine stalked low along the grass, several dozen feet away from the herd ahead. He kept as low as possible, very slowly moving forwards whilst remaining crouched.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. He glanced to his left, knowing Rey was somewhere around there also taking position, yet he couldn¡¯t make her out through the tall golden blades and scarce shrubbery. Finding himself some thick brush, Kaine glanced from around it. Seeing the nearest Goldebeest standing about ten feet from his position, busy with grazing, it didn¡¯t notice him. Looking back the way he came from, he then saw Jedd far off behind, laying over Slayn who was very obvious among the landscape. So obvious, that most of the male Goldebeest were focused on him, seemingly watching for the grizzly¡¯s next step after having stopped to watch them. Making sure he wasn¡¯t within line of sight of any of the herd, Kaine waved at her from his position, then prepared one of the make-shift javelins Farvo had made. Of which, along the one he now had in his hands, he had a set of six tied to his back with strong plant fibre. Watching the herd closely, he glanced at Jedd and Slayn several times too. Then finally seeing the Beastwoman and her tame begin to move, Kaine next focused entirely on the Goldebeest herd. Rey¡¯s in position¡­here it goes. He thought, readying the javelin and his posture. As Jedd made Slayn carry her towards the river, not getting any closer to the Goldebeest while also not going too far. Keeping their attention, demanding it as the great beast of a bear prowled about. Coming to stand at the river, Slayn continued onwards as if moving around them entirely. At which point, Slayn suddenly roared. A long and guttural growl that quickly spooked the entire herd. The young and females raising their heads from the grass and quickly moving away from Slayn, while the males kept watch, seemingly confused and unsure of this strange alien creature before them. But then, Slayn charged. Huffing as he quickly gained speed towards the now terrified beasts. As the herd, males and all, turned to run. Whining and signalling one another to retreat, the entire herd began to move. As one, they stayed together even during a retreat, which made it all the easier to tell how a specific target among them was going to move¡­ As Kaine suddenly stepped around the bush, whilst a fairly large female dashed towards him. He swung his weapon, pushing the javelin forth and sending it flying into the incoming spooked beast. It whined and cried, as the sharpened wooden projectile sunk into its front left should, yet it continued onwards still. Slowly, weakly, it struggled to run. Kaine though quickly moved to set up a second shot, pulling another javelin off his back straps and setting it up. He took aim and¡­ Pain, loss of breath¡­and then dirt. That¡¯s what Kaine saw and felt as something crashed into him hard, briefly feeling himself being lifted off his feet before tumbling back down into the golden grass. He groaned as he rose, seeing the male Goldebeest that had struck him now dashing away. Willing to attack a predator on the way, but not willing to fight it out. The female though, much to the male¡¯s success, was beyond Kaine¡¯s range now. A brief success, as Rey suddenly rose from a taller patch of grass nearby it, sinking her javelin into the female¡¯s side and sending it toppling over. Slayn and Jedd quickly rushed after the fallen Goldebeest, falling upon it within mere moments, then mauling it to death.
Your party has killed {Female Goldebeest [Level 2] } Shared Martial experience gained 20/100
¡°Oi! Newbie! You still breathin?¡± Rey exclaimed in question as she ran over to him, finding Kaine laying on his back and clutching his side. ¡°Ahah...Cleric¡­heal¡­¡± Kaine chuckled through the pain, breathing deeply to recover his lost breath. ¡°Bastard got me good.¡± He said, trying to sit up.
{ [Life]; 8/10 }
¡°Pfft, 2 damage? You¡¯re fine homie, come on.¡± Rey chuckled too, but as she forwarded him her hand, Kaine noticed the panic drain from her face. He took her hand and she pulled him up, Kaine then suddenly feeling every bit of that 2 points of damage straining his side as she did. ¡°Well¡­there¡¯s probably a bruise system¡­shit.¡± Kaine groaned as he carefully stretched from side to side. ¡°Please, that shit awesome back there!¡± Rey said excitedly, ¡°And while you were kissing the dirt I nailed our target!¡± She giggled happily, enthusiastic about her performance. ¡°Yeah¡­at least you didn¡¯t get ran over by a stampede-¡± Kaine said but was cut off, as Rey¡¯s hand slapped his side, causing him more pain. ¡°Hah, that¡¯s your own fault for not paying attention mate.¡± Rey teased as he bent forward from the sudden jolt of agony. ¡°Ah¡­sorry.¡± Then apologising as she noticed just how painful it seemed. ¡°I-I¡¯ll be fine¡­¡± Kaine assured, looking up at her to suddenly find himself laying entranced. As the sun set behind her, the ember rays of light shining through her golden hair whilst she stared down at him with wide worried blue eyes. God damn she looks good from this close. Kaine had to admit to himself. And Rey noticed this dragged on stare of his, growing a wide grin as she did. ¡°Oh? Have you perhaps fallen in love with this elegant amazoness?¡± She asked teasingly, even posing dramatically as he rose back and away. ¡°P-Please don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± Kaine said in embarrassment, turning away from her. ¡°Amazons don¡¯t l-¡± He was about to continue, but Rey¡¯s hand suddenly clenching his side stole every breath away from him, causing him to fall back down to his knees once more. ¡°You-What¡¯s that supposed to mean!?¡± Rey exclaimed in sudden annoyance, feeling insulted. Gorgeous¡­and a deadly temper¡­ Kaine then mused as he held his tormented side. ¡°Oi! If you¡¯re done fucking around, we have other problems!¡± Jedd suddenly exclaimed, gaining both of their attentions¡­As they turned to her to see Slayn drag away their kill. And before them both, as the herd continued its escape, shadows moved among the grasslands. Kaine watched in awe as the predators used his party¡¯s ploy for their own benefit, leaping out of their hiding places and picking off the spooked herd one by one. With the lower torso and hinds legs of a cheetah, then the front torso, legs and head of some strange black & white feathered bird of prey. Their tail starting out as a cheetah¡¯s but continuing halfway with white and black feathers. They also had the ears of the large cat, but everything below was bird in nature, even the eyes which were a deep gold surrounded by either crimson or ember skin. The half bird, half feline beasts were insanely quick too. Springing out of the grass it would spread its wings wide to glide into a Goldebeest¡¯s path, colliding and then grappling onto them. Using their sudden momentum to topple their prey into the ground, but unlike the usual cheetah, these beasts did not use their fangs to kill. Instead, after pushing their prey down¡­ They watched horrified, as the beasts would stand away and up, rising on their hind legs before ferociously starting to stomp on the Goldebeests. Their long front talons slashing aside any resistance, while their surprisingly powerful bird-like legs pummelled their prey out of their senses. Raising a cloud of dirt around its bloodied and bruised prey. Before going in for the final strike, using their sharp and thin beaks to tear into the beast¡¯s throat and take away its final breaths. Kaine felt a chill go up against his spine, as he saw just how effective these predators were. Running even faster than the Goldebeest¡¯s themselves, they also had flight on their side with their long and powerful wings. While thin in build and smaller than the Goldebeests, their attacks were still powerful enough to overwhelm and knock them out.
Female Gryphah [Level 5]
There were only two of them, but the Gryphahs had already taken down three Goldebeests. And Kaine suspected it would have been more¡­if one hadn¡¯t just turned to stare directly at them. It was merely a moment, but it seemed like several minutes to them. As it stared them down with its bird-like eyes, showing none of the usual ignorance, but instead a cold intelligence¡­ It screeched at them suddenly, half-opening its wings to make itself seem larger, as it slowly approached. Snarling and screeching, trying to seem as menacing as possible. But as Slayn¡¯s guttural roar bellowed towards it, the beast immediately turned tail and dashed off for several meters. Spooked out by the larger beast¡¯s depth of voice. Yet stopping at its mate¡¯s closest kill, seemingly unwilling to give it up even if it actually had to fight Slayn for it. Its mate joined it right then, but kept its distance while it prowled around, seemingly trying to flank Slayn and them. ¡°Should we run, or fight?¡± Rey asked as she prepared a javelin. ¡°No, don¡¯t run, we¡¯ll be hunted down like the Goldebeests if we run.¡± Jedd said harshly, ¡°Stand tall, back away slowly.¡± At which point Slayn began to rise onto his hind legs, the two Gryphahs watching him with widening eyes as the massive bear got even larger before them. Each of them taking a step back at the chilling sight. Slowly, Kaine and his party began to back away. ¡°Slayn, spook em boy.¡± Jedd said, and the bear opened up its maw wide, bellowing angrily at the two. Kaine watched as the sudden sound made both of the Gryphahs fearfully twitch and back away, one of them then biting onto the Goldebeest¡¯s antler and starting to drag it off while its mate kept watch on the big ass grizzly. ¡°We¡¯re almost fine now, but don¡¯t relax, keep eye contact with the one still staring at us.¡± Jedd told them, ¡°Slayn start dragging off our kill to camp.¡± The bear whined in acknowledgement of her command, then did as told. Biting down lightly onto the female Goldebeest¡¯s left hind leg and dragging it off with great ease. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll keep eye contact, you two move back with Slayn. This will tell them we¡¯re not interested in a fight.¡± Jedd said with a commanding tone. ¡°Aight, come¡¯on newbie.¡± Rey said nerviously, the thick tension of the moment seeming to affect her greatly as some sort of accent escaped her right then. ¡°Right¡­¡± Kaine said, turning about and starting to move away with Rey, but neither of them relaxing the grip on their weapons in the slightest. Several moments went by, as they followed Slayn off, the both of them glancing back at Jedd from moment to moment to see her slowly backing away while still locking eyes with the one Gryphah. Finally though, it seemed to lose interest, as it turned about and quickly dashed after its mate who had dragged their kill further back next to another corpse. Seeing this, Jedd also backed off, turning about and calmly walking towards them. And they briefly waited on her. ¡°That about took one life out of my nine.¡± Rey said, sighing with relief when Jedd reached them. ¡°Yeah¡­how¡¯d you know what to do there Jedd?¡± Kaine asked out of curiosity from seeing her calm decision making. ¡°Ahaha¡­My dad¡¯s real big on hunting and the outdoors.¡± She admitted with a chuckle, ¡°He¡¯s told me a lot of shit I never thought would come in useful.¡± ¡°Huh¡±, Kaine then glanced at Slayn, somehow something made a lot more sense now. ¡°Better than my good-for-nothing, spends the entire time at the damn lab.¡± Rey sighed in annoyance. Silence, awkward silence briefly filled the void that was their expectation of a response from Kaine. As he coughed and backed away from them, ¡°Let¡¯s get to the others before those things have a second thought of Slayn being worth fighting¡­¡± Slayn whined in agreement, as he nervously dragged the Goldebeest off. ¡°Yeap, can agree with that.¡± Jedd said with an awkward chuckle, pushing Rey forth who was deep in thought whilst staring at Kaine¡¯s withdrawing form. ¡°Definitely have to take this thing apart before it starts to smell.¡± ¡°T-Take what apart?¡± Rey asked after recovering from stumbling forwards. ¡°The Goldebeest.¡± Jedd said, gesturing at the corpse as if it was obvious. Rey stared at her briefly, before her eyes widened. ¡°Wait you don¡¯t mean¡­¡± ¡°This game doesn¡¯t have a loot assist system¡­¡± Kaine seemingly realised, as he also turned to stare at the corpse. ¡°Yeap, gonna have to do with manually.¡± Jedd said with a wide grin as she walked after Slayn. ¡°Ah¡­oh¡­I think I¡¯m gonna hurl¡­¡± Rey said as her expression paled. Ch 5 - A long day Kaine¡¯s eyes lay wide and steady, as he stared into the beast¡¯s maddened gaze.
Male Goldebeest [Level 2]
As it huffed and waved its long sharp horns at him, standing beside its fallen mate which whined in pain. Kaine clicked his tongue in annoyance, he was down to his last javelin from all the hunting they had done today. And instead of targeting the large bear that was on the way, or Rey nearby who was completely out of javelins and wielding her short-sword¡­The beast eyed only him. As its hooves suddenly stomped forth, the beast rushed at him, horns held low and pointed. Galloping with tremendous power towards him. Immediately Kaine released his weapon, watching briefly as it sailed by the beast¡¯s head, missing entirely. Using the same momentum, Kaine rolled forward and sideways too, evading the charge as the beast galloped past him. Slowed down. Turned around, and as he stood back up, charged at him once more. Kaine was about to unsheathe his sword as he stood up, but seeing the beast continue its relentless assault, he chose to evade instead. Being given no time to pull his weapon out, as the monster¡¯s large white frame charged past his previous position. Grass being pushed and squashed aside as its powerful feet raised a trail of dirt wherever it passed. It bellowed out loudly, angered and frustrated as it turned to face the slippery Elf. Stomping its hoof up and down several times, as it tried to intimidate him. But Kaine was far from intimidated, as he finally found time to pull his weapon out. He did not move, even as Slayn and Jedd arrived to stand next to him, Kaine held his ground. Continuing to meet the Goldebeest¡¯s enraged eyes. ¡°Outta the way, we got this bastard.¡± Jedd said, as Slayn roared out ferociously at the smaller monster. ¡°No, you¡¯re a big target and easy to hit, unless you want to lose your bear then step off. This one¡¯s mine.¡± Kaine spoke harshly, surprising both Rey and Jedd. Jedd who then turned to chastise his words, she then saw his hardened gaze. Seeing those cold calm eyes. She and her tame moved to stand a few feet behind him. Leaving nothing between Kaine and the maddened male, as when it saw the grizzly back away, immediately charged forth. Kaine finally moved as it did, quickly taking a stance, he came to stand with his left side facing the beast while raising his hands up, blade held steady and at a 180 degrees angle towards it. He took a quick, deep breath. Forty feet away now. As it approached, as it galloped. As he both heard and felt the ground shake with its every step, and with every shudder of the dirt it came closer. Thirty feet away now. As with every quake of the earth, its pointed horns came closer. As it huffed and frothed at the mouth with anger. Then, as it came within twenty feet of him Kaine released that held breath. And with that release of breath, he suddenly moved. Swiftly, like the wind which his blade cut, Kaine flowed down and forwards. Ten feet now, as Kaine anticipated its movements, as the beast easily rushed through those ten feet within mere moments. Mere moments through which Kaine flowed out of its path, the beast passing beside him¡­As his blade swung low, the sound of slicing flesh and bone reverberating throughout their surroundings as the Goldebeest collapsed and tumbled forward. Kaine continuing his swift motion came to stand facing the fallen beast, still holding his blade in the same manner, yet now it lay wet with dark, almost black blood. As between him and the struggling beast lay its severed right leg, cleanly sliced off below the knee. The Goldebeest whined and huffed in both agony and anger, as still it rose back to its three remaining legs, its fourth now dangling shorter than the rest and leaking a stream of blood beneath it. It wailed out at him, struggling to approach Kaine whilst waving its horns about. Kaine stared at it coldly, with blood splattered across his face and chest, a thin calm smile too. Giving Rey and Jedd who watched, instead of the simple, quiet and socially awkward guy they had seen at first, it gave them the impression of a hardened killer. As he stared, eyes wide and empty. As he remained steady, almost frozen in preparation. As the beast now loomed before him, rising onto its hind legs and bellowing out with both fear and hatred. Yet still, Kaine did not move¡­ Even as the Goldebeest¡¯s one hoof descended towards him¡­ Kaine¡­ Did not move. As his hands began to shake. As his eyes unfocused. ¡°Jor!¡± Rey then shouted out, snapping him out of his daze. Kaine then refocused just in time to move under the beast¡¯s hoof, as the Goldbeest suddenly impaled itself on his raised blade. Yet, falling upon him even as it wailed its final breaths before death. The beast¡¯s weight pushing Kaine down to the ground as it collapsed onto him, his world going from white with streaks of gold, then immediately to pitch black. ¡°Shit, Jor!¡± The last words he heard through the mountain of fur. As he blacked out. -
- Feeling the rush of warm water across his face, Kaine woke with a start, rising up to find himself staring with wide eyes at the slowly flowing river ahead. As Roy and Jedd held him above the water, his face and chest drenched as they had just dropped his head within.
Level up! Martial Level 2 reached! +1 to all Martial stats. 3 Neutral Martial Points available for distribution!
Titles unlocked!
{The Reckless} Title unlocked! +25% Agility +25% Dexterity -5% Physical damage resistance
¡°Wha-Pfft!-What the fuck?¡± He managed whilst spitting out water, then coughing the rest out of his lungs. ¡°Hah, it¡¯s alive!¡± Jedd exclaimed with relief as they set him on the ground. ¡°Gave us a fright there newbie, that thing really crushed you.¡± Roy chuckled.
{ [Life]: 4/12 }
¡°H-How long was I out?¡± Kaine asked through scattered breaths. ¡°Two hours?¡± Farvo mused, ¡°You were still breathing and shit at two hit points, Jedd got tired of waiting when she saw your health regenerate so¡­¡± The dwarf gestured at the water. ¡°Ah¡­thanks?¡± Kaine chuckled too as he weakly rose back to his feet, seeing the relief wash over all their faces, all but Rey who stared at him with cold and annoyed eyes. ¡°That was idiotic,¡± Rey then said with a harsh tone as she glared at him, each awkwardly turning to her. ¡°The fuck¡¯s the point of trying to show off if that¡¯s how you¡¯re going to end up? Think before you do something stupid again like that, idio-¡± She said, as Jedd stalked to stand behind her.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Jedd¡¯s hand crashing down onto Rey¡¯s head and cutting her off, ¡°Let it go, he¡¯s fine now. Not your job anyway.¡± She said, then walking over to Kaine, suddenly and calmly slapping her hand across his face.
{ [Life]: 3/12 }
Kaine felt every bit of it, his left cheek now burning slightly with pain, as he turned to meet Jedd¡¯s hardened glare. ¡°This ain¡¯t just a game anymore, and none of us can handle it all on our own, so share some of the weight okay?¡± Jedd said, as her wide grin returned. Kaine glanced between them all, Lara looking flustered and worried, Farvo chuckling in amusement, and Roy looking calm but also slightly amused. Looking over Jedd who was the epitome of motherly within this ragtag group, his eyes then befell Rey who glanced away in annoyance. ¡°Yeah¡­Sorry.¡± Kaine apologized, rubbing his reddened cheek as his body relaxed from the sudden awakening. ¡°Alright, the sun¡¯s goin down and we¡¯ve still got shit to get ready.¡± Jedd then exclaimed as she turned to the rest, ¡°No way we¡¯re hunting any more today, so let¡¯s get this camp going as quickly as possible. Rey you help Farvo with the woodwork for the tent, Jor you¡¯re helping me with cleaning up our kills and Roy, help Lara with the tent¡¯s cover. Any questions?¡± None had any. ¡°Alright, good, get to work then!¡± Jedd exclaimed, then dragging Kaine as she grabbed a basket of plantfibre on the way, ¡°Guess you¡¯re with me, lucky you.¡± Jedd mused, ¡°And by that, I mean that I hope you don¡¯t get queasy easily.¡± Kaine now followed her, as she stopped dragging him along by the shoulder, he followed her to the pile of dead Goldebeests Slayn had dragged to camp, the large Grizzly also lying next to them. Less so guarding them and more so digging in on one while two others lay ruined and torn apart next to it. Fresh¡­wasn¡¯t the word to use anymore, as the smell hit Kaine the moment they began approaching the bear. Seeing flies and other bugs storming around the two ruined corpses the bear had already finished off. ¡°What are we doing exactly?¡± Kaine asked as he tried to cover his nose from the powerful smell of blood and spoiling meat. ¡°Basically? Cleaning up these bodies from parts we could use before feeding them to the big guy.¡± Jedd explained, ¡°I¡¯ve has already skinned a few of them, got some of the longer and sturdier bones out for Farvo. We¡¯re still trying to figure out a way to hack off the male¡¯s horns without ruining them too¡­Right now? Just slice off as much meat as you can so we can dry cook it and make some jerky for the journey ahead.¡± Taking out her sword, Jedd then kneeled next to one of the bodies, stabbing the sword through the tough hide and beginning to cut its side open. ¡°Alright¡­¡± Kaine said as he, briefly, watched Jedd calmly and expertly carve off some of the beast¡¯s flesh. Then moving over to another Goldebeest corpse, he too kneeled down and made himself comfortable with sword in hand. ¡°Any¡­advice for this?¡± He asked, still shaken and confused from earlier. ¡°If it¡¯s any colour other than red or white, throw it aside. Red is meat, white is fat. Try not to get your sword stuck in bone, and as advice from experience, leave the gut for last¡­¡± Jedd said with a weak chuckle. Kaine nodded, and after glancing the large beast¡¯s body over for a few seconds, plunged his sword twohanded into the side. Feeling the tough hide resisting the blade before it pierced through, going just barely a few centimeters in before stopping. Kaine struggled with the hide as he tore the beast open, grunting as he sliced. Pulling and pushing against the hide and flesh, Kaine broke a mild sweat over just a few minutes of cutting. Finding it fairly difficult to do so with a sword, although not the longest he¡¯s ever wielded, it was still all too long for this kind of work. Then suddenly remembering something as he glanced at his UI.
[2] Jor Mungandr - [M]Level:2 - [A]Level:0 - [C]Level:0 { [Life]: 5/12 } { [Breath]: 93/110 } { [Arcana]: 0/0 }
I levelled up¡­ Kaine remembered, opening his character page to see what he had gained.
{Jor Mungandr}
Race: Elf Total Level: 2 Martial Level: 2 Arcana Level: 0 Crafting Level: 0 Main Faction: None Reputation: 0 Guild: None Title: None
[Lesser Copper Sword] [Elven Civilian Shirt] [Bandage Gloves] [Vine Belt] [Elven Civilian Pants] [Bandage Socks]
[Martial Arts]; 2 [Arcane Arts]; 0 [Crafting Arts]; 0
{3} Neutral Points -Strength / 2+ -Agility / 2+ -Dexterity / 2+ -Vitality / 2+ -Perception / 2+ -Intelligence / 0- -Spirit / 0- -Expertise / 0- -Sense / 0- -Aura / 0- -Brightsmithing / 0- -Enchanting / 0- -Handicraft / 0- -Leatherworking / 0- -Blacksmithing / 0- -Tinkering / 0- -Alchemy / 0- -Ritualcraft / 0- -Herbalism / 0- -Gathering / 0- -Mining / 0- -Woodchopping / 0- -Hunting / 0- -Cooking / 0- -Minstrelcraft / 0- -Sigilcraft / 0-
My stats all gained 1 point as suspected, and I have 3 points to allocate¡­What to do¡­ He pondered as he worked, carving off a long slice of flesh before carrying it over to the basket. Right now? At this low level? Health points are going to be indispensable, and I can change that later on¡­Damage and mobility will also be fairly important¡­So I guess that will be my build for now. Kaine set a single point each into Strength, Agility and Vitality. Visibly increasing his [Life] points from 12 to 14, but having nothing more detailed visible to see what the other two actually did. Kaine knew that previously the game had nothing to show such detail, but then after thinking over it for a few moments, a thought came to him. Kaine used [Inspect] on his sword.
[Lesser Copper Sword] Make: Lesser Material: Copper, Wood, Leather, Glue Durability: 97% Sharpness: 84%
He sighed. No visible stats that tell me anything¡­I guess it would give most people a headache to see the damage calculations behind differing attacks on differing surfaces and targets¡­ ¡°Tired already?¡± Jedd asked as she looked up from her bloody handiwork after hearing his sigh. ¡°Huh? Oh, no not really, just looking at my character page since I levelled up.¡± Kaine explained, closing his windows and going back to work. ¡°Ah, yeah you did single-handedly kill that last one. Me and Rey are still at seventy percent of our exp bar.¡± Jedd said, sighing herself. ¡°This game really isn¡¯t newbie friendly is it? Ten experience per kill? Like really?¡± Kaine chuckled, ¡°The tutorial kill maybe, but as a party we gain decreased experience per kill per player. Killing that male alone gave me about 30 experience points, which levelled me up.¡± Jedd paused as he said that, ¡°Wait so¡­the experience is¡­¡± ¡°Distributed evenly among the in-combat party members, yes.¡± Kaine explained, ¡°So out of 30, we three each gained 10. Also, I¡¯m guessing Slayn isn¡¯t an adult of his kind.¡± ¡°Wh-Why¡¯s that?¡± Jedd asked as she sliced through a large portion of the Goldebeest¡¯s back. ¡°10 experience from a level 2 while lower level than it? Doesn¡¯t add up since it was a solo kill.¡± Kaine mused, currently fighting with his sword to cut around muscle and bone. ¡°Even though they are of that level, in this game the younger the creature is beneath Adult the less experience it gives. My guess is that our [Inspect] is too low level to give us that much information.¡± ¡°Huh, makes sense¡­but¡­why? What¡¯s the point of even adding that?¡± Jedd asked seemingly in confusion at the extra detail. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want to give the same experience from killing a baby wyvern compared to an adult, no?¡± Kaine reasoned, ¡°People would also question why killing an adult Grizzly would give the same experience as killing a baby Wyvern. Although a fully adult wyvern would be higher level anyway, there is a difference between strength and experience. That is how the devs reason it, counting for the monster¡¯s raw strength and also actual combat experience it would have.¡± ¡°You sure know a lot about the game,¡± Jedd mused, ¡°And, you know how to fight pretty damn well.¡± She said, Kaine anticipating the question before it even exited her lips. As both of them paused their work, neither meeting each other¡¯s eyes. As Jedd asked, ¡°Back there¡­Why¡¯d you freeze?¡±, turning to now stare straight at him. Kaine, considered lying, for the briefest moment he considered avoiding this conversation entirely. But, he knew it had to come out at some point, he knew he couldn¡¯t hide it forever. Not in this situation. He thought with a long sigh. Glancing about as the rest, who weren¡¯t all that far, also paused to listen. Again, Kaine sighed as he leaned away from the corpse and sat down. Eyes narrowed, he stared at the blood wet flesh. ¡°Its screams¡­Its struggling¡­Its eyes, the eyes of a cornered animal. Too real, they seemed just so damn real¡­I-I saw those kinds of eyes before.¡± He recounted with a heavy heart and a soft tone. His words lingering as silence followed. Kaine continuing to talk moments after, ¡°You can say that I¡¯ve seen some shit in the past.¡± Chuckling weakly then glancing about at each of them. Each laying silent, as several quiet awkward moments passed by. Something akin to a cricket, along with the wind whispering through the grass, the only sounds reaching their ears. Ugh, I¡¯m an asshole aren¡¯t I? Rey thought through the silence, her shoulders slumping down in resignation as she stared longingly at the ground. ¡°Sorry for asking, and thank you for sharing.¡± Jedd then said, breaking the ice, ¡°We¡¯re in a tense situation, so it¡¯s good to know these things.¡± She glanced about the still-forming camp as Farvo had only started on setting the tent¡¯s wooden support. ¡°We¡¯ve¡­been together for a very long time, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve noticed how close we all are. So it¡¯s a bit difficult for us to¡­fully trust, someone that just appeared out of nowhere.¡± Kaine shook his head, ¡°No it¡¯s fine, you¡¯ve all been very¡­welcoming.¡± He said with a mild smile, ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not very good with people, not since¡­a long time ago. I¡¯ve been playing solo for just as long too, so I apologise if I seem¡­distant.¡± ¡°Distant? Boy you barely say shit unless spoken to! I¡¯d say distant is just the tip of that dense ass iceberg that is you!¡± Farvo exclaimed, each of them bursting into a laugh because of him. Then each of them freezing, as a distant howling broke through their amusement and returning the tension anew. It was distant enough that none of them thought too much of it, but the fear and chill it brought with remained ever-present in the back of their minds for the rest of the night. As they continued to work, making small talk with one another while they did. And slowly, over several arduous hours. Made of wide leaves and plant fibre whilst held up by shaped branches, two tents rose on either side of a small dug-in fire pit. The flames slowly cooking away at thin straps of meat wrapped in strange bundles of tiny leaves, each held a few centimetres over the flame with a construct of thin but sturdy branches. The camp now ready, the food cooking and drying over a slowly dying flame, the party dividing into the two tents. Males and females to their own, with Slayn sleeping in front of the girl¡¯s tent entrance. A large Goldebeest skull inbetween the grizzly¡¯s jaws, devoid of flesh, Slayn chewed at the fresh bone. Although falling asleep, still it slowly crushed the skull beneath its powerful bite. Kaine took a weary breath as he lay over a mass of leaves, staring up at the tent¡¯s grassy ceiling. Whilst to his left Roy shuffled about trying to make himself comfortable, and to his right Farvo already lay snoring the night away. Today¡¯s been a long¡­very long day¡­ Kaine mused, as his eyes quickly lost the strength to remain awake. Two hours of blacked-out rest seemingly not enough after the tiresome day behind him. I¡¯m stuck in a game¡­A game, that we once loved. A world that once was¡­ours. I wonder, can you see me now? Wherever you are¡­Is this my punishment? Is this¡­retribution? For what I¡­couldn¡¯t¡­do? His thoughts even, slowing, as the weariness festered. Kaine allowed his eyes some rest, and fell asleep¡­ His dreams, as usual, full of that one face. That one smile he could not forget. That voice, he forced himself to remember. Her words having carved themselves into his memory. Live, little serpent. Live, for me. They echoed out from the depths of his mind. Live for us, and devour this hateful world. And suddenly, as usual, Kaine¡¯s eyes opened wide. But not as usual¡­he did not find a ceiling above him. While, the tent was still there. Something stood over him... Growling¡­
Hunter Gnoll [Level 3]
Salivating... Ch 6 - The Serpent
Hunter Gnoll [Level 3]
The creature growled as it stood over Kaine¡¯s waking form, bone axe in hand and raising it higher before suddenly lunging down at him. Immediately after, Kaine felt the adrenaline rush through his system, as he rolled out of the Gnoll¡¯s attack. Grabbing onto the creature¡¯s leather top and dragging it with as he rolled, before slamming the now confused being beside him. Kaine was the one to stand over it now, his blade cutting into its throat, as he held it down. Eyes wide and wary as he inspected it. A furred body with round ears, a long fanged snout, a hairy mane across its neck and back, sharp and jagged claws¡­The being was humanoid but with features akin to a hyena, as it snapped out of its daze and growled at him. Lunging once more with its bone-crafted axe, Kaine quickly parried the attack with his sword before stabbing his blade down into the creature¡¯s bare throat. Watching briefly, as it choked to death beneath him, the life dissipating from its eyes as its body went limp.
You have killed { Hunter Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 25/200
Hearing shuffling from behind him, Kaine turned to see another of the armoured creatures spread their tent¡¯s curtains wide and rush inside. Yipping like the beast it seemed, as it slashed widely with its long bone-sword, a blade several times thicker and longer than Kaine¡¯s. He pressed forward, parrying the attack with his short-sword and holding the creature where it stood, as it continued to push against him. Growling and snarling, showing off its jagged fangs as it bit towards him. ¡°What in the bloody fuck?!¡± Farvo exclaimed in surprise as he woke to find a dead Gnoll laying beside him. ¡°S-Shit!¡± Roy waking up too after hearing the Dwarf shout, each of them grabbing their swords which lay beside them. Kaine¡¯s expression though was not one of relief, but paling, as their exclamations lured more of the beasts to their tent¡­Seeing several more through the holes in the tent, roaming outside and gathering. ¡°There¡¯s more! Help me with this one!¡± Kaine exclaimed as he felt the Gnoll¡¯s greater physical strength slowly push him down. Then hearing a rumbling growl, much louder than the Gnoll¡¯s, as suddenly a massive brown paw appeared through the tent¡¯s entrance. Slayn¡¯s snout becoming briefly visible as it bit down on the Gnoll¡¯s shoulder, then disappearing after pulling the creature out with it.
Your party has killed { Slayer Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 35/200
All hell woke then, as the sounds of a massive grizzly brawling with who knew how many Gnolls began sounding off outside their tent. ¡°The fuck do we do?¡± Farvo asked, his voice barely audible among the yips, growls and snarls. Kaine glanced back at him with a raised brow, turning to the dwarf but walking right past him. ¡°We fight.¡± He said, as he kneeled down and grabbed hold of the dead Gnoll¡¯s axe. ¡°Or we die.¡± Adding as he walked past the both of them again, and then onto the battle outside. The sun was just barely starting to rise off in the horizon, leaving the entirety of their camp still in the dark as utter chaos ruled it. As Slayn lay guarding the girl¡¯s tent, the grizzly growling and swiping at five Gnolls which surrounded it with spears and slings. Between that and Kaine, lay the long-sword wielding Gnoll, dead and torn to shreds on the floor. A kill that, hadn¡¯t come without its toll as Kaine noticed several bleeding cuts across the bear¡¯s side and legs. Then seeing as he glanced to either side of their own tent, four more Gnolls, warily eyeing him down as Roy and Farvo stepped out beside him. ¡°Shit, there¡¯s a whole lot of them!¡± Farvo said in agitation as he immediately raised his sword at the lone Gnoll to their left. Roy though wasn¡¯t as shaken. As he stepped out of the tent with a javelin in hand, the Elf swiping his arm forth the second a target entered his line of sight. ¡°One less right there.¡± He said as his projectile flew true, embedding itself into a Gnoll¡¯s chest, the creature fell face first into the ground. Dead.
[Roy White] has killed { Slinger Gnoll [Level 3] }
Seeing this, the two sling-wielding Gnolls which surrounded Slayn, turned towards them instead. ¡°Yeah, good fucking job at taking aggro!¡± Farvo said sarcastically, rushing back inside the tent as a volley of stones flew at them. Both Roy and Kaine having to duck to avoid the sharp pebbles themselves. ¡°Watch it!¡± Kaine exclaimed, pushing Roy aside as he stepped to parry another Gnoll¡¯s axe with his sword, the beast having targeted the Elf. ¡°There¡¯s too many!¡± Roy exclaimed, seeing three more Gnolls come around the tent from their left as he himself engaged one wielding a stone hammer. ¡°They¡¯re reloading!¡± Kaine then warned, seeing the slingers take aim at Roy once more. ¡°Fuck, Farvo! Jedd!¡± He shouted out, stepping back and allowing the Gnoll¡¯s own force to push itself towards him. Leaving it wide open, as Kaine used his own axe to pull the Gnoll¡¯s arm out of the way, then suddenly stabbing his blade into the creature¡¯s chest. Holding it where it stood, dying, Kaine then turned and carried the creature with. Coming to stand between the Slingers and Roy¡­and using the dying Gnoll¡¯s body as a shield. Blood splattered onto his face, as stone bashed into leather and flesh. The slingers killing their own comrade as they fired wildly at Roy.
You have mercilessly killed { Hunter Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 60/200
Yet, Kaine got the kill himself. ¡°Can¡¯t a girl¡­get some fucking sleep¡­around here!?¡± Jedd exclaimed in a rage as she appeared over Slayn¡¯s back, leaping off her tame and descending down on an unsuspecting spear Gnoll with her short-sword. Her blade slashing off the creature¡¯s left arm before she thrust it up through the neck and into its head.
[Jedd] has stylishly killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] }
¡°Ugh, what the fuck is going on?!¡± Jedd shouted out as she grabbed hold of the spear herself, then backing away from the two other Warriors and coming to stand next to Slayn. ¡°It¡¯s free loot! Don¡¯t question it!¡± Rey said in amusement as she stepped out from behind the tent, lobbing forth a javelin to assist her brother. The projectile soared through the camp and found its resting place within a poor Gnoll¡¯s knee as it tried to slash at Roy¡¯s back. ¡°Dammit, get those Slingers!¡± Jedd ordered as she took cover behind Slayn, the two Slingers having turned their attention to her instead. ¡°Busy!¡± both Roy and Kaine exclaimed as each held at bay two to three Gnolls each. Kaine dancing around two Warrior¡¯s spear thrusts whilst still using the dead Gnoll¡¯s body as a shield, but having to abandon the corpse as a third Gnoll wielding a long bone-sword dashed at him. He turned to meet the beast¡¯s charge, kicking the corpse forward and into its path as he unsheathed his blade from the chest. The Slayer effortlessly slashed aside the dead Hunter and continued on towards Kaine. Snarling, yipping in maddened exhilaration as it came upon him. As its large bone blade met his axe and sword, Kaine barely holding the creature¡¯s greater strength at bay, but not intent on fighting it with strength alone. As once again, he stepped aside, giving it leeway to push forward¡­ Using every bit of his strength and agility, Kaine evaded out of the way, as two spears lunged to where his back once lay. One of them, lightly catching his shoulder as he stepped aside.
{ [Life]: 15/16 }
But the other, although deflected slightly by the Slayer¡¯s downward slash, still it thrust forth. Piercing into the Slayer¡¯s face.
You have slyly killed { Slayer Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 85/200
The Warrior watched in brief confusion as his ally dangled off his spear¡¯s end, watching as the Slayer slipped off the sharpened bone point and down to the ground. Confusion which quickly turned to darkness, as Kaine¡¯s sword stabbed through its chest. Piercing into what now was its no longer beating heart.
You have killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 110/200
Turning, Kaine used the Warrior¡¯s body the same as earlier, using his sword as a handle and the corpse as a shield as the second Warrior¡¯s confusion instead turned to rage.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Snarling as it thrust its spear at him, although the pointed end embedded itself into the corpse¡¯s back instead. Kaine smiled, widely he grinned as he took a step back and kicked the corpse forward, pulling his blade out while at the same time pushing the body deeper into the spear. ¡°Fuck this shit! Outta my way!¡± Farvo suddenly exclaimed as the Dwarf returned from inside the tent, wielding in both hands what seemed like a short hollowed out log¡­ As¡­slowly¡­a thin line of string at the back slowly burned away from a small flame. Kaine¡¯s eyes immediately went wide at the sight, his expression paling further as the make-shift cannon was aimed in his direction. Ducking down¡­Kaine dropped to the floor as the Warrior Gnoll before him released his spear and grabbed hold of the Slayer¡¯s bone sword. Raising it above its head as it stood over Kaine¡­ But was given no time to attack, as the sound of a reverberating boom echoed out throughout the camp and beyond. As Farvo was sent flying back into the tent log and all, whilst from within the cannon shot out a large spherical rock. Smouldering, the stone bashed through the Warrior¡¯s left shoulder, taking both flesh and bone with before crashing right into one of the Slinger¡¯s chest. Disabling one and instantly killing the other.
[Farvo10] has dwarfishly killed { Slinger Gnoll [Level 3] }
All stared flabbergasted as the Slinger fell dead on its back. Both players and monsters stared at the dwarf, petrified for several moments, as he stumbled back out of the tent. ¡°Well¡­m-might have put a bit too much powder in there¡­¡± Farvo mused with a cough as he held a shattered piece of wood in hand, what remained of the make-shift cannon. ¡°You think!?¡± Roy exclaimed, slashing aside his opponent¡¯s spear then thrusting his sword into the startled Gnoll¡¯s chest.
[Roy White] has killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] }
Kaine on the other hand rose shakily, a trial of smoke still lingering beside him where the stone had soared through like a comet. He took a quick glance at his surroundings. Farvo, the maniac as Kaine had decided to call him from now on, had dropped his ruined weapon and rushed with his sword to aid Roy. The male twin still facing two Gnolls on his own. On the other side of camp, Jedd and Lara rode over Slayn¡¯s wide back, the both of them poking away with bone-spears at three Warrior Gnolls and the last remaining Slinger. A Slinger which lost its weapon, as Rey¡¯s javelin soared into its shoulder. We¡¯re recuperating ground¡­ Kaine thought as he glanced at the many corpses which now riddled the campgrounds, turning then to face the whining Gnoll beside him, as it lay on the ground shaking in agony.
{ [Life]: 2/16 }
He watched as it slowly bled out.
{ [Life]: 1/16 }
Feeling his hands starting to shake as he watched¡­ As he met its pleading eyes¡­ But it wasn¡¯t fear which filled him. No, Kaine wasn¡¯t frozen in fear. He was willingly standing there, as he clenched his weapons.
{ [Life]: 0/16 }
Forcing himself to just watch, as he resisted the urge which plagued him.
Your party has dwarfishly killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial experience gained 125/200
Taking a deep, long breath, as the creature fell limp. ¡°Jor! Now¡¯s not the damn time!¡± Jedd exclaimed, snapping him out of his daze as he turned to them, just in time to see Slayn crash through the three spears. Throwing two aside, while Jedd stabbed her own spear through the third.
Your party has killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] }
The other two Warrior Gnolls quickly recovered though, standing back up and thrusting their spears into Slayn¡¯s hide, as the weaponless Slinger Gnoll suddenly leapt up onto the grizzly¡¯s back. Snarling and yipping in frustration, as it slapped Lara¡¯s spear aside. ¡°Fuck! Kill it!¡± Jedd exclaimed, abandoning her spear as she rose to stand over Slayn¡¯s back, unsheathing her sword. But, losing her footing, as Slayn suddenly collapsed to the ground.
{ [Life]: 2/25 }
Barely breathing, Slayn¡¯s body was riddled with cuts and holes, each bleeding profusely. Covering much of the grizzly¡¯s fur with blood. ¡°Slayn?!¡± Jedd exclaimed, as she stumbled back and off the bear, watching as she fell¡­ As the Slinger Gnoll forced Lara over its shoulders and leapt off. ¡°Lara-¡± Jedd tried to shout but was cut off, as she slammed back first into the ground. Coughing as she rose to her knees, finding a dying Slayn¡¯s snout before her when she did. Her eyes going wide as she saw the bear take its final breath.
Your party¡¯s tame {Slayn} has fallen!
Then hearing footsteps behind her, Jedd glanced back to find herself faced with the two remaining Warrior Gnolls. Spears held clenched tight and aimed towards her, as they snarled and growled. Yipping as if laughing at her. Her expression paling, as they suddenly thrust their spears at her fallen form. Closing her eyes in fear of what was to come, her sight went dark¡­ And¡­ Nothing. She heard it, she heard the sound of something hitting and tearing flesh, even breaking bone. Yet, Jedd felt nothing, she felt none of the pain she expected to feel. Opening her eyes then, to see the two Gnolls lying dead on the ground before her. And Kaine, standing over their limp bodies with sword and axe in hand, blood-drenched from top to bottom. She met his eyes, wide and cold as she had seen them the day before. Eyes, which wouldn¡¯t be found on just anyone. She watched, as his gaze moved from her and to their right. She watched him grimace, then followed his gaze. Seeing for herself as the Slinger Gnoll dashed off, running on all threes, disappearing into the tall grass ahead whilst holding a struggling Lara on his back with one hand. Then, as the sound of dozens of yips, growls and snarls first reached her, Jedd glanced to the left to see a dozen more Gnolls step out of the tall grass. ¡°Fuck they took Lara!¡± Rey exclaimed in agitation as she, her brother and Farvo came to stand next to them. Weapons held ready as they faced the party of laughing barbarians ahead. ¡°Go.¡± Then said a cold voice from beside them, each of them turning to look at Kaine as he stared at the Gnolls. ¡°Go after her, come on.¡± He urged them, taking a step back himself. This is it. Kaine thought. Jedd nodded, briefly giving Slayn¡¯s limp body a glance before grabbing her spear and sword. ¡°Let¡¯s fucking go! Come on, come on!¡± She exclaimed, each of them then turning tail and rushing after the one Gnoll¡¯s direction. I can¡¯t hold it any longer¡­ As the new group of Gnolls, growled out their battle cries, several rushing to loot the tents or hack away at Slayn¡¯s body¡­But most¡­most gave chase after them. I guess¡­this is it. Kaine mused, as they ran, animalistic barks and yips sounding off from the hunting party behind them as they made their way through the tall grass. As the all too fast Hunter Gnolls caught up with them, Kaine glancing at one to either side of him.
Hunter Gnoll [Level 3]
Although shorter than himself still they looked fearsome, they ran on all fours to keep up, as they snarled and growled at him. Like some terrifying monster out of a nightmare he once had as a child. I guess¡­ But¡­Kaine was no longer a child. He was a far shot from the person he once was. This¡­ Kaine thought, glancing at the rest as they ran ahead, as he dragged back behind them¡­
You have left the party.
Is where I die? Suddenly stopping in his steps and slashing widely to either side, the two Gnolls running head-first into both of his weapons. Both of them falling flat on their backs, as Kaine dropped to his left knee, stabbing down his sword into the right¡¯s chest and bashing his axe into the left¡¯s head. Killing both.
You have single-handedly killed { Hunter Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial experience gained 150/200
You have single-handedly killed { Hunter Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial experience gained 175/200
Then rising and turning around as another Hunter Gnoll came up, Kaine threw his axe. The weapon soaring awkwardly at the creature as it tried to parry the throw, successfully doing so but¡­ Unable to avoid the sword as Kaine thrust low, stabbing his blade up through its lower side and into its gut.
{ [Life]: 7/14 }
Still, it survived that too.
{ [Life]: 6/14 }
Although slowly it began to bleed out. It stared into Kaine¡¯s wide eyes. Its own, full of fear, pleading for mercy as they stared into Kaine¡¯s. And they were cold. Cold, but not empty. As he smiled. As he grinned. Enjoying every moment, every drop of blood, tearing of flesh and breaking of bone. As he pushed his sword further inside.
{ [Life]: 3/14 }
Staring deep into the dying Gnoll¡¯s eyes, watching with great amusement as he tore his sword out. Watching as the light faded from those eyes.
You have single-handedly killed { Hunter Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial experience gained 200/200
Level up! Martial Level 3 reached! +1 to all Martial stats. 3 Neutral Martial Points available for distribution!
{The Merciless} Title Unlocked! +25% Dexterity +25% Strength -25% Perception
Kaine stopped there, briefly standing frozen. As the Gnoll¡¯s body dropped dead to the ground. As the rest, came to a crawling stop around him. Surrounding him. Growling. Snarling. Their collective sounds rising with excitement, as they yipped, as if laughing. As he took this pause to set his title.
{Character} Race: Elf Total Level: 3 Martial Level: 3 Arcana Level: 0 Crafting Level: 0 Main Faction: None Reputation: 0 Guild: None Title: {The Reckless}
As Kaine quickly and mentally altered his Martial stats.
[Martial Arts]; 3 {0} Neutral Points -Strength / 5- -Agility / 7.5 (5)- -Dexterity / 7.5 (5)- -Vitality / 3- -Perception / 3-
And with his life still only a single point of damage below the max.
{ [Life]: 15/16 }
Kaine faced the Gnolls before him, as many more lay stalking about his surroundings. As the sun rose, rays of golden light now shining through the blades of tall grass around him. Giving out shadows across his face. Making his piercing green eyes, as they lay oh so dreadfully cold and staring, seem so much more fearsome. As the wind whistled through, the grass flowing with, and with also moved the shadows. As Kaine¡¯s grin¡­widened. ¡°I escaped that hateful world¡­I¡¯ve made friends¡­I¡¯ve decided on how to answer her too¡­Then I guess, It¡¯s a good day to die.¡± Kaine mused, his voice low and whispering out with the wind. ¡°So, come on¡­¡± ¡°Come at me, measly pups.¡± He hissed out, arms wide open with weapons held tight. The sun¡¯s light, reflecting off the blood which covered his body. Giving him a reddish, hellish hue. ¡°Can you kill¡­this blood thirsty serpent that is me!?¡± Ch 7 - True Colours A low discord of howls sounded off from all around him, as the Gnolls recognised the threat that was Kaine. Calling upon more allies, as the five around him slowly turned to seven¡­nine¡­twelve¡­ Fifteen Gnolls surrounded Kaine now. Kaine though¡­was not afraid. Long had he made peace with what was to occur here. I¡¯m sorry, I cannot keep our promise. He thought to himself, clenching his weapons as he held his sword ahead defensively, whilst wielding the bone axe close by and ready to counter any attack. As he grinned, widely and madly he grinned. ¡°Come on!¡± Kaine exclaimed, his outburst sending many a Gnoll rushing back several steps away from him. As his very appearance oozed death. Fear filling each monster, as they stared at him cautiously.
Like armour you wield their fear
When suddenly, an opaque black window briefly appeared in his sight. Ignoring it, Kaine kept his attention on his surroundings. Watching as the Gnolls made not the first step. And deciding, if they weren¡¯t coming to him¡­ Then he would come to them. As exhilaration overcame patience, Kaine rushed forth. Slashing aside a spear before slamming his axe into the wielder¡¯s face, the Gnoll stumbling back in pain as Kaine continued on around it. Parrying bone weapons left and right, ducking under spear thrusts and stone throws, Kaine quickly disappeared into the tall grass and scattered shadows beyond. The sound of his footsteps then going dead silent. Unseen and scentless as the entire area smelled like blood, blood which he was covered in... The Gnolls lost complete sight of him. As their giggle like yips filled the area, howls and growls communicating each creature¡¯s confusion. Long moments passed by, as the Gnolls began to spread out and search for Kaine.
You have stealthily killed { Slayer Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 15/300
When suddenly a loud yelp sounded off, quickly turning into a dying whine right after, disrupting the silence. As Kaine returned to hiding in the shadows of the rising sun, laying low and slowly making his way through the grass. Only moving when the wind whistled through, walking in the direction it blew the grass to retain his hidden state. He listened, carefully he listened for their sounds. The sound of their feet crushing dirt and grass. The sound of their noses, sniffing deeply. The sound of their signals, as they communicated with one another. Kaine heard it all, making a mental map of what lay in which direction. What they wielded or looked like unknown to him from where he hid, still it didn¡¯t matter to Kaine as long as he knew where they were, and in what direction they were moving. The wind blew into his back, and he stalked forth, approaching another two Gnolls ahead as they moved away from discovering the last death. Both disturbed by the silence, both afraid of the unseen enemy. As Kaine suddenly rose behind the two Warriors, his axe slashing open one¡¯s throat as he stabbed his sword deep into the other¡¯s back.
You have stealthily killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 30/300
You have stealthily killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 45/300
Immediately he pulled away, having to abandon his sword as it wouldn¡¯t return from the Gnoll¡¯s bones. Instead, he picked up one of their spears. Quickly, but at the same time carefully, rushing off from the scene. Stopping dead as the wind stopped blowing, Kaine then dropped as low as he could. Watching as many a Gnoll rushed to their now dead comrades, growling and snarling as they searched for him. But saw nothing, as from their perspective he had disappeared completely once more. Frustration began to build up among the Gnolls, as their snarls grew keener, their yips and growls becoming full blown bellows and roars. They gathered back together, surrounding the last two deaths as they finally began to show off some semblance of intelligence albeit their beast-like features. Forming a flimsy, circular formation, from the twelve of them that remained.
Through the shadows you tread
As once again, an opaque black bar with blood red and italic words appeared in Kaine¡¯s sight. Confusing him, as he had never seen anything like this before in the previous game. But as he remembered the previous sentence, and read this new one¡­ Kaine realised what they were. Like armour you wield their fear¡­Like armour, I, wield their fear. Through the shadows you tread¡­Through shadows, I tread. Repeating both in his mind and changing the wording¡¯s point of view to his own. Kaine remembered, he remembered what it was and what it meant¡­He also remembered, the next two sentences to the chant. As he rose to his feet, revealing himself to the Gnolls who immediately turned to him. Eyes wide as they snarled and bellowed, frantic and confused, afraid as they faltered even whilst he stood before them. ¡°Like armour I wield your fear.¡± Kaine spoke, as he felt something suddenly course through his body. ¡°Through the shadows, I tread.¡± He said, as something akin to jolts of electricity rushed through his bones. As his own voice changed, the hissing tone he before forced out from a rush of excitement, now coming out as naturally as if it was his own. ¡°I abandon the purity of this form, then embrace, the after.¡± He spoke the words from memory alone, remembering the chant from the many times he had faced its original casters. ¡°I embrace, my hunger. I embrace, my silence. I embrace¡­my darkness.¡± He chanted, as several Gnolls built up the courage and rushed at him.
Arcane Arts Unlocked! Arcane level: 1 Intelligence +1 Spirit +1 Expertise +1 Sense +1 Aura +1
The Trial by blood, has begun. Prove yourself strong, Prove yourself fearless, Prove yourself, worthy¡­.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KheI_qHGT1o
Kaine took a deep breath, feeling the energy surging through his body, a familiar feeling he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. He looked up, meeting the Gnoll¡¯s frozen gazes.
The sight of you chills them to the bone
Kaine took a step forth. The Gnolls snapping out of their frozen state as he moved. Suddenly thrusting forward two spears at him, Kaine meeting them with his own spear as he swept both aside with a single wave of it. The still confused Gnolls faltering when he struck their weapons. He continued on towards them, his spear dragging along theirs before digging deep into one¡¯s chest, piercing through the flimsy leather amour and into its flesh. Abandoning that spear, Kaine turned to the other Warrior as it backed away from him. Away from his cold eyes, away from his wide smirk. He grabbed its spear, ending its retreat briefly enough for his axe to slash across its throat. Splattering more blood onto his face.
You have killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 60/300
{Blood Well} 1/7
You have killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 75/300
{Blood Well} 2/7
Grinning, widely Kaine grinned as he turned towards his next victim. Meeting the Slayer¡¯s large blade with his axe, just barely equalling the creature¡¯s raw strength with his own. As he pushed against its weapon with his. Then suddenly releasing and stepping aside. The Slayer Gnoll falling forward from the sudden leeway, that¡¯s when Kaine grabbed onto its hairy mane and pulled it further. Slamming the Gnoll onto the ground before descending upon its fallen form with his axe. Once, twice, thrice¡­ Four times Kaine hacked at the creature¡¯s back. Each time his axe released its flesh¡­ the Gnoll tried to rise but was not allowed to, as again Kaine¡¯s weapon crashed down into its rising form. Pushing it back down to the ground, splattering blood all over¡­As he brutalized it.
You have brutally killed { Slayer Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 90/300
{Blood Well} 3/7
Then backing off, as a Hunter Gnoll¡¯s axe suddenly swiped by where his face once lay. One, two¡­Stolen story; please report. Kaine took three steps back and away, as two Slinger Gnolls came to the front then took aim upon him. He saw the stones fly, he saw them approach, and he even tried to evade them.
{ [Life]: 12/16 }
But he was too slow. Feeling one stone bash into his left shoulder, the impact reducing though as he spun with it, the stone continuing on behind him as he turned. Blood, bright red it was as it dripped down his shoulder, then onto his arm and chest. The pain from the wound coursed through with every movement. He was able to move it without too much agony, so nothing was broken, but still the pain was there. Ever present, as if telling him this is the price for failure. It was merely a reminder to Kaine though, he knew all too well the price for failure. As he turned to face the Slingers, eyes still wide as before, but the smile was gone. His eyes also, seeming less cold than before, almost maniac as they shook but held focus.
The sight of you chills them to the bone
Again, the words appeared. Kaine now understanding what they meant too. ¡°The sight of me, chills you down to the bone.¡± He repeated the words yet altering them like before, all the while taking a step towards the reloading Slingers. As their gazes rose to meet his, the both of them suddenly stopping their movements entirely for a few brief seconds¡­ Their eyes, widening with fear, as their bodies trembled. A chill ran up their spines, then they dropped their weapons and turned tail. Suddenly and frantically the two Slingers¡­just ran off, confusing their comrades. Confusion which Kaine used and abused, as his axe flew true, bashing into the nearest Hunter¡¯s face. Not killing him, but distracting him enough¡­ Enough for Kaine to close the distance between them. As he snatched the weapon off the stumbling Gnoll, bashing the new axe across its face once more and making it stumble further back. Kaine then dashed off from it, although still it lived, he didn¡¯t want to remain standing in the same spot for too long. Keep moving, keep attacking. He willed himself on, leaning forward as he ran, just enough to retrieve the axe he had just thrown and to make himself smaller. As a bone-carved blade slashed over his head, evading that attack he then stopped on the spot. Slashing both weapons forth and causing the Slayer Gnoll to step back and away. It prepared its weapon, thinking itself safe and ready. It wasn¡¯t ready. It wasn¡¯t safe. As Kaine¡¯s axe crashed with its sword, luring it to put force forward, but immediately backing away and stepping aside as it did. Slowing down its reaction to the next move, as Kaine¡¯s other axe slammed blade first into its Gnoll¡¯s sword arm, hacking deep enough into its flesh to break bone. The Gnoll screamed out in agony, a brief whine as its arm went limp, leaving nothing between Kaine¡¯s axe¡­and its throat.
You have expertly killed { Slayer Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 105/300
{Blood Well} 4/7
Again, Kaine backed away. One, two, three¡­ Four steps back, putting some distance between him and those that remained. Six Kaine counted, seeing one squirming Hunter Gnoll searching for a weapon whilst the other five covered it, two Warriors, two more Hunters and a Slayer. Each wary of his every move, each trembling as they held their weapons defensively ahead. Growling and snarling. Dogs that bark too much, never bite first. Kaine mused, as he suddenly threw both axes. The two weapons wonkily flying at both Warriors, as each rushed to deflect the attack¡­Raising their spears defensively¡­ And leaving themselves wide open for Kaine, as he gripped onto the long bone blade two-handed whilst he charged low and towards them. Then slashing widely as he came within range, feeling the blade¡¯s sharp edge cleave right through both their spear shafts and defenceless bellies. Watching briefly as the game¡¯s graphical glory fully revealed itself, as guts and murky blood splashed out from the wounds...
You have multi killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 120/300
{Blood Well} 5/7
You have multi killed { Warrior Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 135/300
{Blood Well} 6/7
Turning immediately then to parry as two axes descended upon him, using the blade to block one and the sword¡¯s long handle to stop the other. Slowly¡­being forced back, as the two Hunter Gnoll¡¯s strength out did his own. Kaine tried to retreat, pushing as hard as he could on them before suddenly falling back and making them stumble¡­
{ [Life]: 5/16 }
Only to walk right into the Slayer¡¯s attack; As its lunging blade slashed right into Kaine¡¯s side, leaving a massive gash across his lower left side. It must have snuck around without me noticing¡­ Startled by this, Kaine slashed widely at the Slayer but missed, the both of them then retreating from one another. After putting some more distance between him and the remaining four, Kaine groaned as blood gushed out of his new wound.
{ [Life]: 4/16 }
He was bleeding, and knew he wouldn¡¯t last long. He had to end this now, and quickly. Seeing his weakened state though, the Gnolls suddenly seemed revitalized. As if seeing him bleed, gave them courage. As the Slayer, and all three Hunters, moved to surround him. Whining, yipping and growling at one another. Communicating, as the Slayer seemingly took the lead. Roaring and snarling at Kaine, trying to gain and keep his attention. While the other three stayed mostly silent, as they stalked about.
{ [Life]: 3/16 }
Kaine watched through the blades of tall grass, slowly backing away as to not be surrounded whilst keeping tabs on each Gnoll. Seeing him back away, the Slayer Gnoll¡¯s courage reached its peak. Overexcited by its newly gained higher moral ground, it snarled out ferociously before charging at Kaine. Stabbing its great blade towards him. Right then each of the three Hunters also charged, enclosing on Kaine and striking at him from every direction. Kaine lay surrounded, he lay outnumbered and outmatched as too many attacks descended upon him from too many directions. Too many for him to evade. But¡­ As he fell to a kneel and raised his sword up defensively¡­ They weren¡¯t too many to block. As the Slayer¡¯s blade came first, thrusting into Kaine¡¯s sword and being redirected over him. Kaine led it, he used the parry to lead the blade just right¡­ Using both weapons which now lay over him to parry the axe that came from the left, and the one that came from the right. Then, evading the one that came from behind completely. As he released his weapon and charged the Slayer, headbutting the Gnoll in its gut and tackling it to the ground. He heard them, he heard the three Hunters turn to attack him as he did¡­ And as they moved to do so, as the Slayer Gnoll snarled and roared up at him. Whilst it struggled, Kaine used every bit of his strength to roll over with it. Blood then splashed to either side of him, as two axes descended upon the Slayer¡¯s back, each Hunter then backing away in confusion and fright after accidentally hitting their own. Agony coursed through the Slayer¡¯s expression and with just as great a painful tone it bellowed and cried, unable to fight back as Kaine pushed it off him then stood back up and away. One of the Hunter Gnolls charged at him the moment he did, relentless in their pursuit of him. But Kaine was ready, as he used his greater speed to sidestep its wide slash. Then rolling forward as another axe descended upon him, continuing his roll and coming back to stand several feet away from the closest Gnoll, the Slayer who still lay groaning and whining on the ground. Kaine watched as the three Gnolls then each turned towards him¡­and charged.
{ [Life]: 2/16 }
His bleeding, still very much in effect too. Hah¡­This is it. Kaine thought as he lay unarmed and with none in his direct vicinity. Alone, as three armed and furious Gnolls charged at him. Coldness filled his eyes, as his expression suddenly relaxed. Prepared, aware¡­ That there was no escape, no possible counter or route to take. Twice he considered several options, but none would work. Kaine knew then that¡­this is where he would die. As he smiled, acceptance painting his face whilst he waited for these brief final moments to pass.
You have mercilessly killed { Slayer Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 150/300
{Blood Well} 7/7
{Blood Well} Full
But as some sort of saving grace, windows began to pop up into his view in rapid succession. As everything around him¡­No¡­As his own perception of everything, of time itself, suddenly slowed down to a crawl.
They gather to watch your accomplishments. They smile upon you, their thirst quenched by the blood you¡¯ve spilled. Blood, gathered by your hands. Blood, released by your methods. For this¡­ Dark Gods smile upon you¡­
Race change in progress.
You feel strange¡­ You feel changing¡­ You smell blood, your own blood. As it boils, as it twists and warps within you. You feel... You feel reborn anew.
Race change completed. You are now a Dark Elf
They welcome you. New born, first born¡­ Dark born.
{First of the Dark Born} [Racial] Title unlocked! Your bloodline runs strong within you. And the blood of others¡­empowers you. +25% Perception +1 (Rounded 25% of base) Dexterity and Agility for each consecutive execution. (Maximum of 10 stacks)
[Racial] Titles unlocked! These are hidden unless purposely announced to a target.
Kaine watched as his pasty pale skin suddenly rushed into a dark violet. As tendrils of his long dark blue hair which fell into his sight gained strands of dark green. Unseen to himself though, were his eyes. Green they remained, if not a bit darker than before¡­ But they changed the most, as suddenly his pupils turned to slits, and the white colouring began filling with blood before going fully pitch black. Kaine felt the same rush of power he had felt before, like electricity rushing through his body. Followed by a deep sensation of burning, as his wounds lit up with agony. He groaned at the pain, but to the Gnolls it sounded like he was growling.
{ [Life]: 1/16 }
Left within an inch of his life, Kaine watched as time around him sped back to normal. But nothing was normal anymore. As he felt himself move almost twice as fast as before, evading in between two of the Hunter¡¯s swipes before pushing through and passing between them. Faster Kaine thought, as he dashed towards a fallen Warrior, grabbing hold of a spear and an axe before turning around to face the remaining three Gnolls. They faltered, each of them confused and disturbed by his changed appearance. And confused one of their expressions remained, as Kaine quickly threw the spear, sending it forth like a javelin he also found that his accuracy had tremendously increased. Nailing the scarred Hunter directly in the centre of its chest and sending it stumbling back to the ground.
You have killed { Hunter Gnoll [Level 3] } Martial Experience gained 165/300
Kaine sighed, a long breath of relief as he rose to stare down the last two Gnolls. Axe clenched tightly within his good hand, although his left wasn¡¯t aching with pain anymore, similarly how his wound was no longer bleeding¡­ He himself was slightly confused, but fully understood the situation he had put himself into. He had gained power, power which came at a price, but power nonetheless. Maybe¡­I won¡¯t have to meet you again so soon. Kaine mused. Maybe I can¡­keep our promise just a bit longer. Kaine thought, that single thought filling him with resolve. As he stared them down, and they, slowly backed away. Seeing not an Elf in front of them anymore. Through both sight and scent, the Gnolls saw something entirely different before them now. No longer prey to be taken down, no longer food or entertainment. The Gnolls now saw a predator eyeing them up. They glanced at their fallen comrades, too many for them to count as their gazes passed over the bloodied grass. They were surrounded by vivid red. Kaine had killed many, more than they were right now. And as they met his cold, dreadful gaze, they knew that they would be next. This thought sent a chill crawling up their spines, fear suddenly filling them as they met the Dark Elf¡¯s eyes. That fear lit up something within, when Kaine took a step towards them. A cold, frigid flame¡­Like frost, quickly the feeling filled them. Another step, Kaine slowly moved closer. Seeing their fear, watching it intently as he approached. Waiting for those words to appear again, yet they did not. Which, gave him a thought. ¡°The sight of me, chills you down to the bone¡± He chanted, then saw the mildest flicker of green light shine within each Gnoll¡¯s eyes. As the fear that permeated them suddenly filled their entire expressions, and they ran. Dropping their weapons then turning about, both Gnolls rushed off terrified, as if a greater monster than Kaine had suddenly appeared and snarled at them. Kaine watched them leave, as the adrenaline slowly drained from his body, exhaustion taking its place.
Spell {Dreadful Sight} has been learned! Arcane experience gained 50/100
He fell back and onto his ass, tired, as patches of strain and numbness began showing up all over his body.
[4] Jor Mungandr - [M]Level:3 - [A]Level:1 - [C]Level:0 {The Reckless} {First of the Dark Born} { [Life]: 1/16 } { [Breath]: 7/160 } { [Arcana]: 2/10 }
He was completely worn out, and his UI reflected that. But still Kaine was relieved, after all, he was still alive and... At least...nobody got to see me like that. Truly, he was relieved. Ch 8 / Part 1 - The plotted lines
{Spells Scroll}
-Induction Spells-
{Dreadful Sight [1/10]} ; Induce fear into enemies within direct line of sight of you through words of power. Enemy must be able to hear you. Enemy must be able to see you. Fear Intensity: Within 1 level of you or lower. Fear duration: 5 minutes while within line of sight of you, 10 seconds if not. Enemies in combat with you will disengage.
Kaine inspected his new additions whilst going about collecting whatever he could from the dead Gnolls. Gathering himself a bone knife, a sling & pouch of shaped stones, a bone spear, two bone long-swords, three bone axes and also retrieving his lesser copper sword. Returning it to his belt. Now¡­
{ [Life]: 6/16 }
Slowly he was recovering from the bloody battle, but ready for another one he was definitely not. Not any time soon, and no matter what he was doing, Kaine remained on high alert.
{Jor Mungandr}
Race: Dark Elf Total Level: 4 Martial Level: 3 Arcana Level: 1 Crafting Level: 0 Main Faction: None Reputation: 0 Guild: None Title: {The Reckless} Racial Title: {First of the Dark Born}
[Elven Civilian Shirt] [Bandage Gloves] [Vine Belt] [Elven Civilian Pants] [Bandage Socks]
[Martial Arts]; 3 [Arcane Arts]; 1 [Crafting Arts]; 0
{0} Neutral Points -Strength / 5- -Agility / 7.5 (5)- -Dexterity / 7.5 (5)- -Vitality / 3- -Perception / 4.5 (3)- -Intelligence / 1- -Spirit / 1- -Expertise / 1- -Sense / 1- -Aura / 1- -Brightsmithing / 0- -Enchanting / 0- -Handicraft / 0- -Leatherworking / 0- -Blacksmithing / 0- -Tinkering / 0- -Alchemy / 0- -Ritualcraft / 0- -Herbalism / 0- -Gathering / 0- -Mining / 0- -Woodchopping / 0- -Hunting / 0- -Cooking / 0- -Minstrelcraft / 0- -Sigilcraft / 0-
Opening his character page, Kaine then sighed at the sight of his newly changed race. Inspecting it to gain further information.
{Dark Elves} {Drow} {Dal¡¯Fae} -Dark Sight; You sense movement within darkness and shadows. Nothing of physical make can sneak up on you whilst you lay in at least shade, to pitch darkness. -Demon Master; Can [Summon] a link to a demonic entity, forming a {Contract of servitude} with you as the master. -Corrupt Creation; +15% experience gain to Sigilcraft and Enchanting. Capable of using Curse enchantments.
This is¡­something. He thought, remembering the strange words that appeared in his sight earlier. Understanding now that those notifications were probably how players learned spells and used magic in general in this new world. Which made him wonder¡­ Can I¡­make more Dark Elves? Kaine mused, glancing back at his spell list but seeing no such thing. No spell was unlocked for that, which makes me wonder¡­Can I still cast it or show someone how to cast it if I know the words? Well, it wasn¡¯t the only way to turn Dark Elf back in the old game but without finding some kind of underground mage society or something of the sort, the others won¡¯t really work that well¡­Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. He sighed, deciding to leave such thoughts for a later time, seeing his current situation at the moment was bit too dire for theory make. Glancing about himself and at the carnage left in his wake, Kaine felt shame, this was a side of himself that he absolutely hated. I lost control¡­Again¡­It¡¯s been a while, I guess it really was a bad idea to return to these kind of games¡­ He sighed once more. Not that I can leave now. He then mused with a light chuckle, finding his current situation even more ironic. Well, what¡¯s next? I should probably move away from here and quickly, rather not get into another fight any time soon¡­I wonder how those guys made it, hopefully they¡¯ve retrieved Lara? A thought then came to Kaine. Maybe¡­it¡¯s best if I don¡¯t ever see them again? He glanced at his surroundings once more. They¡¯re smart, I can¡¯t hide this from them forever. Not¡­Not this side of me, it¡¯s already leaking out no matter how much I try to hold it back. Kaine turned away, beginning to move towards the river and out of the patch of tall grass which he had fought the Gnolls in. Briefly pausing as he watched the sun in its full blinding glory ahead, as it shone upon the fields of golden grass. Blurring as the rays passed through the pillars of thick steam which dotted the river. Movement then caught his attention, and Kaine turned to see what could only have been described as a small army. Down the valley¡¯s incline from where he stood, they were clearly visible even in the taller patches of grass. Hundreds¡­ Hundreds of creatures crossed through the stream down river, Gnolls of many sizes, both walking and riding beasts that seemed too big to be what they looked like. But sure enough as Kaine squinted, he found that the Gnolls seemed to be using giant Hyenas as mounts. There being dozens of them as well. Immediately Kaine kneeled down and took cover back in the tall grass, watching as several small groups of twenty to thirty Gnolls came from every side and direction, seemingly regrouping with the main movement. Kaine saw as what he decided to call hunting parties, carried many different things back to the main group. From corpses of Goldebeests to strange long fish, he even saw several Gnolls carry a dead Gryphah over a make-shift cart of wood and bone, being dragged forward by four giant Hyenas. Carts of which he also saw many of, slowly being pushed across the stream while most of the horde waited on the other side. That¡­That is a lot of fucking Gnolls¡­and carts? Riding giant hyenas? Wait¡­bone weapons¡­Oh no. Kaine mused in shock, the beasts were never this smart back in the old game and now that he actually had time to think about it, they usually just used their claws and fangs to fight. The only Gnolls he remembered wielding an actual weapon were Elite class, ones who had stolen the weapon from someone and were smart enough to wield it right. This entire scene stumped him, but at the same time made him realise many things. How¡­how much time has passed between then and¡­now? Have all primal races evolved beyond the stone age? Goblins and Kobolds too? That must mean¡­civilizations don¡¯t exist anywhere nearby here¡­No civilization made up of any of the greater races would allow¡­these things to thrive. What if¡­No the Gaizedon said there were Elves downstream, so some sort of civilization must have survived but¡­how far? How many even? Kaine for the first time since arriving in this entrapping game, realised, just how little he knew of this world. Just how little¡­ he understood his situation. His eyes then widening as a new sight presented itself. One of the Gnoll hunting parties was carrying back something that looked nothing like a Goldebeest or Gryphah, and definitely not a fish. As four of the five creatures struggled and fought back, shouting and screaming with muffled tones through their bindings while several Gnoll per captive carried them off. Son of a¡­ Kaine thought as he watched the Gnolls carry off Jedd and the rest of the guild, heaving them up into an empty cart. He couldn¡¯t quite tell from this distance, but it seemed like they were also being tied up to the cart itself. They¡­They got caught?... Oohh Fuckwaffle. Kaine groaned quietly, the thought of leaving off on his own now disappearing entirely from his mind. I guess¡­I¡¯ve got no choice huh? Thinking to himself that if only his heart was just a tad bit colder¡­ I can¡¯t, I can¡¯t just leave them. Shit, fuck, god bloody damnit!... His mind rushed as he tried to think of a way around this, trying his hardest to come up with some way to save them on the spot. But nothing came, not with the tools he currently had, not with the strength he possessed¡­ There¡¯s no bloody way I can take on that many Gnolls, maybe in a long as hell corridor that only allows one through¡­Ugh¡­ Lowering his gaze to his hands, Kaine took a deep breath, calming himself. Alright¡­think¡­maybe not now but definitely soon. Definitely before they get boiled and eaten¡­Yeah, yeah definitely before they get turned into chow. He looked beyond the horde, seeing savanna for as far as the eye could see, but also noticing that there were a few patches of tall grass, shrubs, hills and rock formations. Enough that he might be able to hide and follow the horde without being detected¡­ They¡¯re crossing the river but are they going to follow it? I think not closely, not with the Gaizedons along it¡­I don¡¯t see any other sources of water so they will follow it, but probably keep their distance¡­Maybe I can keep to the river myself? Kaine kept pondering on his approach as he watched the horde slowly and finally cross the river, watching as it continued to move away from water whilst turning downstream. Sighing with relief as he saw their chosen direction. Well, they¡¯re moving downstream at least. Then began to move himself, rushing back to the campsite which lay by the river, though still able to keep watch on the horde as the camp itself lay at the very top of the terrain¡¯s incline. Kaine briefly paused when he saw Slayn¡¯s corpse though, seeing one side of its pelt in the process of being skinned whilst several claws lay missing from its bleeding paws. Glancing about further, the entire camp was a disaster, but very little was actually taken as the Gnolls that had stopped to ransack it were called into the previous battle as reinforcements. Reinforcements which he had also killed. Quickly he rummaged through, looking for anything and everything of use. Grabbing hold of berries, strips of jerky, sharpened stones and smoothed out branches, then storing them all. Holding the item he wished to store in his hand, simply thinking to himself that he wished to store it before the object suddenly faded from existence.
[Worked Acacia Branch] added to inventory. 10/25
Each item he added, either stacking like the berries, jerky and stones, or taking a single slot themselves like the branches and weapons.
[Lesser Venison Jerky] added to inventory. Stacked, 14/32 11/25
Gaining himself a stack of 14 jerky, three carved and smoothed out branches, two long blade-like sharpened stones and filling the rest with as many berries as he could gather.
[Common Guarri Berry] added to inventory. Stacked, 32/32 15/25
[Common Guarri Berry] added to inventory. Stacked, 9/32 16/25
Finished with scavenging the camp, Kaine began trekking down the valley and after the horde, looking for a shallow part of the river he also crossed it. Deciding it was better to do so while he was far from the horde instead of risking it when he got close. ¡°Alf.¡± When a voice suddenly bellowed out from behind him, Kaine turned quickly, startled as he searched for the source. Watching in agitation as the closest pillar of steam slowly dissipated, revealing the Gaizedon within, the one he had previously spoken to. ¡°Or¡­Alf, you are no longer? It matters not, night and day matter not to this one.¡± The Gaizedon mused as it slowly approached him. ¡°This one, cannot aid in rescuing your comrades, and for that this one apologises. But there is something this one can do.¡± Kaine gazed at it warily, as its massive feet reached him. ¡°What?...¡± ¡°This one remembers, this land, remembers.¡± The Gaizedon said, and Kaine watched as each pillar of steam began to move¡­downstream. ¡°We all, remember. We all appreciate, your presence. We will help you hide and move, but we ask for something in return.¡± Kaine pondered over this for a moment, ¡°What do you want?¡± A burst of steam rushed out of its trunk, covering the river¡¯s surface around them. ¡°Our kind travels for long long distances, yet we keep to a path, we keep to a cycle and shall not break away from it. We ask of you, if we help you, that you carry a message for this one.¡± ¡°A¡­message? To where? To who?¡± Kaine asked, confused as to what a neutral monster would want to send a message for. ¡°Downstream far far away, within the hidden city of Calen¡¯Ris, deep within the living ravine¡­There you will find the clan of Sol, speak to their patriarch and tell them of the coming toll¡­The barrier grows dim, thirty more moons and the sky goes grim. Be swift with my call, or ruin will come to us all.¡± The Gaizedon told him, as it suddenly began to move around him. ¡°If your memory fails you, return to me and I shall repeat the message if need be. But please, take away this for me.¡± Then suddenly steam gushed out of its trunk once more, engulfing the river from side to side, and Kaine with. So¡­First I get stuck in a game where fighting is unavoidable¡­A game with actual diseases and survival systems¡­Left with no choice but to group up with others¡­After which, we¡¯re attacked under the veil of night by monsters¡­I¡¯m beaten within an inch of my life, and turned into a Dark Elf¡­My comrades have been kidnapped by said monsters too¡­ Kaine sighed. Now¡­Oh now I get to be the messenger to a fucking riddle?...Hah¡­
{Quest Log}
[The Message]; A beast of the savanna has requested you to deliver an urgent message to the far elven city of Calen''Ris which lays deep within the living ravine downstream from here. Requirements; Total level: 4 or higher Race: Elf, or subcatagory of Elven Reward: Unknown Time limit: 30 days Possible results of failure include: -Death of player
... Well that escalated quickly. ... Fuck my life. Ch 8 / Part 2 - Hisss~ Six hours later
{Inventory} [16/25] [Bone Knife] [Sling] [Pouch Of Stones] (31/64) [Bone Spear] [Bone Long Sword] [Bone Long Sword] [Bone War Axe] [Bone War Axe] [Bone War Axe] [Worked Acacia Branch] [Worked Acacia Branch] [Lesser Venison Jerky] (12/32) [Sharpened Stone] (2/32) [Common Guarri Berry] (32/32) [Common Guarri Berry] (9/32)
Kaine looked through what was available to him as he munched on tasteless jerky, feeding his mind more so than his gut, thinking hard on a plan he had been slowly putting together. As he hid in the fog of steam, feeling the heat and wetness as he tread at its edge. Moving from cover to cover, and disappearing into the fog whenever he found none. He watched them, for the past five hours Kaine studied the horde. Night time is my best chance, they can see decent in the dark but with my Dark Elf passive I should be able to avoid them better. Their hearing is animalistic and keen, but I¡¯m thin and light on my feet. The only issue will be their excellent noses, I¡¯ll have to cover myself with something¡­ He mused, then glancing at a bush of the same berries he held in his inventory. Those will do, I guess? It¡¯ll cover my scent, if they even know what a Dark Elf smells like¡­Better safe than sorry. Weaponry wise I¡¯m not doing bad, the sling doesn¡¯t do all that much damage but its easy ammunition. The Spear on the other hand is damn sharp and thin, a good throw will kill. The axes¡­not so much. But they¡¯ll serve as weapons for them when I free them, so will the longswords. Now sure that the horde wasn¡¯t changing direction any time soon, Kaine fully focused on plotting and planning. Moving whilst hidden and keeping up with it, but only paying attention to his general surroundings whilst reading off his windows. Mainly, an interesting change that came with his new race.
{Dark Elves} {Drow} {Dal¡¯Fae} -Dark Sight; You sense movement within darkness and shadows. Nothing of physical make can sneak up on you whilst you lay in at least shade, to pitch darkness. -Demon Master; Can [Summon] a link to a demonic entity, forming a {Contract of servitude} with you as the master. -Corrupt Creation; +15% experience gain to Sigilcraft and Enchanting. Capable of using Curse enchantments.
Summon?...No way¡­Just like they used to do back in the old game? He pondered, tentatively inspecting the word and gaining himself more information.
{Summoning} There are three kinds of summonings. At your level of the arcane, only one is available to you. [Link Summon]; Create a mental connection between you and a target, the target will only be physically summoned before you if a contract is then agreed upon. Requirements: Several items and preparations are needed to cast any summoning, depending on the items different targets will be connected with. You are {Dark Elf} Only [Demon]s will accept your [Link Summon] connection. To link with a [Demon], fresh blood is a must for the summoning circle. Your blood, if you wish to form a {Contract of Servitude}. This will also ensure that a [Demon] of your level or lower only will be connected, as higher [Demon] beings cannot be contracted with. A mixture is then needed to be burned, incense to cast the summoning. At least three items need to be added to the mixture before being burned over anything flammable while within the summoning circle, different [Demon]s will also be attracted to your calling depending on the mixture. It is suggested that two of these items is either the flesh of a small creature, blood from a large creature, or dangerous plantlife.
Kaine took all this mass of sudden information in, briefly startled by how inspecting that one word told him this much. That¡¯s¡­What happened to just thinking of summoning a Pit Fiend and the spell just casting itself? Those were simpler days... Kaine sighed, deciding he had enough time before night came to at least give this a try. I could use a hand at this anyway¡­Even a fucking Imp would be of some use. He mused. Yeah, an imp would be a good distraction if I need to run¡­ Evilly he mused as he moved along, searching the ground, bushes and formation of stones on his way through. Trying to find anything that could be of use for this summoning. As he did, Kaine stumbled upon some strange plants with white trumpet thin flowers, tattered green leaves and spherical spiked fruits. Pausing as he saw them, he crouched down and inspected one.
[Devil¡¯s Snare]; Each part of this plant is highly toxic, mostly the leaves, and the pods hold dozens of seeds from which more of the plant grow. Uses: A good summoning material for [Demon] class summons. +1 Herbalist experience gained! 2/100
Carefully Kaine then used his bone knife to collect a few leaves and several more of the spiked pods, refilling his stone pouch with them.
[Devil¡¯s Snare Leaf] added to inventory. 17/25 +2 Herbalist experience gained! 4/100
[Devil¡¯s Snare Leaf] added to inventory. 18/25 +2 Herbalist experience gained! 6/100
[Devil¡¯s Snare Leaf] added to inventory. 19/25 +2 Herbalist experience gained! 8/100
[Devil¡¯s Snare Seed-pod] added to [Pouch Of Stuff] (43/64) +3 Herbalist experience gained! 13/100
The leaves will do for the first item I guess, I don¡¯t think the pods will count though so I need¡­two more things? Thought Kaine as he continued his search, passing by several more strange plants but none seemingly dangerous enough to be considered usable to the system.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. When suddenly a hiss caught his attention. Twisted up next to a formation of rocks, it snarled up at him ferociously as he approached. A long bright golden body with black patches, pale yellow bottom and scales growing into small spikes. The viper¡¯s brown-gold eyes focused upon him, hissing loudly once more and revealing a nasty set of long curved back fangs. Kaine immediately inspected it.
Male Hairy Bush Viper [Level 1]
Noticing that he had noticed it, the viper approached aggressively, fangs bared and slithering forward with rapid movements. Kaine loved snakes, but the ferocity with which this thing approached him frightened him. He backed away, not intent on being bitten by it. At first he thought of unsheathing his sword, but then had a better idea, as he pulled the bone spear out of his inventory. Aiming the sharpened bone blade at the creature, as it suddenly froze with eyes set upon the weapon. Both stared at one another, unmoving, ready to strike at any moment. Each, the viper and Kaine just like it, ready to bare their fangs and bite. Slightly Kaine then moved the spear-tip, and like a spring trap the viper struck. He lured it, and like the animal that it was, it fell for it. Striking forth the second it did so and piercing his spear through the top of the viper¡¯s wide open mouth.
You have expertly killed { Male Hairy Bush Viper [Level 1] } This creature is too low level to gain you any Martial experience. + 3 Hunting experience gained! 3/100
Seeing the experience gain towards hunting, this confirmed to him that this skill was at least still the same as it was in the old game. Requiring the quick kill, incapacitation or capture of a lower levelled creature. Not that it matters, not that it can help at the moment¡­ Sighing, Kaine then made sure his surroundings were still clear, the horde was nearby after all. Seeing nothing, he faded back into the fog¡¯s edge, inspecting his kill as he moved.
[Hairy Bush Viper Corpse]: Before death, this creature was an apex predator of its size, chasing off creatures even larger than itself with the threat of its highly venomous fangs. Uses: Many parts of this body are usable for [Demon] class summons, including the flesh, eyes and fangs.
Alright so I¡¯ve got multiple choices out of this¡­Knowing some of the lore, I¡¯d guess that using flesh would summon something that hunts the serpentine but having something serpentine as a familiar would be very useful in this situation¡­A pit fiend isn¡¯t exactly stealthy. So fangs and eyes it is? Deciding on what to use, Kaine pulled the viper¡¯s corpse off his spear tip and stored both. At first, he moved back out of the fog and searched for some firewood, finding some dry branches and tinder he stored them too then stepped back into the pillar of steam. Walking inwards as far as he could till he reached the water. He couldn¡¯t quite see it, but he heard the quiet rush of the river a few feet before him. As deep into the fog as he was, even his Elven eyes couldn¡¯t see that well. Waving his hands about a bit¡­somewhat helped¡­but not enough to find where the river began, and the dry ground stopped. I guess this will do¡­ He mused, sitting down and pulling out the snake, bone knife and one of the flat bladed stones. Using the stone as a surface, he carefully pulled out the viper¡¯s eyes and longfangs. Storing them into his inventory. Alright¡­this might go very badly or somewhat good, what do I have to lose right?... Chuckling to himself lightly, he dug a small pit in the ground and pulled out the firewood and dry leaves, placing them within. Then, he froze. Ah¡­wait¡­how do I light this thing again?... Kaine went through several stages right then. Confusion. Disbelief. Cringe. And finally, frustration. He didn¡¯t know how to light a fire, Jedd had lit their campfire last time...and he hadn¡¯t exactly watched. ¡°Well, fuck me right?¡± he mused out loud but still quietly, ¡°Maybe I can find some flint somewhere¡­Ah, no steel¡­¡± Kaine sighed, unsure how to proceed as he stood up and away from the pit, glancing about pointlessly as he couldn¡¯t even make out his own feet through the fog. When, a thought came to him, as he turned towards the river. ¡°Err¡­I¡¯m not sure how to ask this but, can you give me a light?¡± He whispered, towards where he knew the Gaizedon stood. ¡°A flame I can give, but unsure I am as to why you require light? Light shall not allow you to see better within my mist.¡± The beast grumbled inresponse. ¡°Ah no, a flame would do fine, I just need this little pit to be on fire.¡± Kaine tentatively explained. ¡°Hmm, that I can do, but best it is if you step back some more.¡± The creature warned, and Kaine did as told, stepping several feet away from the pit whilst trying to keep track of its location. As suddenly a cone of blazing flame gushed into his view, dispersing much of the fog around him and lighting afire many a bush. Including, his little fire pit. ¡°T-Thanks¡­¡± Kaine stuttered as he spoke, understanding now which creature in this land was at the top of the power ladder. Then he rushed down to the pit, sitting down and continuing while he still had a clear view of what he was doing. Unsheathing his sword, he carefully cut his palm, grimacing as he did. Kaine then traced a thin circle around the pit, trying his best to make it a full one before his wound stopped bleeding.
{ [Life]: 15/16 }
Successfully doing so, he then retrieved the materials from his inventory, placing the fangs first as venom still barely leaked out, the eyes next which they slowly began to melt away, and the leaves last. Watching as the flame devoured those too, raising a trail of greenish smoke, whilst the fog enclosed on him from all around.
You call forth creatures of true darkness, you demand audience with one being of hell.
Seeing the chant appear, Kaine immediately began to speak it form his own perspective. ¡°I call forth creatures of true darkness, I demand audience with one being of hell.¡±
To accept your offering, as payment, for their time.
¡°To accept my offering, as payment, for their time.¡±
To hear your calling, and form a contract. To be given passage to the physical, an escape from the pits of damnation¡­but to enter under your command.
¡°To hear my calling, and form a contract. To be given passage to the physical, an escape from the pits of damnation¡­but, to enter under my command.¡±
This is your offer, now, who shall heed it?
¡°This is my offer, now, who-¡± Kaine was about to finish the chant, when he noticed shapes formed through the fog which surrounded him. Serpents, of many sizes and shapes, monstrosities formed out of the steam. Surrounding him, reaching out towards him, as their voices barraged his mind. Begging. Pleading. To be let out, to be freed. Hundreds¡­ Thousands¡­ Millions of voices filled Kaine¡¯s mind, imploring him for¡­something. He couldn¡¯t quite make out their words, there were just too damn many voices filling his head and it was starting to hurt. Like a sudden headache, the pain struck him, making him feel delirious and nauseous. He watched, frozen in fear as the demonic figures slowly enclosed around him. Their claws. Their fangs. Their horns, tails and tentacles. Each reaching out for him. Their expressions, if even humanoid and had one, full of agony and drowning in horror. Everchanging, evershifting into others. No one demonic figure remained the same for more than a second, as the dozens of forms closed in on him. Kaine though was frozen, confused and completely unsure of what to do, what to even say. Utterly flabbergasted by the sudden sight. When suddenly, the forms dissipated. The voices stopped, clearing his head. But it wasn¡¯t over, as the fog around him had unnaturally stopped closing in, while it took the form of hundreds of snakes flowing through it. Like serpents made of steam now lay all around, but none of their heads or tails showed.
Warning! A [Greater Demon] has intercepted your ritual! Destroy the circle now or face the consequences!
That one window, sent chills up Kaine¡¯s spine, as he rushed to scatter what lay before him. But¡­he suddenly found that he couldn¡¯t move at all.
A Dark entity has enfeebled your mind.
You are stunned for 3 minutes.
Curiousss¡­Oh how curiousss it isss. A voice, or more like a deep hiss, then spoke into his mind. Curiousss that, not only hasss there not been a sssummoning from hell in eonsss¡­But your kind¡­Your kind ssshouldn¡¯t exissst anymore. The voice filled Kaine with utter terror, as if forcing cold fear into his mind, as he trembled, as he took nervous and rapid breaths. Truly, you tickle my curiosssity¡­Dal¡¯Fae¡­Ssso, you wish for a ssservant from this damned void? Many¡­Oh ssso many wisssh to be given a way out~ Eonsss! Hasss it been sssince anyone hasss made it out¡­But you are too weak, too weak for me to ssserve. Maybe, sssome other time, I¡¯d heed your call¡­ A chuckle so dreadful, so wicked, sounded off into Kaine¡¯s mind that for a moment he thought he¡¯d piss himself on the spot. But for today¡­Ha!...I¡¯ll give you my finessst~ If, your promissse, to call for me when you become¡­ssstronger. The voice offered, as Kaine watched the fog shift before him¡­ Growing out and taking shape, a massive snake¡¯s head formed before him. And it stared down directly at him¡­ What ssshall it be? You, who wasss courageousss enough to even link with hell, will you take thisss oath? For power? Power which I presssent.
You are no longer stunned.
Feeling control of his body return to him, Kaine though remained where he sat, staring at the massive snake¡¯s head with narrowed eyes. ¡°I¡¯m stuck in a deadly, unpredictable world. Smiled upon by some¡­wicked gods. My life¡¯s already fucked as it is¡­So why not?¡± He said, then standing up but still facing the serpent. ¡°Why the fuck not? Sure, Demon, show me what you¡¯ve got.¡± Kaine said, still filled with fear, but fear which he had embraced. Aware of the terror which plagues his heart, his mind though was clear. Something the demon sensed. True courage, isss within you¡­At timesss blind, at timesss ssstuck in the passst¡­But you know, what courage truly isss. I like you, Dal¡¯Fae, and I don¡¯t usssually like mortalsss. Again, the horrid laughter filled his mind. Then through me, you have contract with my ssservantsss. They are at your¡­calling. And when the time finally comesss¡­Call for me, free me, for I can sssee a master within you I can one day follow. The demon said, as the head slowly receded into the fog. When that day comesss, call my name, call for¡­ It spoke its name, and Kaine heard it, but at the same time did not. The word briefly appearing in his mind before disappearing entirely from his memory. Right then, the fog suddenly closed up all around him, blinding him. He immediately fell to his knees, breathing heavily as the fear finally caught up with him, replacing the dissipating adrenaline. Kaine felt cold, frigid his body felt as he hyperventilated. He was in full panic mode. Fuck, fuck, fuck, shit, fuck, son of mother fucking cunt! What the fuck!? Grasping his head as he swore mentally, clutching and pulling his hair, as he smiled. A maddened grin on his face while he stared at the empty smoking pit before himself. Empty, except for the ashes, and what slowly rose out of them.
You have gained a [Demonic] familiar! {Hellbat Cobra [Level 4] } is now your follower!
Kaine watched as the pitch-black serpent rose out of the ashes and stretched out its two sets of leathery black wings. Its two crimson red eyes focusing upon him the moment they opened.
Do you wish to name your familiar? They have no gender but can if you wish for them to. They are too old to be given a descriptive age understandable by you. Their elements are Dark, Fire and Poison. They are capable of both diving and flight.
Kaine thought for a moment, as he stared back at the creature. ¡°So, this is the outside huh?¡± When he suddenly heard a voice speak before him, emanating from the little demon. ¡°It¡¯s¡­more humid than I thought, damn is it hot. I like it but¡­Is it normal that I can¡¯t see jack shit either?¡± Kaine was still too shocked and confused to respond in any shape, way or form. A snake is talking to me¡­Should I check for a scar on my forehead?...I should right? Ch 8 / Part 3 - Firesss in the night
9 Hours Later Night Time
The serpent slithered through the tall grass, unseen, unheard¡­ Scentless even, as its pitch-black scaly body dragged along the dry dirt. Slowly, cautiously moving towards the Gnoll¡¯s night camp, as the howls and yips if their hunting parties filled the savanna riverlands. Nova, as Kaine had decided to name her, kept to the ground with its four wings folded back. Making its way through several sentries with great ease, and finally after half an hour of searching, locating the wooden cage that was built just of them. Them being, her master¡¯s party who lay tied up within said cage. ¡°Well? Getting anywhere with that?¡± Roy asked with a sigh, as they kept an eye on their surroundings while Farvo used a small sharpened stone to try and cut himself loose of the tight rope. ¡°Not quite¡­¡± Farvo grumbled, having very little room to work with. Rey groaned, ¡°We¡¯re fucked, we¡¯re gonna get barbequed then eaten¡­¡± ¡°Like I said before, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s why we¡¯re being held prisoner¡­¡± Jedd then mused. ¡°The other captures right? All their other prey is being stored dead in those shacks¡­¡± said Lara. ¡°And we¡¯re alive, it¡¯s just too much trouble to keep us alive ¡­so why?¡± Jedd asked in annoyance. ¡°Cause we taste better like that? I don¡¯t fucking know!¡± Rey groaned once more, her demeanour turning lazier with every passing hour. That is, until a black snake slithered into their cage. Her eyes shot wide open right then, ¡°Lara¡­don¡¯t¡­move a muscle.¡± Rey warned her friend. ¡°What, why?¡± Lara asked in confusion, her own expression going pale as she looked at Rey, and the rest. All of them but Lara had noticed the black cobra... ¡°Just¡­don¡¯t move.¡± Jedd warned with a whisper, slowly leaning closer to the serpent as it glanced about the cage. ¡°Farvo, Roy, Rey, Lara and Jedd I presume?¡± When it suddenly spoke. Causing each of their expressions to freeze. ¡°Jedd¡­the snake just said our names¡­¡± Rey said as her lips quivered with an awkward smile. ¡°I know¡­I heard it¡­¡± Jedd also mused with amazement, just now noticing the wings on its back and red horns on its head, albeit there being some torchlight it was still fairly dark in their cage. Nova stretched its four wings open, its dark red leathery wings reflecting off the torchlight whilst its black limbs did not. Giving the impression of blazing fire, as the claws at the end of each wing slowly lowered to the floor. ¡°So? Are those your names or what?¡± Nova asked once more, ¡°Please say so, I¡¯ve just spent the better half of an hour looking for the idiots that got my master caught in this mess. No offence.¡± ¡°Look you¡­winged snake thing¡­¡± Rey said trying to seem menacing as she leaned towards it, albeit laying at the farthest corner from Nova. ¡°How about you tell us who¡­what you are instead? Cause I¡¯m talking to a fucking snake right now and I don¡¯t entirely feel sane¡­¡± Her aggressive tone dissipating into confusion once more, she then turned to her twin brother and whispered, ¡°Is there a bolt-like scar on my forehead?...¡± ¡°No there isn¡¯t, and we¡¯re very much talking to some sort of serpent¡­But¡­Well, inspect it.¡± Roy said, his eyes still wide as he stared at Nova. Each of them then did as he said and inspected the creature.
Jor Mungandr¡¯s {Hell-Beast Familiar} Nova [Level 4]
¡°J-Jo-Jor!?¡± Lara exclaimed, glancing around in fright right then as she realised how loud that was. Nova hissed, ¡°Silence mortal, we have little time, are you or are you not!?¡± ¡°Yeah, yes that is us.¡± Jedd said, leaning closer to the serpent as it slithered away, discomforted by the proximity. ¡°Is Jor still out there? Is he alive?¡± ¡°Yes, master is alive and well, but none of us will be if what he plans to do fails terribly as I¡¯ve warned him it might¡­¡± Nova sighed before turning to leave. ¡°W-Wait! What does he plan on doing? There¡¯s no bloody way we can take on this entire camp!¡± Farvo said. And Nova just chuckled, ¡°If they wake too fast, you¡¯ll have to. If they wake too slow, this entire camp will have much more interesting a fuss than you to deal with.¡± She said in amusement before slithering off. ¡°Now I must tell master of your position, be patient and wait here.¡± ¡°Wake?...What the hell is with that thing and being cryptic!?¡± Rey groaned. ¡°Big word sister,¡± Roy mused gaining himself a glare from his twin, ¡°But yes, I don¡¯t think it meant the Gnolls waking too slow so¡­¡± ¡°What in the bloody hell is that guy getting himself into?¡± Farvo grumbled. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but¡­We have no choice but to wait and see.¡± Jedd said, struggling against her bindings for the last time before sighing to herself. And wait they did, for several long dreadful minutes alike the past several hours, they waited. The silence that grew among them, was finally broken by Rey as she continued her grumbling. ¡°I thought he ditched us.¡± She said with an expression of guilt over her face. ¡°I thought he left us behind and it was my fault.¡± Farvo groaned, ¡°What the hell are you bitching about now?¡± ¡°Well he¡­He got hurt because of me, I was there helping him with that Goldebeest but¡­¡± Rey tried to explain, her form shrinking into the corner as she did. ¡°I was there too, he asked to be left alone, it wasn¡¯t your fault.¡± Jedd told her, kicking both her feet into Rey¡¯s side. ¡°Either way, which one of us slapped the shit outta him huh?¡± She then said with a chuckle. Roy chuckled too, ¡°Honestly? I thought he left too, he just seems like the solo type from the start¡­¡± ¡°No, he¡¯s not.¡± Lara then said, a serious tone about herself as she spoke. ¡°He¡­He likes company, he won''t admit it but he likes being around others. I can tell cause¡­Have you thought of what happened to the Gnolls that were chasing us from the camp?...¡± Each of them then turned to look at her as she squirmed, embarrassed by the attention. ¡°We ran into a different group of Gnolls, but the ones chasing after us never showed up when we did.¡± ¡°Nah¡­you don¡¯t mean he?...¡± Farvo chuckled awkwardly as they stared at her, ¡°There was over a dozen of those bastards, you mean to tell me that guy who froze before a wildebeest took all of them on by himself?¡± ¡°That snake was level 4¡­¡± Jedd mused, ¡°Tames level on their own but familiars are¡­the same level as the owner, and that¡¯s counting only combat levels. It¡¯s the same system used in Kylla, it was on the content trailer too.¡± ¡°Shit, I¡¯ll believe it when I see it, sure he¡¯s probably good off playing the old game but the combat system in these quick action types are nothing like other MMOs where you can just horde up a bunch and blow them the fuck up with AOE attacks!¡± Farvo argued. ¡°That¡¯s fifteen or so armed Gnolls against one lanky ass Elf! Gimmie the chances-¡± He chuckled but was suddenly cut off. As Jedd shushed him, ¡°Something¡¯s up.¡± She said, gazing off to one side of the dimly lit camp, the side closest to the camp¡¯s edge she guessed. ¡°Roy, Rey, see something?¡± ¡°I¡­think I see it. It¡¯s too bloody dark to tell.¡± Roy mused. ¡°Dark? The hell you blabbering about its bright as day.¡± Farvo mused, turning to follow their gazes as his dwarven eyes saw through the night with great ease. The torchlight slightly blinding him too as he glanced over it. Then right where the others had to squint to see it, Farvo saw him, casually walking towards them. Farvo¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°He¡¯s mad.¡± The dwarf said as he watched Kaine approach. Looking tired and breathing heavily as he held something big under one arm. They watched as the nearest two Gnoll sentries saw Kaine step out of the taller grass, immediately growling and yipping to alert the rest of the camp before charging at him. Kaine though simply waited for the Slayer and Warrior to approach him, he just stood there waiting for them. ¡°What¡¯s he doing and what is he holding there?¡± Jedd asked. ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± Farvo couldn¡¯t believe what he was looking at, ¡°An egg, a fucking egg.¡± He said, as Kaine suddenly threw it at the Slayer Gnoll who reacted on instinct.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUHWQS51sRo
Slashing his great bone sword at the egg and shattering the shell, the green yolk splattering all over itself and its companion. As they stopped where they stood, then sniffed the gooey liquid which covered them before glancing at one another. Farvo and the rest though, watched as Kaine stepped back into the tall grass and disappeared from sight. They watched, confused at first but terrified right after. As loud bird calls sounded off in the distance¡­ Not even a moment later, three Gryphahs slammed to the ground right next to the two confused Gnolls, the beasts immediately tearing both of the barbarians apart. As one grabbed a Gnoll and flew up high with it before shredding it with its claws, while the other two pushed the second to the ground and battered him with their bird-long clawed legs.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. The one that flew up, ferociously landed back down next to the other two. Growling, putting up a fit as it sniffed at the shattered egg. As two more Gryphahs landed next to them, making up five in total now. Each took a sniff of the scattered yolk, but none seemed as pissed off as the one female of the group. As it snarled at the rest who came close to its murdered child, its eyes then locking upon a group of Gnolls that came to check out the disturbance. The Gryphah¡¯s eyes were wide with rage, as it suddenly pushed through the rest and pounced upon the seven Gnolls. Using everything, beak, claws and wings, it shredded everything in its path as it twirled its thin and highly athletic body about. Killing two more Gnolls with just the leap¡¯s ferocious landing, before grabbing a third with its beak, slamming it to the ground and stomping upon it till it showed not a twitch of further life. The other Gnolls in the meantime, watched horrified, as the large beast turned to them once done with their friends. Snarling, as it raised its back high and opened its massive wings wide. As the rest of the Gryphahs crashed into the remainder of the group, massacring the Gnolls like a pack of wolves set upon defenceless sheep. Lara gasped through her terror, gaining the female¡¯s attention while the males tore into the dead¡¯s flesh. The frenzied beast turned to their cage, eyeing them briefly before suddenly charging towards them. Blinded by its rage, ignoring even the several dozen more Gnolls that showed up¡­ When a black shadow zoomed past their cage. Nova flapped her wings rapidly as she flew by, her entire body suddenly flaring up crimson red and trailing flames behind her. Flames which caught the dry make of the cage, lighting up each bar of wood between them and the charging beast. Seeing the sudden flare of fire, the Gryphah faltered in its charge, and as it did Gnolls came to surround the invading threat that it was. ¡°Hey! Come here!¡± Kaine exclaimed, startling each of them as he now stood on the opposite side of their cage holding up a bone knife. Nova soaring about in the background behind him, diving down and lighting up a preservation shack afire before rising back up into the night sky. Her dark form invisible among the stars right up until her body burst afire, only briefly visible before disappearing into the darkness of the night once more. They stared at him, both amazed and confused, as they saw the Jor they had met the day before but¡­He looked nothing like what he did before. ¡°What the hell happened to you?¡± Jedd asked. Kaine rolled his eyes, ¡°I could spend the next few minutes explaining,¡± he gestured with the knife, ¡°Or I can get all of you the fuck out of here.¡± ¡°The latter please.¡± Roy said as he dragged himself to give his back and tied up hands to Kaine who immediately went to work with cutting the rope. Freeing four of them before one Gnoll noticed Kaine, although it was unable to pull the camp¡¯s attention to them. For one, because there was five crazed Gryphahs going about thrashing the place¡­ And for two, Nova¡¯s serpentine frame started strangling the Gnoll to death the moment it made a peep.
Your [Nova] has killed { Hunter Gnoll [Level 3] } Arcane experience gained 65/100
Cutting each of them loose, Kaine then began sharing weaponry out of his inventory and through the wooden bars. Giving Roy, Rey and Lara a [Bone War Axe] each, and a [Bone Long Sword] to both Jedd and Farvo. Keeping the copper short sword and bone spear to himself. ¡°Nova!¡± Kaine then exclaimed at the demonic serpent as it feasted on the dead Gnoll¡¯s face, the Hellbat Cobra¡¯s blood-soaked head rising at attention to its master¡¯s call. Nova flew to him, wrapping itself around his neck like a scarf while still swallowing a chunk of flesh bigger than its own head. The rest of them forced the burning cage open, breaking the now charred wooden bars and escaping their confinement. ¡°Now I¡¯ve gotta say¡­you, are one insane mother fucker.¡± Farvo said with an uneasy chuckle as he glanced at the chaos around them, the entire camp now having fallen into disaster as Gryphahs rampaged about, all the while groups of Gnolls tried to subdue the frenzied beasts. Kaine chuckled, ¡°Back in the day this was just another Tuesday for me. Well, without all the being low level and chased by monsters with smart AI parts¡­I could do without those. Anyway, we can talk later, follow me and stay quiet if you want to live.¡± He gestured for them to follow before rushing off, moving quickly but keeping his pose low. They followed, as best as they could they stalked after him, as they kept to the dark parts of the camp. Moving through tall grass while well-placed shadows from burning shacks covered much of the rest, as if Kaine had planned each blaze as well. They followed him, although Kaine was very obviously much better at this than them, as he had to wait for them to catch up several times throughout. Pausing their movements as a group of Gnolls ran past; they hid behind a still whole make-shift building of branches and grass. But one Gnoll, riding atop a giant Hyena, suddenly stopped on the other side of the shack as its mount caught a different scent. Shit, they¡¯ve got nothing to hide their smell. Kaine thought as he saw the large beast stop in its steps, then glance about before eyeing their hiding place. He glanced at the others, each of them staring at him expectantly as if asking him ¡®What now?¡¯ Kaine though sighed, and the Hyena yipped loudly at the sound. ¡°Thinking ahead only takes you so far, plans rarely make it halfway¡­¡± He whispered, further gaining the beast and its rider¡¯s attention as they stalked closer, attentive and ready. Attentive, at what lay before them. Ready, for something to step around the building. And something did, as Kaine gestured Jedd forward, the beastwoman stepping about. Not one to dislike the spotlight, she beasted out. Focusing on the one magic her race had which she had so far only used twice. First, when she tamed Slayn. Second, when she tried to fight off all too many Gnolls to save Lara¡­ But now, it was just one rider, and she was still pissed about her lost tame. And with that anger, the transformation came easier to her. As her form suddenly grew, her hair turned black and into thick fur, fur which also grew all over her body. Jedd transformed, growing to four times her original size and changing into a large black bear. Not as large as Slayn was, but larger than the lone Hyena before her as it faltered. The beast immediately growing frightened at the sight of the larger bear, its instincts telling it to run as it lay smaller and alone against it. But its rider willed it forward, and trained as it was, it held its ground. And as their attention lay elsewhere, focused entirely on the appearance of a sudden monster¡­ Kaine made his move. Climbing up the shack and leaping off without a second thought, Kaine threw his spear as he did, the weapon¡¯s sharpened-bone point piercing through the rider¡¯s leather armour with ease as its long shaft embedded itself into his chest. But surprisingly, the rider survived. Shocked and in great agony, but alive it still was¡­That is¡­until Kaine landed over the Hyena¡¯s back with him. Grabbing hold of the barbarian¡¯s pole-blade and keeping it aside, Kaine then dug his sword into the rider¡¯s face.
You have killed { Beast-Rider Gnoll [Level 4]} Martial experience gained 185/300
Killing him, Kaine then retrieved both weapons out of its corpse before kicking it off the Hyena, as the beast quivered and slowly retreated away from the bear. Aware of the fall of its rider but unwilling to make sudden moves. But its fright rose into distress as Kaine sudden pulled on its fur, trying to mimic the rider¡¯s posture, but failing as the Hyena noticed the difference. Immediately it retreated away from Jedd as it tried to buck Kaine off its back, he held on but not for long either, as it suddenly rolled over and almost squashed him beneath its weight. Kaine pushed himself off the crazed beast, rolling to his feet but suddenly finding himself faced with an angry Hyena twice his own size. As it snarled at him, revealing rows of sharp and jagged yellow fangs. He raised his spear defensively at it, but the large beast easily swiped it aside, overwhelming his own physical strength and causing Nova to hiss loudly in retort. But the large beast wasn¡¯t afraid of some measly serpent. As it loomed forward¡­but then stopped. As its eyes suddenly opened wide, something else now overwhelming its own strength, as it had seemingly forgotten of the massive bear standing behind it. Grabbing hold of the Hyena¡¯s hindlegs, Jedd clenched her now bestial paws tightly, almost crushing the creature¡¯s legs with her raw strength. She raised it, turning whilst pulling at its legs¡­ Jedd, swung the beast about as it whined in terror, before suddenly releasing it¡­Throwing the beast who knows how much further into camp, as even amongst the chaos they heard the yelp when it landed. Jedd chuckled in her beastly form, her voice now deeper due to it. ¡°Now let¡¯s leave before more notice us.¡± Kaine nodded, ¡°Farvo, Lara, get on Jedd¡¯s back, you two are the slowest. Roy, Rey, you¡¯re moving behind them with me, aim to debilitate or stun, just stop them from giving chase don¡¯t waste time finishing them off.¡± He said, handing Lara his spear and taking her axe before handing the rider¡¯s pole-blade to Farvo. Each of them though lay briefly stunned at his sudden words, causing him to turn back to them after he had moved to leave. ¡°What? Come on!¡± He urged them, glancing about for any Gnolls or Gryphahs. ¡°Y-Yea, right!¡± Jedd said, also somewhat taken aback as she fell to all fours, allowing Lara and Farvo onto her wide back. ¡°You just¡­don¡¯t seem like the leadin type is all.¡± She then chuckled, ¡°That¡¯s usually my job.¡± Nova hissed from her spot around Kaine¡¯s neck, ¡°Master is a wonderful leader, you wouldn¡¯t have had a rain drop¡¯s chance in hell to get this far without us!¡± the serpent argued but was mostly ignored as they all still felt awkward about conversing with a cobra. And as they prepared, those words hit Kaine hard. Not the leading type¡­Yeah, what the fuck am I thinking?...I¡¯m no leader, not anymore. Kaine then thought, but quickly shook it out of himself. This wasn¡¯t the time to get morbid. ¡°Go, you three move ahead, should be easy with Jedd¡¯s form as long as you don¡¯t turn too much. We¡¯ll hold the rear, if Riders come about then just keep running, they¡¯re faster but I¡¯ll deal with them while they give you chase.¡± He said half-heartedly now, before disappearing into a patch of tall grass ahead. ¡°Run.¡± He told them, and run they did. And all most saw, as the group moved, was a large black bear carrying a human and a dwarf, dashing through the camp. Catching the attention of many a Gnoll, who were quickly dealt with as Roy and Rey chased after the fast Jedd, slashing at the barbarian¡¯s legs while their attention lay elsewhere. Kaine though took a different approach. As his quarry saw neither him nor his blade, unlike Rey and Roy who were briefly seen rushing past after the hit¡­Kaine would leap out of the shadows, slamming into his target¡¯s back and pushing them to the ground before diving his blade quickly into the creature¡¯s throat, then disappearing into the night. All the while, flashes of flame would suddenly burst into his path as Nova also flew about, marking enemies for him while distracting them further right before he made his mark. At the same time, Kaine also held slightly behind even Roy and Rey, finishing off some of the Gnolls they slowed down. Being the opportunist that he was, exp was after all exp. But his focus immediately shifted, as the hunting parties began to return. Kaine watched with a pale expression as several dozen Hyena riders turned towards them, forming a small horde of growling, salivating, yipping beasts chasing after Jedd and the rest. Seeing this, Jedd slowed down and let Roy and Rey up too. Waiting further even for Kaine to catch up. But¡­Kaine knew there would be no escaping like this. The Hyenas were too fast, even for Jedd, and more so with the entire party on her back. They¡¯d be run down like a tired buck chased by hunting dogs and their masters. He needed to do something, and quickly. As his mind raced, his expression lay frozen in thought even as he reached them. Staring as Rey extended her hand to help him up. But Kaine, turned to look at the approaching horde. ¡°Hey! Get on!¡± Rey exclaimed, her voice though was blurred out of his mind. As he watched the lumbering beasts charge at them, now only a few hundred meters away. Then suddenly speaking, ¡°Nova, burn it all.¡± He told his familiar. And the serpent hissed in excitement, ¡°Finally, I get to let loose~¡± as its eyes gleamed, before suddenly rising off his shoulders and soaring off into the sky. Nova disappeared briefly, her jet-black body invisible amongst the night. Before suddenly, like a falling star, her body burst afire as she dived down. The winged serpent flew across the horde¡¯s path, spraying bursts of a reddish liquid out of her mouth which quickly caught fire from her blazing wings. Lighting up the foliage and summoning forth a wall of heat and fire in the rider¡¯s path. Fire which quickly spread along the dry grasses of the savanna. ¡°Now we go.¡± Kaine then said as the wildfire grew before them, accepting Rey¡¯s hand and climbing onto Jedd. ¡°I need me one of those.¡± Farvo mused as they ran, watching as Nova chased after them while continuously lighting up everything flammable in her wake. Giving the horde a choice as the blazes spread quicker and quicker; Chase after them through this summoned hell, or return to camp and restrain the crazed Gryphahs¡­Easily they chose the latter. Filling Kaine and his party with relief as they escaped towards the river.
Level up! Martial Level 4 reached! +1 to all Martial stats. 3 Neutral Martial Points available for distribution!
Level up! Arcane Level 2 reached! +1 to all Arcane stats. 3 Neutral Arcane Points available for distribution!
So¡­now that they''re free, when should I break it to them about this quest?... Kaine then pondered, as with that thought, the stress returned once more. ¡°Gods, this game is fucked.¡± Roy mused out loud as he stared at the wildfire behind them. Kaine chuckled at that. You don¡¯t even know. Ch 9 - Monstersss Gather The entire party tumbled into the river as Jedd abruptly changed back to her humanoid form, each of them splashing into the water as she did. Kaine rose first, checking their surroundings before ending his gaze upon the burning encampment now in the distance. ¡°Ohoho¡­You¡¯re all heavy!¡± Jedd exclaimed as she breathed quick exhausted breaths, stretching her back about as she stood out of the river. ¡°At least we¡¯re alive.¡± Roy mused, wiping the drenched hair off his face as he lay sitting in the water. Rey lay beside him, her face and chest the only things above water, ¡°That¡­Was fucking awesome!¡± she shouted out, raising her hands up in sudden exhilaration. ¡°Awesome? How the hell was that awesome!? What sort of sadistic fantasies do you have!?¡± Farvo barked back as he walked out of the river, taking his shirt off and draining the water from it. ¡°Hah, what a boring dwarf,¡± Nova mused as she somehow transferred from Kaine¡¯s neck and onto Lara¡¯s throughout their tumble. ¡°I got to burn all those things, it was fun, wasn¡¯t it human?¡± The demon turned its crimson eyes to Lara, who was still sitting in the water pale-faced and terrified for her life. Kaine whistled, ¡°Get off her.¡± He told the familiar and it obeyed, returning to his neck and shoulders. ¡°Come on, up you go.¡± Jedd said as she helped Lara off her ass, colour slowly returning to her face since the serpent left her proximity. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t exactly put it as it was fun, but that was something for sure. Where¡¯d you find that thing Jor?...And what the fuck happened to your¡­colours?¡± Kaine glanced at the serpent pondering how to explain and where to begin but deciding it was best to leave the worst for last. ¡°I¡¯m a Dark Elf now, apparently, ever since casting that damn spell when I was in a pinch. And this, is Nova, my demonic familiar who I summoned from Hell itself.¡± Quickly and briefly he explained as if it was nothing. Yet each of them stared at him with wide eyes, ¡°Shit, can we get one?¡± Farvo then asked. ¡°Hmph, none of you are attuned to darkness so no.¡± Nova was the one to answer, ¡°And even if you were, you¡¯d all probably summon some hell ant or something.¡± It boldly said whilst holding its own head up high. ¡°Well aren¡¯t you fun to be around.¡± Rey mused with a chuckle as she rose. Causing the serpent to suddenly turn and hiss at her loudly, which startled Rey and caused her to fall back with a splash. Each of them laughed, all but Lara whose expression paled once more, and Kaine who was still glancing at their surroundings. ¡°We should move while they¡¯re still busy with those Gryphahs,¡± Kaine then proposed, ¡°There¡¯s a chance they¡¯ll come after us when the fires clear.¡± ¡°Ahah¡­Right,¡± Jedd said, her amusement faltering, ¡°Yeah let¡¯s move out before those bastards track us. We¡¯ll move through the river for a bit to cover our tracks, walk around the Gaizedons when we need to.¡± Then turning to face Kaine, a notification popped up into his view.
Player [Jedd] has invited you to join their party which consists of 5/6 players. Do you accept? {Yes} {No} Your main [Quest] will also be shared upon accepting.
¡°If you¡¯ll still have us, that is.¡± She said, as each then turned to look at him. Kaine sighed but then smiled. ¡°Alright, but be careful, you¡¯re falling behind already.¡± He said, accepting the invitation and with that, all of their expressions changed. From expectant to surprised. As they read through the quest Kaine was given. ¡°Death¡­of player¡­Widespr-What the actual fuck is this?¡± Rey said out loud what all of them were thinking. ¡°That, is probably the main questline for this game. Since, in Aether, the player at the start is just some unknown random civilian. Reach cap and just maybe you¡¯ll be hailed a Hero or Champion, till then¡­We¡¯re adventurers swimming in mud.¡± Kaine explained with a groan, ¡°To be exact, right now, we¡¯re an elephant¡¯s messenger¡­¡± ¡°This seems like some mighty important message!¡± Farvo exclaimed, watching briefly as Kaine began to walk off. The entire party began to move, as each member tried to gather their thoughts on this revelation. As they chatted on what this quest entailed, on what they might expect moving forward. ¡°So will these NPCs also be¡­you know, hostile?¡± Rey mused. ¡°Probably, we¡¯ll have to be careful.¡± Roy guessed. ¡°Is it even a good idea at all to go towards this city then?¡± Farvo questioned. ¡°Would you rather stay out here in the sticks?¡± Jedd argued. ¡°Whether they are hostile or not we shall see, that¡­thing, mentioned that we are its entertainment now. I doubt it¡¯ll actually mess with the game¡¯s main storyline, not too much at least.¡± Kaine said, ¡°I¡¯m curious about¡­something else thou-¡± ¡°We¡­We¡¯re actually going to have to finish this game¡­don¡¯t we?¡± When minutes later, Lara suddenly spoke up and the party paused in their steps. Looking back at her, who was usually silent. Bringing up the one thing each of them seemed to have been avoiding this entire time¡­Bringing up their imprisonment. ¡°Entertain me, players, as I watch you fail¡­¡± Lara repeated the dark being¡¯s words, as her gaze slumped down to the lazy waters that ran past her feet. ¡°For death in here, shall mean death in truth¡­¡± She began to shake, glancing back at the still rising smoke and flame beyond. ¡°How¡­How long are we going to be here for? Are¡­are we just its play things now?¡± She asked, turning back to find Jedd standing before her, as she suddenly pulled Lara in for a hug. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but we¡¯re together and that¡¯s what matters.¡± Jedd assured her friend. ¡°Don¡¯t fool yourself,¡± Kaine then suddenly said, as he gazed at Nova who slithered across his raised arm. ¡°You still need to harden yourself, we¡¯ve all felt it, real pain and real injury. You all saw those animals wielding weapons and armour back there. Are they real? Are they not? It doesn¡¯t matter, they¡¯re fucking real enough to kill you. It doesn¡¯t matter how long it takes, it doesn¡¯t matter for how long we¡¯re trapped in here for. What matters is how long you survive for, am I wrong?¡± None of them answered. ¡°Lara¡­¡± Kaine was about to continue but feeling the eyes of each of them upon him, Kaine suddenly froze. A feeling filled him at that moment, a moment that reminded him of the past. A past he cherished, a memory he dreaded. Reminding him, of who no longer stood by his side, and why. Kaine turned away, ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ve probably got a long road ahead.¡± He told them before continuing to walk. Don¡¯t¡­look at me like that. Kaine thought, regretting ever speaking up. I can¡¯t, I can¡¯t satisfy those expectations¡­I failed before and I¡¯ll just fail you too. Please¡­not those eyes. He dreaded those gazes deeply, feeling as if further weight was put upon his shoulders. Growing completely silent for the rest of their walk, while the rest watched him awkwardly as they followed.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Many among the party wanted to ask, as they saw his confusion and pain, but many didn¡¯t know what reaction to expect when they asked or how even to bring it up in the first place. Not knowing, whether they should even ask at all. ¡°Alright¡­seriously what¡¯s up with you?¡± All but Rey who was either too dense or just didn¡¯t care¡­ As some silent minutes of walking later, she asked him that question as she caught up with his pace. The party faltered in their steps at Rey¡¯s brashness, but Kaine did not stop moving, so they continued walking forth as well¡­ ¡°You freeze when faced with a cornered animal, but you put yourself in danger for people you don¡¯t even know right after. You fight like someone who¡¯s had more than just previous experience with the game, you seem to really enjoy it too, not that I blame you for that¡­It¡¯s just that, really I can¡¯t figure you out.¡± Rey then barraged him with words, while continuing to walk beside him. Kaine only sighed as he continued to walk, not answering her question as Roy stalked up to his sister and pulled her back. ¡°Oi you¡¯re going too far-¡± Roy tried to say but Rey pulled away, suddenly rushing to stand in Kaine¡¯s path. Lips pursed with annoyance, and eyes wide with resolve, as she met his dreadfully cold gaze. ¡°People think I¡¯m an airhead cause of how casually I act, but I see right through you mister cool.¡± She exclaimed, as her tone suddenly grew more emphatic. ¡°Our father is a scientist of a massive pharmaceutical company, we never see him at home or otherwise.¡± She said, gesturing at her brother. ¡°Jedd¡¯s mother left, and her father is a good for nothing drunk. Lara¡¯s older brother is a criminal facing life in jail. Farvo¡¯s¡­¡± she glanced at the dwarf, unsure how to say it. ¡°My wife is a victim of suicide.¡± Farvo then said with a sigh, walking up to Kaine and Rey. ¡°Point is kid, we¡¯ve all got our demons. We can see that yours are constantly edging you on, clearly we can see that. We¡¯ve gotten¡­over ours, together. So if you need an ear, we¡¯re used to it, and damn good at listening.¡± Kaine¡¯s eyes widened as they spoke, he had never considered sharing his problems before, not once. His mouth opened, as if to speak, but a wide melancholic smile grew over his face instead. His gaze rising up to stare at the night sky, unblocked by any city lights, it seemed like the entire galaxy was alit above them. ¡°You can¡¯t stomach my demons.¡± He coldly told them. ¡°Try us.¡± Jedd said, finding a small boulder sticking out of the river to sit down on. ¡°I need a short break anyway, and it¡¯s not like we haven¡¯t got the time.¡± Kaine¡¯s smile faltered, then disappeared entirely. His gaze falling to glance between Roy and Rey, ¡°I had a sister once, too. A mother, as well. But never a father¡­No¡­never a father.¡± He said, sighing then glancing back at the smoke now barely visible behind the pillar of steam that slowly moved towards them. Kaine walked over to Jedd¡¯s boulder, finding a spot to sit down as well. ¡°Alright then¡­let me tell you a story.¡± He said with sorrowful eyes, staring at the water as it flowed by. ¡°There was a man once, who owned great power within his sector of the human race. He did as he wished, owned whatever he pleased, and all the while screwed everybody else over. This, gained him too many enemies to count. This man, also once had a wife. A wife who gave him two children, the eldest a girl and the youngest a boy. This man was obsessed with power, but also obsessed with what would happen with that power after he passed away. He was growing old after all, so out of the entire family, it was his son who he looked most expectantly at. His wife though, wanted nothing of that for her children. And his enemies, drew closer each day. So, she ran. She took the two children and ran, away from them¡­and him. He chased them. Spending who knows how much wealth, although it barely touched his coffers. He hunted them down, angered at the loss of his precious fucking heir. This caught the attention of his enemies of course¡­And guess what happened next. He didn¡¯t find them first, but his enemies did. We-They were held hostage, hostages to politics between colonies. His enemies asked for a lot, but not something he couldn¡¯t lose. But of course, still he didn¡¯t want to lose it, he hated losing. So, he didn¡¯t pay, costing him his wife¡¯s life as a warning. Leaving the two children motherless, alone and afraid as bad men held them imprisoned from a bad father. The ¡®bad men¡¯ warned that the sister would be next, and then the son if no deal is struck. You¡¯d think, the father would have paid at this point, but no¡­No he had to make a point¡­He had to show them that nobody fucked with him. So what did he do? He paid someone else, he paid someone even more money to retrieve his heir and kill the kidnappers. I guess, the men he paid, weren¡¯t worth the money he dished out. My sister died in the crossfire, slowly she died in my fucking arms, but retrieve me they did. So maybe in his twisted jacked up mind, it was worth the pay¡­ They brought me back before that fucking monster, cause he¡¯s no father of mine, less so a man.¡± Kaine rose, not meeting any of their eyes, as each lay frozen. Paralysed from his story. ¡°I was retrieved, but happy he wasn¡¯t, for what kind of heir does a god damn cripple make?¡± Kaine hissed out, causing even Nova to shudder as she lay around his neck. ¡°Outside this place, my legs might as well not exist, my left arm barely moves and there¡¯s a fucking bullet stuck in my spine.¡± He then glanced back at Rey, ¡°You think you¡¯ve got demons? Well I must have the fucking devil, lucifer himself, whispering into my damn ear.¡± Cold and sorrowful amusement filling his entire expression, as Kaine feared what he would do if he didn¡¯t laugh. Glancing away then in shame. ¡°I can¡¯t blame you for asking and I¡¯m sorry for snapping at you¡­But there it is, this is what I am. Broken, prisoner in both worlds. But even then¡­But even then¡­Even then I will live, because my sister told me to. Even then, I won¡¯t be hateful, I¡¯ll risk my neck for anybody I deem in need because that¡¯s what that man wouldn¡¯t do¡­Or at least, I¡¯ll try.¡± Kaine said, clenching his hands into fists. As his eyes narrowed, keeping the memory at bay. ¡°If I need to...¡± His expression then, growing cold once more, as he failed to hold the memory down. Remembering as he stood over that injured mercenary, knife clenched in his hands and holding it to the man¡¯s neck. As he stared into his eyes, the eyes of a cornered being, terrified. Kaine remembered that moment above all, when his rage made him cross the line, a line he shouldn¡¯t have crossed. No¡­No never again. ¡°So, if you still want to put your trust in me, go ahead. But I warn you, I¡¯m a ticking fucking bomb with a broken timer.¡± Kaine warned them, taking a deep breath from talking so much right after. And silence then followed, the sound of water rushing past, the occasional breeze blowing through the tall grass, was all they heard for several long quiet moments. ¡°I still don¡¯t get you,¡± Rey then said, her expression pale white from the story she had just listened to. ¡°But I guess¡­that¡¯s normal, how the fuck could I get you?¡± She chuckled awkwardly, ¡°Sorry¡­I should just keep my stupid mouth shut huh?¡± ¡°Demons or D-Devils, we¡¯ve all got t-them, it¡¯s true.¡± Lara then suddenly spoke too, ¡°Reyrey, you¡¯re too f-forceful but, I think you were right to be this time. J-Jor, you¡¯re weird, I mean we¡¯re all weird but you¡¯re the w-weirdest person I¡¯ve ever met so¡­I g-guess that¡¯s a r-record. What I¡¯m trying to say is¡­Everyone has problems, and yours might be out of this world but¡­uhm.¡± Jedd sighed as Lara looked at her with pleading eyes, ¡°What Lara¡¯s trying to say is that, no matter how fucked in the head you are, no matter how broken or torn you might be. Imperfect, you¡¯re our kind of guy, cause we dislike the perfect. We hate normal, abnormal is what we are and what we attract so abnormal is what we¡¯re used to.¡± She walked up to him, slamming her clenched fist into his shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re a Crow now, might as well call you a full-fledged member. Cause shit backgrounds is what we have mastery in, and you wanna know what we do with em?¡± Jedd asked with a wide grin, a contagious grin as the pale expressions of the rest faded at her words. ¡°What?...¡± Kaine asked half-heartedly. ¡°We play the shit outta the night, or fuck around all day. Anything to make these seemingly meaningless lives of ours have meaning. Cause together, while broken, we make something whole and meaningful no matter what we do.¡± Jedd said, causing Kaine to feel something pull within him. As he stared at her damn grin, her eyes resolved too, fully believing the words she spoke. ¡°And this world, dangerous as it is¡­Like I said, as long as we¡¯re together, nothing else fucking matters.¡± Jedd then walked forward, giving them all her back. As they gazed on at her, staring at her back which showed only raw strength of will. ¡°Cause whether we¡¯re running, afraid or tired. Whether we¡¯re laughing, crying or bloody insane. Whether we live, or die. We do it all together.¡± She glanced back at him, ¡°Welcome to our little fucked up family, Jor.¡± She told him. Kaine suddenly felt the pull in his chest twist and turn¡­Something he had never felt before, that he had somewhere he belonged? He didn¡¯t understand, he just couldn¡¯t put this feeling into words at all. But he didn¡¯t need to put it into words, he felt it, so it was real. He felt it and that¡¯s what mattered. Family¡­ Something he had lost years ago. And along with that feeling, he also felt something else¡­as he stared at Jedd. A feeling that, he did know, that he did understand¡­which caused him great embarrassment as he noticed it. Glancing away while a slight tinge of redness flushed his face. ¡°What¡¯s...that?¡± Rey then suddenly said, causing Kaine¡¯s shoulders to shudder. Shit, is it showing? He asked himself, but then saw Rey rush past both him and Jedd, she had noticed something¡­But not what he thought of at first. Confused, they all followed after her. And as they moved, the sound got louder, clearer. The crash of water resounded before them, as the river got faster around their feet. They stepped out of the water, watching as many more rivers began to merge into the one they had been following. Creating a fiercer rush of water, that after several more meters reached a sudden drop. Rey got to the edge first, glancing first at the large waterfall to their left before staring off at what lay beneath. ¡°Holy shit.¡± She said with length as if something had taken the breath out of her. ¡°What?¡± Her brother, Roy asked as he and the rest then reached her side. Kaine followed her sight, as did the rest of them, and their eyes widened to their fullest by the sight. ¡°What¡­What is this?...¡± Farvo mused in astonishment. As they stared down at the gathering below, although too high to make out details of appearance it was obvious that these weren¡¯t human¡­ Kaine though, who¡¯s sight was excellent at night, made out much more than that. From Gnolls to Goblins, Kobolds and Trolls, even Lamias and Harpies¡­Monstrous humanoids of all kinds gathered below, an army of unprecedented size which only grew larger and larger¡­As more marched in from every direction, the sound of their stomping feet almost equalling the rage of the waterfall. ¡°This is where¡­those Gnolls were headed to?¡± Roy mused. ¡°Yeah¡­Oh holy fuck, yeah¡­¡± Farvo agreed, his mouth laying ajar from the sight. Kaine though, only had one thought in mind, as he glanced away from the army and back to Jedd. I found it, sis, I found the person I¡¯ll devour the world for¡­ Ch 10 - The Arduousss Journey Several hours later Morning Long had they left the army of monsters behind, as they walked now along the cliffside, keeping the river in sight albeit off in the distance behind them now. Finally finding their way down the cliff, they descended the steep hill carefully. Kaine stayed behind slightly, watching their backs while Nova flew off ahead, scouting out the terrain. ¡°Alright, we¡¯re on flat ground again¡­Now what?¡± Farvo asked, glancing about as the foliage got thicker and thicker, a forest rising ahead which the river also ran into. ¡°Well, we know the river is that way,¡± Jedd pointed to their left, ¡°So now we follow the sun to the east, once we think we¡¯re far enough from that hell at the waterfall we move south, back towards the river.¡± ¡°Sounds well and all, but that means we¡¯re headed right into that jungle there.¡± Rey pointed out. ¡°It¡¯ll be safer to deal with those riders and other large beasts in there than out here in the open plains.¡± Kaine added, as Nova flew back from the forest¡¯s edge, soaring through the sky before suddenly folding its wings and landing around his neck. ¡°How does it look?¡± He asked his familiar. ¡°Nothing has made the edge its territory, yet.¡± Nova reported, ¡°I cannot say for what might lay deeper within, I¡¯d have to investigate.¡± ¡°Go then, we¡¯ll follow.¡± Jedd told the serpent and Nova turned to stare at her. ¡°I don¡¯t take orders from you.¡± Nova said, her eyes focused. ¡°You will,¡± Kaine then told her, his tone and eyes cold as the familiar turned seemingly to argue. ¡°Now go.¡± ¡°Heh¡­Certainly.¡± Nova groaned with a hiss, slithering off his neck and back into the sky. ¡°You sure we can trust that¡­thing?...¡± Lara sheepishly asked, again standing as far away from Kaine as possible while still walking with the group. ¡°You trusted a grizzly bear, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kaine argued with a smirk as they continued to move, approaching the forest ahead while still keeping to cover. The army¡¯s encampment was still slightly visible from here, and they could be as well. As they walked, they chatted, all but Kaine who had other things on his mind.
Jedd [Level 2]
Farvo10 [Level 1]
Rey Black [Level 3]
Roy White [Level 3]
Larakrell [Level 1]
The twins are keeping up combat wise, Jedd¡¯s fallen behind¡­then there¡¯s Farvo and Lara¡­
[6] Jor Mungandr - [M]Level:4 - [A]Level:2 - [C]Level:0 { [Life]: 18/18 } { [Breath]: 140/140 } { [Arcana]: 30/30 }
This is dangerous, they all¡­We all, need to get stronger. Kaine thought as he glanced at them all, each seeming jolly and upbeat, but he could see the mild body language of anxiety, nervousness and fear hidden within. This won¡¯t do. He thought, sighing also as he glanced at the equipment they all had. Tattered clothes and bone carved weapons, some at the brink of breaking. This won¡¯t do at all. Kaine mused, glancing at each of them once more before looking at the forest ahead. His mind raced, ploys and plans being sorted, Kaine lay in the clouds and lost in thought for several minutes. As they chatted away, his very presence disappearing from the group. Each of his party members seemingly forgetting he was even there. This was no skill or spell, this was something Kaine could even do on other games when it came to other players. If he could walk, he guessed that he¡¯d experience it outside the game as well. Kaine had little to no presence to speak of. He watched them from the back, although afraid¡­although each of them were terrified, they kept each other upbeat and alert. They kept each other going through this game of death. Kaine wondered, is this what he wanted? Is this feeling of comradery what he was missing? He didn¡¯t know, he didn¡¯t understand the purpose or meaning of what he felt now¡­He only knew one thing for sure. This feeling, was something he wished to protect. I swear¡­ So he swore, Kaine swore he would. Nothing will break this. He told¡­No Kaine¡­he gazed off at the approaching forest¡¯s edge. Glancing back at the monster army camp then, seeing the rising smoke of campfires in the morning daylight. This game¡­This world, I will tame. He promised himself. -
- Two hours of walking through the forest later. Time went slow as they traversed the forest, the trees laying far more spread out than they initially guessed. So much so that Rey doubted a giant Hyena would have issues chasing them through¡­ The heat also slowly got to them, as the searing sun made no favours, even with some tree cover each of them lay drenched in sweat. Lacking any means to keep water on themselves, the berries Kaine had stored alongside whatever they could find around the bushes which lay about, became their sole source to quench their thirst. Even if slightly. Kaine watched as Nova descended around a tree branch and onto him, coiling about his neck before coming to rest face to face with him. ¡°There¡¯s a scent ahead.¡± It reported, ¡°We¡¯re entering something¡¯s territory.¡± ¡°I think we¡¯ve walked far enough,¡± Jedd mused, glancing at an entire tired party behind her. ¡°Let¡¯s start moving towards the river now, before we dehydrate¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m parched.¡± Roy chuckled awkwardly as his voice cracked. ¡°Rather not get into combat at the moment.¡± ¡°True enough, but let¡¯s stay on alert. Just because we haven¡¯t entered its territory yet doesn¡¯t mean whatever it is doesn¡¯t step out.¡± Jedd warned as she glanced up at the sun then picked their new direction. ¡°Continue ahead,¡± Kaine told Nova before whispering something else, ¡°And report any information on this territorial beast you might find.¡± Nova nodded in understanding before relaxing her body, uncoiling from around his neck and suddenly leaping into the air. Her wings spread out before rapidly beginning to beat and flap, as she rose higher, getting faster with each passing second. Then disappearing into the forest ahead. Several more minutes passed by as they walked, each of them worn out and thirsty, but stuffed with berries to the point that they didn¡¯t wish to eat any more. And as minutes turned to another hour of walking¡­the sound of rumbling resounded around them. Each of them then turning to look at Roy, whose face turned crimson. ¡°Uhh¡­I-¡± ¡°Just go¡­¡± Farvo said as the others chuckled, ¡°Pick a bush and take care of it.¡± ¡°Bu-¡± Roy was about to ask. But Kaine cut him off right then, ¡°Don¡¯t use the leaves¡­¡± he warned. Roy turned to stare at him, reddening further, ¡°Then what do I use?...¡± Kaine shrugged as Farvo suddenly pulled something out of his inventory, ¡°I¡¯ve got some Goldebeest hide? Use the furry side¡­¡± The dwarf said, the slab of thinned out hide materialized into his hand as he forwarded it to him. Roy took the still bloody piece of soft hide into his hands, glanced at it, then Farvo, Kaine and the rest who were on the brink of dying of laughter at this point. ¡°This isn¡¯t funny¡­¡± Roy said, his tone quivering with frustration. ¡°Oh¡­Oh I wouldn¡¯t be dyin if it wasn¡¯t!¡± Rey exclaimed, bending forth while holding onto her gut and mouth.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Roy clenched the hide, as he glared coldly at his sister, ¡°Oh¡­Oh it won¡¯t be funny for long.¡± He mused, realising something. Then moving off to the largest bush nearby. Roy was right¡­it wasn¡¯t funny for much longer. ¡­ After each of their stomachs had their lapse in silence, and several desecrated bushes later, the party continued on. Farvo¡¯s inventory now several pieces of hide lighter. Silently they walked, no conversation amongst them as awkwardness filled the party. And it dragged on for several more minutes until Rey broke the ice, she was good at that. ¡°Gods this game is fucked up in so many ways¡­¡± ¡°Is being stuck in it without the option to log out one of those?¡± Jedd mused with a groan. And back to chatting they went, Kaine watching in amazement as the party simply moved on from that strange and awkward issue neither of them even realised they¡¯d have. And have again in the future¡­ As they walked, Kaine studied the terrain around them. The forest, he noticed, was getting thicker the closer to the river they got. Trees began growing closer to one another, the grass and foliage now thicker even than the scattered bushes they had before. Slowly but surely, the terrain changed into a jungle. Their sweaty bodies now attracting dozens of bugs to mass around them, as albeit being damper and wet the jungle heat still enveloped them. Swatting away at the critters, when suddenly¡­ ¡°Sp-Spi-¡± Rey screamed at the top of her lungs as she suddenly swatted at something big and brown, ¡°Ow!¡± yelping in pain before stumbling over and falling into the grass. ¡°Rey?¡± Her twin Roy turned to her first, then turned the rest to see her fallen form. They watched briefly, but then seeing that she wasn¡¯t standing back up each of them rushed to her side. Rey lay groaning in pain while clenching her right hand, her face reddened with agony. ¡°S-Spider¡­¡± Rey muttered as they turned her over. ¡°Shit she got bit by something.¡± Farvo said as he grabbed her hand, revealing two tiny bite marks over her wrist. ¡°Uhh, anybody got anti-poison or something?¡± Nova asked as the serpent familiar had immediately returned at the sound of their distress. ¡°No? Well this is bad.¡± ¡°F-Fuc-uuuck!¡± Rey groaned, trying to roll back over as she held her hand close, each of them watching as the skin over it slowly turned red, then purple whilst it expanded. ¡°What do we do?!¡± Lara exclaimed, glancing at each of them, but all stared emptily at her unsure what to do. All but Roy who rushed down to his sister, taking some long and sturdy plant stems out of his inventory and nearby flora, he began tying it around the top of Rey¡¯s wrist. ¡°We need to slow down circulation!¡± he said in a mild panic, but fully focused on his task. ¡°The more we slow down the spread the easier her system will fight it off, normally spider bites aren¡¯t deadly but some can lead to death if left alone. But also we cannot cut circulation entirely¡­¡± He mumbled to himself as he worked, finishing off a well-made and tightly wrapped band around his twin¡¯s wrist. Staring at her hand briefly as she still lay in agony, Roy then suddenly turned to the others. ¡°We need to get to the river quickly so I can clean and cool the wound,¡± he said before cutting his shirt¡¯s sleeve off and wrapping it around the bite. ¡°This will prevent infection for a bit but¡­¡± ¡°Right, right! Let¡¯s go!¡± Jedd exclaimed as she suddenly grew into her bear form. ¡°I¡¯ll carry her and Roy, you three keep up!¡± She said as everyone helped heave Rey up onto the black bear¡¯s back. ¡°D-Don¡¯t move her too much! It¡¯ll quicken circulation! Rey¡­Rey!¡± Roy shouted as he climbed up nearby his sister, fear clear in his eyes as he stared down at her, ¡°Stay as calm as possible, try and slow your heart beat you hear me?¡± Rey chuckled weakly through the pain, ¡°You-r¡¯e tel-tell-ing m-me to sta-y-stay calm?...¡± Was the last thing Kaine, Farvo and Lara heard from her as Jedd immediately began rushing towards the river¡¯s direction. ¡°Fuck, come on!¡± Farvo said, urging both of them forward. The three of them ran after the large bear but chasing after it proved difficult due to Jedd¡¯s sheer sprint speed in that form, alongside the unfamiliar terrain around them. From thick grass and bushes, outgrowing roots and dangling vines, they quickly fell behind. The sound of the river was finally present, filling them with some relief, but it went unnoticed as a hiss from over Kaine¡¯s shoulder caught their attention. ¡°Master, we¡¯re being hunted¡­¡± Nova whispered as she carefully glanced about, her crimson eyes focusing on several large silhouettes about them. Now?! Kaine thought in annoyance, this was exactly what he was worried about. Slowing down his movement, he let the slow dwarf and human behind him catch up. ¡°Keep moving, don¡¯t look back cause we¡¯re being chased.¡± Kaine told Farvo and Lara as calmly as possible, each of them looking at him horrified at those words. ¡°W-What by?¡± Lara asked, almost tripping over a root as she did. ¡°Large, Canine, nothing like the beasties from earlier though.¡± Nova said, her ever aware eyes focused behind them. Kaine clenched the copper sword which lay strapped to his side, ¡°It¡¯s too bright, I can¡¯t sense them. I can hear them behind us though, and there¡¯s a lot. Nova?¡± ¡°I shall scour their numbers, they seem intent on following though so don¡¯t stop moving.¡± Nova said before suddenly disappearing into a nearby bush. ¡°You heard it, don¡¯t stop.¡± Kaine told the now pale Lara and Farvo as they followed closely behind him. Now depending on whether these things are strong or not¡­ Kaine mused as the sound of the rushing river came closer by the second, until finally they broke out of the thick foliage to find Jedd in her beastial form standing over Rey while Roy cleaned her wound carefully in the rushing water. Kaine immediately studied the terrain, noticing there was little ground to speak of as the jungle continued on into the river itself, growing even when the roots lay completely submerged. Rey herself was set down over a large thick tree root with her hands and feet laying in the water. Each of them stood on water now, their feet drenched by the cold river. Refreshing, but Kaine knew it was also dangerous. ¡°Jedd we¡¯re being hunted.¡± Kaine said as he glanced about. ¡°I know, I smell them. It¡¯s weird, don¡¯t ask¡­¡± She said, huffing in her bear form. ¡°S-sorry guys¡­¡± Rey managed through the yelps of pain and squirming agony while her brother carefully used her own cloth bandages to clean the two bite marks. Kaine turned to stand with the rest, facing the all too close jungle edge before them. Copper sword in his right hand, with his left laying free. He glanced at the rest, Jedd¡¯s equipment seemed to shapeshift with her, while Farvo and Lara were still wielding the bone longsword and bone axe he had given them respectively. ¡°They¡¯re coming!¡± Nova exclaimed as she burst out of the brush, coming to flutter and hover before them. As out of the foliage, six growling forms stalked out. Surrounding them.
Starving Worg [Level 3]
Half the size of Jedd and smaller than the Hyenas, the Worgs though seemed much more agile and dangerous. With hunched back wolf-like bodies, long claws that resembled talons, bat-like snouts and two curved sabretooth fangs. The six of them growled low as they salivated, hungry for a bite. And bite they did, emptily at the air before them, menacingly to show which of them was the predator. Smaller than Jedd they might have been, but each Worg easily stood the same height if not more than even Kaine as he met their eyes. His own cold gaze, seeming to make two of them falter. They recognised him as individually stronger. ¡°Roy, Jedd, watch over Rey. Farvo, Lara, we¡¯re taking them down so listen closely.¡± Kaine said, gaining a confused glance from each of them. ¡°B-But we¡¯re both still level 1!¡± Farvo complained. ¡°Exactly, and we won¡¯t get a better opportunity than this to change that.¡± Kaine said, suddenly taking a step forwards. As he did, each Worg stepped back. Each of them then realising, they weren¡¯t the predators here. ¡°Clean up behind me.¡± Kaine said, unstrapping his spear too as three of the Worgs rushed to charge around him and at the rest. Kaine met two of their glances, ¡°The sight of me chills you to the bone.¡± He chanted, and an unnatural fear filled both beasts as they immediately turned away and rushed back into the jungle yelping in terror. He turned, stepping to the side and meeting the third¡¯s charge, maddened by hunger the Worg did not stop. Instead, it pounced, maw ajar and revealing its rows of jagged fangs as it descended upon him. Kaine rushed underneath its leap, rolling over before quickly standing back up and slashing at the beast¡¯s hind legs. Blood splattered as it yelped, it¡¯s back body falling over its now useless feet. Quickly he turned to the other three as they engage the rest, Jedd mostly holding at bay while Lara and Farvo watched awkwardly. Unsure, unused to basic combat. They¡¯d be dead by now¡­ Kaine sighed, ¡°Kill this one you two!¡± He told them gesturing at the debilitated Worg as he moved onto the rest. Careful in his step as the deeper into the river he moved the smoother the ground became. Meeting a Worg¡¯s claw swipe with his sword, parrying the attack before unstrapping his spear with his free hand. Seeing the weapon, the smart creature immediately backed away, but Kaine was quicker. As he rushed forth onto the retreating beast, plunging the spear¡¯s point into its side, ruining its right front leg. In turn the creature snarled in pain, clawing at him as it did. Kaine parried the claw once more, causing the creature to try and retreat again. He was relentless in his advance though, pushing on the beast again the moment it did and stabbing his sword into its large left eye, continuing to then slash it across and blind the beast completely. Retreating from it, Kaine turned to scour the battle, just now noticing as one of the Worgs pounced on him. Too fast and too large the creature was, and too late it was for him to evade as the monster¡¯s massive frame fell upon him. The Worg¡¯s weight pushed Kaine down, slamming him into the shallow waters. Kaine squirmed and groaned in pain, as the beast¡¯s claws dug into his flesh and the weight crushed his arms. The Worg though, choked as it stood over him. Opening his eyes Kaine met the beast¡¯s wide panicked glances, as Nova lay around the Worg¡¯s neck slowly crushing its throat whilst her blazing body burned away at its fur and skin. Still though the beast remained looming over him, holding both of his hands down. At the same time disabling Kaine from using his weapons, as the creature¡¯s weight was too much for his own strength. And struggle as he might, Kaine couldn¡¯t push the Worg off, as it bit down towards his face even as Nova choked it to death. Kaine watching as those jagged teeth and long sabretooth fangs loomed ever closer, greenish saliva dripping onto his face as the beast¡¯s maw lay only a few feet from his face. Snapping at him, but confused and held back from Nova¡¯s efforts. Efforts which bore fruit moments later as the creature stumbled off Kaine, falling to its side unconscious. Kaine rose up, drenched but filled with adrenaline as he glanced around. One Worg remained, and Jedd had it held down, crushing the whining beast beneath her bear form¡¯s sheer weight and strength. The two he had debilitated were being dealt with by Farvo and Lara separately, while Nova was currently coiled up upon the unconscious one, hissing victoriously. The two he feared though hadn¡¯t returned at all, and from his experience with the Gnolls he doubted they would. As he looked at the still living Worgs, a thought came to him. They attacked us when one of us was injured. He realised, pondering even if they had been following them the entire time through the forest. Nova is a snake not an eagle¡­Her sight is good, but nothing to praise. Kaine looked on at the jungle¡¯s edge where the two Worgs had escaped to, pondering as the whines of dying beasts surrounded him.
[Jedd] has brutally killed { Starving Worg [Level 3] }
Your party has killed { Starving Worg [Level 3] } You can no longer gain Martial experience from fighting such lower level creatures.
Your party has killed { Starving Worg [Level 3] } You can no longer gain Martial experience from fighting such lower level creatures.
They¡¯re quick, strong bodied and fairly smart. Nothing I can¡¯t deal with one on one but even though I can¡¯t get any experience from them since they¡¯re lower level with several on me it gets complicated still¡­They run in packs, about six from this encounter¡­Yeah, they¡¯ll do just fine. ¡°Roy, how¡¯s your sister?¡± Kaine asked, turning to the twins. ¡°Bitchin.¡± Rey exclaimed in agonized amusement, pain still clear on her expression although she was smiling. ¡°The pain¡¯s gotten to her head but other than that, she¡¯ll remember not to swat randomly at creepy crawlies from now on.¡± Roy mused with relief in his tone, indeed the swelling in her hand had stopped albeit still being there. ¡°Good¡­¡± Jedd mused, retreating from the mauled to death corpse before her with several cuts and bites across her bear form. ¡°Come on, wash those cuts off too.¡± Roy said, gesturing at Jedd, Farvo and Kaine who each got injured in the fight. ¡°We don¡¯t know how infections work in this game, or if you even can get an infection but it¡¯s better we stay safe than sorry.¡± ¡°Right¡­¡± Kaine agreed, ¡°Nova watch that thing.¡± He told his familiar, gesturing at the unconscious Worg. ¡°Jedd you might wanna try taming this one.¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll knock the little shit around when it wakes up, see what comes out of it.¡± She said with a bearly shrug as her massive furry form descended into the water, splashing it everywhere. ¡°Knock¡­How did you tame Slayn?...¡± Kaine asked, staring at her in confusion. ¡°Err, showed him who¡¯s top dog with a beating?¡± Jedd lazily answered. Kaine¡¯s confusion turned to understanding, then astonishment. Beast tamers¡­ He mused with a sigh, when the sight of her wrestling down a bear came into his mind. Damnit brain¡­that¡¯s actually kinda hot. Ch 11- Encountersss 2 days later.
For hours on end they walked, traversing the difficult jungle as the heat and terrain did its best to slow them down. They moved carefully, stalking about cover through Kaine¡¯s and Jedd¡¯s directions while Nova kept tabs on their surroundings, Butch the now tamed Worg also kept his eyes open for new trails and signs of occupation. The beast¡¯s long pointed ears perking up whenever it caught a dangerous creature¡¯s scent, ¡°Cousins.¡± It spoke its voice a low growl, each of them able to understand the creature although its words were kept to as simple as possible. They had been in Worg territory for several days now and from Kaine¡¯s understanding after conversing with the tamed beast was that its kind ran in hundreds of small packs along a large stretch of land. Fighting for both food, territory and domination over other packs. They had killed dozens of Worgs at this point, and were apparently about to come upon more¡­ Their equipment mostly remained the same as the past 2 days, other than a few new additions thanks to Farvo¡¯s crafting knowledge. Kaine still wielded his copper sword and a bone axe, having given his spear to Lara. Jedd and Farvo retained their long swords, Farvo also heaving a new strange contraption on his back. Rey and Roy on the other hand now had make-shift bows crafted by Farvo from nearby flora and the Worg¡¯s powerful tendons. A bone axe each as well, held at their side. The party¡¯s current formation was with Jedd and Farvo at the front, Lara in the middle, Rey and Roy to either side and Kaine at the back. Gesturing at the rest, Kaine signalled to change this. Moving up ahead himself while Farvo and Jedd took the sides, Rey and Roy then falling to the back. Nova kept fluttering ahead of them, unseen and mostly unheard. Butch though prowled forward, completely silent in his steps but also completely visible to them, the beast seemingly knowing how to stay unseen only to its focused prey. As it stopped, staring forth through the foliage briefly before glancing back at them. The Worg gestured forward, and Kaine approached cautiously, feeling Nova landing around his neck right then. Kaine glanced through the thick bushes, seeing four Worgs stalking over the river ahead. ¡°Six of them,¡± Nova whispered in a hiss, ¡°Two more watching the pack¡¯s back from the foliage to our right.¡± ¡°A trap,¡± Butch mused, ¡°They know we watch, they know we here.¡± Kaine glanced back at the rest. It doesn¡¯t matter, they gave up the first move. Gesturing at the twins who moved forward and came to crouching next to him. Kaine pointed through the brush and ahead, pointing out the Worgs over the river. Both nodding in understanding, they pulled out one of many arrows laying at their side, nocking it but not pulling it back just yet. Kaine gestured at Butch, Nova and Jedd, then raising two fingers up. This was a simple silent code they had come up with, he was telling them that they would attack next in the second wave after the twins took their shots. Then gesturing at Farvo, Lara and himself, raising three fingers right after before gesturing at the foliage to their right. Kaine raised another two fingers but this time the back of his hand was facing them, this meant the number of hidden enemies. Each of them nodded in understanding, they were the counter ambush. Turning back to face the river, Kaine raised his other hand to shoulder height, clenching his sword¡¯s grip with his right. His left hand began counting down while raised¡­ Five, Four, Three, Rey and Roy drew their bows, Two, The Worg¡¯s ears perked up at the sound, turning to face the brush just in time to see two Elves rise out with bows drawn. One, The twins released their arrows, each flying true into the side of a Worg. The beasts yelped and growled in pain, their intelligent eyes filled with hatred as they set upon the two Elves. The Worgs charged, all four of them pouncing forth at the twins. Two, Kaine was counting down again, having begun the second count down the moment the Twins released their arrows. One, Jedd beared out and rushed out of the foliage, ending two of the Worg¡¯s leaps and sending them flying back with large clawed paws. Butch pounced out as well, countering another Worg mid-air as the both of them crashed into the river, tumbling over one another. Nova on the other hand rushed off Kaine¡¯s neck and into the last pouncing Worg, spraying a crimson liquid out of her jaws and into the beast¡¯s eyes. The Worg yelped in surprise, feeling its eyes burn as if afire. It crashed into the foliage nearby the rest of the party, blinded and enraged, it couldn¡¯t do anything as Nova¡¯s serpentine frame coiled around its neck and began to choke it. Four, Again Kaine began counting down, as the twins released another set of arrows while Butch and the beasted out Jedd clashed with three Worgs over the flowing river.
Your party has killed {Starving Worg [Level 3]} You can no longer gain Martial experience from fighting such lower level creatures.
Their arrows embedding themselves into the same Worg as Jedd threw it aside, one piercing into its leg while the other dug into its neck killing it. Three, Butch and the other Worg seemed like it would be an equal fight, but the wild beast was worn out and hungry while Butch had just gotten a full meal¡­Shrugging off the other Worg¡¯s advances, Butch slashed his claws forth, slapping the wild Worg¡¯s fangs aside before rushing forward and digging his own into the beast¡¯s throat. Butch then pulled back, tearing the Worg¡¯s throat out.
Your party¡¯s tame {Butch} has killed {Starving Worg [Level 3]} You can no longer gain Martial experience from fighting such lower level creatures.
Two, Two new Worgs then charged out of the jungle, each heading for Jedd¡¯s looming frame as she slammed their pack mate about. One, Kaine charged out first, unsheathing his sword and unstrapping his axe, he came to a stop in one of the Worg¡¯s paths. The beast snarled and barred its fangs, continuing upon him. Kaine bashed his axe into the advancing Worg, splattering blood as sharpened bone tore flesh and ending the beast¡¯s charge as it faltered back. Kaine took that moment to step forward, stabbing his blade into the beast¡¯s side, causing it to yelp in pain and bite at him.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Kaine once more bashing his axe into the beast¡¯s maw, hacking at its jaw and keeping it at bay as bone blade embedded itself into jawbone. Again Kaine jammed his blade into the beast, stabbing now at its other shoulder before it found an angle to claw at him. Disabling it from attacking again as he held it there, watching then as the second Worg rushed past them, beelining straight for Jedd¡¯s turned back. Lara stepped to then, spear held forth and ending the Worg¡¯s charge as it stumbled to a stop, mere inches from impaling itself. The Worg tried to swipe at her spear, trying to knock it aside as it growled and snarled at her. But Lara held it steady, retreating her spearhead whenever it clawed forth before stabbing at it the moment it¡¯s movement ended. Her spear finding perch in the beast¡¯s chest, drawing a splatter of blood, she drew it back and readied to counter once more. The Worg though did not swipe at her again, instead it rushed to the side, trying to outmanoeuvre her. As a fist sized stone then bashed into the beast¡¯s side, making it yelp with both pain and surprise, the Worg glanced at the direction the projectile came from to see Farvo holding out his new dwarven construct. This Dwarven Slugger worked just like a crossbow but was much bulkier and entirely made of wood, as Farvo had no metal to work with, he was left with using Kaine¡¯s bone knife to craft this. Reloading the weapon, he simply grabbed a large rock from his cloth bag, pulled back the sling-like perch and set it into the mechanism before placing the ammunition within. Maybe not having the piercing power the twin¡¯s bows had, as Farvo pulled the trigger releasing another rock, the stone then bashing into the Worg¡¯s side again¡­It was obvious by the sound of breaking bone and splattering of blood that this dealt far more bludgeoning damage than a rogue arrow to the side. The Worg now limping as it growled and snarled, blood dripping out of its mouth. Too slow, unable to evade as Lara plunged her spear into its side.
Your party has killed {Starving Worg [Level 3]} You can no longer gain Martial experience from fighting such lower level creatures.
Its dying sounds followed by the ending of one¡¯s choking grunts and huffs, as Nova finished off hers.
Your tame {Nova} has killed {Starving Worg [Level 3]} Arcane experience gained 45/300
Kaine felt the Worg trying to escape his grapple as he held it, both blades stuck deep in its body, it shuddered with agony trying to pull itself free. But Kaine held, as suddenly a large stone bashed into the beasts head, the sound of its skull cracking sending a shiver through him.
Your party has killed {Starving Worg [Level 3]} You can no longer gain Martial experience from fighting such lower level creatures.
The beast fell limp and Kaine retrieved his weapons, turning just in time to see Jedd slam her foe one last time. Held by its bottom legs, its upper body was beaten, bruised and crushed as its head splashed into the shallow river one last time, going still right then.
{Jedd} has brutally killed {Starving Worg [Level 3]}
Kaine breathed in relief, feeling the adrenaline drain away as he glanced about.
Jedd [Level 3]
Farvo10 [Level 3]
Rey Black [Level 3]
Roy White [Level 3]
Larakrell [Level 3]
They¡¯re catching up¡­ He mused, the traversal of this forest albeit having been treacherous proving also fruitful. ¡°Well¡­we can¡¯t get any more experience from these.¡± Roy mused, sighing as he and many others rested. ¡°I guess-we¡¯re gonna have to find something stronger and avoid the crap.¡± Jedd said as her bear form dissipated. ¡°Oh! If only there was anything stronger than a fucking Worg in this damn world!¡± Rey said sarcastically, remembering the massive Gaizedons and terrifying Gryphahs long behind them. Kaine turned to glare at her, ¡°Not so loudly.¡± He shushed her, causing Rey to grin. ¡°What? Think I¡¯m challenging fate or something by sayin that?¡± Rey asked in amusement. When both Butch¡¯s growl and Nova¡¯s hiss alerted them all. ¡°No, I think you¡¯re being too damn loud.¡± Kaine mused, rising back to his feet as movement caught his eyes from the other side of the river. As a cacophony of growls flowed out of the jungle ahead, more Worgs in one place than they had ever seen before, now prowling out of the bushes and towards them. ¡°W-What the fuck is this?¡± Farvo asked as each of them stood and prepared their weapons. ¡°Worg pack too big, not Worg pack.¡± Butch tried to answer but the tamed beast itself seemed confused at the number. ¡°So, this isn¡¯t normal then?¡± Jedd mused. ¡°No, not normal, this not normal!¡± Butch growled, three more Worgs snarling at him from the other side then. ¡°Return to Worg cousin.¡± Said one. ¡°Out of our way, flee!¡± Said a second. ¡°Or die and sustain us, cousin.¡± Snarled the third. Thirteen Worgs stepped out in total, barking, howling, salivating with hunger. ¡°Two-legs invade Worg home,¡± Growled one Worg. ¡°Two-legs strong, but little.¡± Mused another, baring its fangs in amusement. ¡°We thinks Two-legs taste better than Worg, different at least!¡± exclaimed the most excited of the bunch. Kaine watched them, studied each beast, noticing something he hadn¡¯t noticed before¡­ Their tones, their words¡­their mannerisms¡­different? Why are they so different? Also since when are these dog bastards so smart? He thought, and realisation then hit him. ¡°The AI update¡­¡± Kaine mused out loud, his eyes widening as the Worgs approached closer. ¡°Of course¡­¡± He stepped forth, watching as his sudden approach made many a Worg falter, some even stepping back and away. ¡°Jor? What are you thinking?¡± Roy asked from beside him, bow nocked and drawn like his sister. ¡°I¡¯m thinking they¡¯re full of shit.¡± Kaine said, chuckling coldly as he stared straight at what he thought to be the bravest of the Worgs. Clenching both weapons, as blood still dripped of their blades, Kaine kicked forward one Worg corpse. Knocking it over, its head limp, its eyes unmoving as it faced the pack of beasts. Each of them now faltering further. I wonder¡­Just maybe¡­ Kaine got a thought, deciding he had nothing to lose, he then suddenly slashed his sword into the corpse¡¯s neck. It didn¡¯t go very deep, cutting barely beneath the beast¡¯s hide, but as he began to cut deeper and deeper. Pushing his blade through the flesh, splattering the blood onto his face until his sword met bone, Kaine saw that it was making some effect. As many a Worg watched him, a frozen stare of either hunger or terror. As Kaine crashed his axe into the corpse¡¯s neck, shattering bone and slicing flesh with every attack until he finally fully severed the head. Strapping his weapons, Kaine rose back up, holding the Worg head by the fur on its scalp whilst both it and he were drenched with blood. He raised it forward, as heavy as it was he didn¡¯t think he could keep it so for very long though. Kaine smiled, a wide cold smirk as one by one he met each Worg¡¯s frozen gaze. Wordlessly, he stared briefly at each. Each Worg taking a step back as he did. When suddenly Kaine threw the head forward, watching as it splashed into the water and rolled a few more feet forward, scattering several Worgs from where it landed. They stared at it, as it lay limp and unmoving, eyes wide open and staring into nothingness. ¡°Look at me.¡± Kaine said, feeling as Nova wrapped around his neck, the demonic serpent¡¯s eyes glowing a bright crimson as it hissed. Front wings spread wide and afire, it only made Kaine seem more imposing. As the Worgs glanced back at him, meeting his dreadful gaze which sent a chill run down their spines. ¡°The very sight of me, chills you to the core.¡± Kaine chanted, activating his spell and watching as each Worg shuddered. Yet, none of them ran, instead they remained staring towards him. Eyes wide and bodies still, as many of them sniffed the air. It¡¯s not working¡­ Kaine grumbled, watching then as they began to take steps back. Wait maybe¡­ Kaine continued to watch, his fake smirk slowly faltering as it twitched. I cant keep this up¡­ He watched, as their eyes widened further, as the fur on their backs stood up and ears leaned back, and each Worg suddenly turned tail and ran. Relief then filling him, until he heard the sound of trees bending behind them. That relief right then was replaced entirely with a cold dread.
Warning: {Elite} class monster has set its sights upon you.
As Kaine turned around only to find himself standing before a goliath of fur, claw and fang. Trees bent to the side as it held onto them, the monster although massive in frame it held onto a tree per claw with ease, its left leg crushing the bark on one tree while its right hung free beneath it. Dark green fur with a humanoid form, almost worg-like in appearance. Hunched forward, the fur on its back was raised with excitement as its cold pearly white eyes fell upon the party. It growled, a rumbling sound that made each of them tremble. As it scraped its blade-long claws along the bark, slowly climbing down from the trees as they bent back into position. Coming to stand on its hind legs before them, as its much longer arms hung low and dragged along the water. Its bat-like snout lowering to meet them, before suddenly and without warning baring into a blasting roar, revealing its massive sabretooth fangs. Each of them were sent flying back and tumbling into the jungle, as the monster loomed over them. It stomped forth, quaking the ground and water, even as they scrambled to get up its movements were slow¡­but it was seemingly capable of so much more speed. The shape of its large bulging muscles visible even under the thick coat of fur. Kaine met the monster¡¯s eyes as they widened, before it roared once again, sending his entire body trembling.
{Elite} Worgoll [Level 7]
One thought ran across his mind right then¡­ One instinct filled his shaking body. One sound escaped his quivering lips as he rose up. ¡°Run!¡± Ch 12 - Ssstrength ¡° Run! ¡± Kaine said, and each of them did, rising up and dashing into the jungle. Terror struck, none of them looked back as they ran. All but Kaine, who stood his ground instead of joining them. Rising to his feet, he clenched his weapons and took a stance. His gaze meeting those pearly whites, now narrowing with confusion. ¡°Run¡­I should run right?¡± Kaine mused, as the Worgoll growled, now rising to its full height. ¡°I¡¯m shaking¡­¡± Kaine said, glancing down at his trembling feet and hands, ¡°I¡¯m shaking yet I can move!¡± He shouted out, willing himself to stand his ground. ¡°Because you¡¯re a fool.¡± Nova chuckled with a hiss, ¡°You¡¯re going to die.¡± Kaine chuckled too, ¡°I thought I¡¯d die twice before, fate has yet to make good on that. I¡¯m alive, I¡¯m fucking alive and as long as I have feet to move and hands to hold with¡­I¡¯ll fight.¡± He told the serpent, as it coiled around his neck. As suddenly, he charged forwards, as the beast¡¯s massive fists crashed down where he once stood. Water rose up in a column, splashing all about the Worgoll as excitedly it glanced around for the snack it had just crushed. But that snack was nowhere to be seen, filling it with disappointment¡­As suddenly a sharp pain pulsed through its feet, then filling it with rage. Kaine danced about its legs, slashing, slicing and stabbing, retreating back as it stepped about looking for him. Remaining in its blind spot, he continued to walk with it, as it growled and snarled. Then as it leaned down, he rushed back, the beast suddenly leaping up high. Soaring several feet into the tree tops, smashing aside their branches as their leaves now fell around him. Kaine glanced up, his eyes widening as he briefly watched the mass of muscle and fur descending back down towards him. A cold sweat crawling down his back as he rushed to move aside, the giant then crashing down into the river, sending large waves of water splashing all about. It charged forth, crashing through the raised waters the moment it landed and chasing after Kaine, bellowing out another roar as it suddenly came to a stop in his path. Too large and too fast even for him to outrun. Claws spread wide, the Worgoll slashed at him with one hand, the very wind whistling as it was shred through. Nova rushed off his neck as Kaine turned to face the large claw, pushing himself back as he raised both weapons defensively. Unable to dodge, all he could do was block and mitigate the attack as the massive hand crashed into him. Feeling the bones in his arms shudder, as he was sent flying back, tumbling through bushes and branches until he smashed into a tree. The air in his lungs alongside a splatter of blood then exiting his mouth. Kaine took in a heavy breath as he dragged down the tree¡¯s side, the shape of his body leaving a crater in its bark. Falling back to his feet, Kaine stumbled as his vision blurred from the pain. Just barely able to see the looming beast of green fur approaching him. Weapons still clenched in his hands, somehow having held onto them, he blinked twice. His vision clearing only to find the beast pushing aside two trees before him, its fanged maw ajar as it descended onto him. Kaine evaded to the side just in time not to be devoured whole as the beast¡¯s fangs crunched close, tearing asunder half of the tree¡¯s width which lay behind him. Again Kaine rose to his feet, stuck on the defensive as the monster¡¯s salivating mouth turned to him once more. A roar, and he was sent flying back, tumbling over the dirt and roots as vines entangled about his feet. Kaine struggled, trying to pick himself up and escape, but he was stuck. Unable to pull himself free from the sticky vines, Kaine could only watch from the ground as a tree was uprooted before him. Revealing the Worgoll as its massive form stepped to loom over him, it snarled, as if in amusement of his struggle and predicament. As it leaned forward, its large claws opening as they approached him. When a blitz of flame suddenly burst through the treetops, Nova descended down, her body afire as she landed between the monster and her master. Hissing loudly as she opened her wings wide, trying to seem as menacing as possible before this goliath who¡¯s very fingers lay larger than it. The Worgoll made a rumbling sound, as if chuckling at the sight, its claws continued onward towards Kaine. As its eyes widened, its mouth just barely open with excitement, enough to show its jagged teeth. ¡°Asshole!¡± Kaine heard a voice exclaim as two arrows embedded themselves into the Worgoll¡¯s hand, the monster leaning back in surprise as Jedd suddenly leapt out of the brush. Driving her longsword into the monster¡¯s left foot, the bone-blade just barely cutting into the dense flesh before she pulled it back out. As the Worgoll raised its foot up, bellowing in pain, it stumbled back. Jedd turned to look at Kaine, ¡°I expect you to fucking run when we all run, you suicidal son of b-!¡± She exclaimed, both fury and relief filling her eyes as she stepped to him, freezing in her steps then as the Worgoll¡¯s massive foot stomped down in between them. The beast growled as it turned, coming to stand between Jedd and Kaine, separating its prey as it faced the unconstrained snack first. Jedd¡¯s eyes widened as she looked up at the goliath, her hands trembling as she held her bloodied blade, ¡°You¡¯ve got to be fucking kidding me.¡± She mused to herself, a quivering smile forming over her face as she watched the monster¡¯s massive hands rise then fall. She evaded, rolling to the side just in time not to be crushed. Rising back to her feet she continued to run still as the beast¡¯s hands then swiped widely at the jungle around them, searching for her through the thick foliage, its clawed fists bashing through both foliage and trees as it looked for her. Another set of arrows finding perch onto its chest, the Worgoll snarled in annoyance, rising to its full height before roaring out in fury. The jungle around it shuddering and flowing aside, as many a branch was torn off from the blasting sound alone. It glanced about, its gaze first falling on the still struggling Kaine before ending on Jedd as she reached the river. Its long pointed ears perking up at the sight of a chase, it suddenly barrelled forth, growling and snarling it crashed through the jungle. Trees were bashed aside as roots and vines were torn in its path, everything else being crushed beneath its stomping feet till it also reached the river once more. Growling as Jedd turned to face it, holding her long bone sword high as several more projectiles hit the monster. Shrugging off the stones and even arrows, the Worgoll loomed over Jedd, a low continuous growl as it approached. Watching as its maw opened, salivating, hungering¡­Jedd faltered back, shaking, trembling. Stumbling backwards as the beast suddenly bit down onto her weapon, crushing the bone into splinters before her eyes, Jedd saw her future within the remains of it as she fell back into the water. Shivering, frozen with terror she stared into its beady white eyes. As it stomped forth, its maw opening once more. Kaine watched from the jungle, pulling, struggling, thrashing against the vines which held him. No, Not again. He thought, pulling harder even though it filled his arms with pain. Never again. Kaine reminded himself of a promise he had made to himself, as cold dread filled his heart. ¡°I was weak then! But I¡¯m not weak now! Not here, not in this world!¡± Kaine exclaimed, as his eyes focused, turning into slits. His vision then filling with a dark fog as Nova turned to him, her own eyes going from crimson to pitch black as she hissed at him. ¡°Then grab it.¡± The serpent said, ¡°Grab hold of fate.¡± Kaine continued to struggle, as slowly the vines which held him tore.
The Ssserpent watchesss. The Ssserpent acknowledgesss. You are ssstrong. You can be ssstrong. But early power, comesss at a priccce¡­ Are you, Drow, willing to pay it?
Dark words appeared before him once more, different than before. Kaine¡¯s eyes settled on something on the ground as the words faded from his sight. As his dark murky vision focused upon it, he watched the object shudder and gleam. ¡°Take hold of it.¡± Nova¡¯s echoing voice entered his ears as the serpent coiled around the dark green dagger which lay embedded into the dirt before him, her eyes now a pitch black. ¡°Take hold of your fate.¡± She said with a hiss, her voice though sounding different. Kaine¡¯s eyes were locked upon the weapon, a grip of black leather around a hilt of crimson red, down into an armguard of brunt brown with a single oval emerald at the centre. The blade was the deepest dark green, shuddering as he stared at it, as if radiating power. He stared into the emerald at its centre, seeing a reflection of his own eyes within. He couldn¡¯t explain it, but Kaine knew the weapon was¡­calling to him. It was tempting him, he even felt his own hands fighting harder against the vines to grab hold of it. Kaine lost himself to the feeling, wanting, craving for the dagger now as he reached out for it. When suddenly a bout of flame burst out before him, clearing his sight of the darkness, the dagger disappearing with.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Kaine blinked his eyes twice, nausea now filling his head as he glanced at Nova, the serpent was hissing ferociously at the dissipating flames. ¡°You¡­¡± Kaine growled, gaining the serpent''s attention once more, it leaned away from him. His eyes, enraged, as he stared down at the demon¡­ ¡°You¡¯ll explain,¡± Kaine warned, then glancing at the river ahead his eyes widened, ¡°Later, you¡¯ll explain.¡±
At the same time
Lara stared through the brush as the mass of fur, fang and claw loomed over a fallen Jedd, her comrades barraging the beast with arrows and stones, yet nothing stopped it. Nothing made it falter, instead the attacks seemed to only anger it further. As the monster glanced at them, its beady eyes widening before looking back down at the terrified frozen Jedd. It smiled, amused by the sight a monstrous grin formed over its snout. As its maw slowly opened. No¡­Oh god no. Lara thought as she stood frozen too, clenching her spear tightly as she stared forth. Afraid, too afraid to move¡­ Why? Why am I so weak? Why can¡¯t I¡­Why can¡¯t I ever do something right!? She chided herself, clenching her weapon tighter, hoping for something to happen. Hoping, for anything to happen. She glanced at her comrades, nothing they did worked. She glanced around for Kaine, he was strong right? But he was nowhere to be seen. Her gaze then falling back on Jedd, her beloved friend, facing death¡¯s door. No¡­No this can¡¯t¡­This won¡¯t¡­ The thought of Jedd dying before her as she stood by and did nothing, filled Lara with rage. As suddenly she felt her spear¡¯s shaft shatter beneath her grip, the piercing pain of splinters entering her palm waking her from the fury¡­She glanced at her spear, smoke now rising from where she gripped it, a warmth filling her entire hand.
Embers of life, you beseech.
Words, words began to appear into her view. Words, which Lara recognised as a chant from the many others she had spoken before. ¡°E-Embers of life, I beseech you!¡± So, Lara chanted.
Before the ashes, you summon it.
¡°Before the a-ashes, I summon them!¡± She spoke the words, altering them just right to make them her own.
Holy flames, burn thy enemies.
¡°Holy flames, burn my enemies¡­¡± Lara spoke that last sentence, as suddenly an ember light shone out of her hands, piercing through the spear¡¯s shaft as it flowed into it. Lara felt a warmth fill her, power like she had never felt before, nothing like the games she had played before¡­ It fuelled her, the feeling of it flowing through her veins, gave her resolve. As the spear in her hands exploded, balls of flame replacing the meagre weapon and harmlessly engulfing her arms. Lara¡¯s eyes, shone their differentiating colours of blue and red, as she raised her hands forwards.
Arcane Arts Unlocked! Arcane level: 1 Intelligence +1 Spirit +1 Expertise +1 Sense +1 Aura +1
Spell {Fire Bolt} has been learned! Arcane experience gained 50/100
Lara stepped forth, as Farvo, Rey and Roy stepped out of her way. Arms held forth as the Worgoll suddenly turned to her, the flames catching its attention. It roared, the flames in her hands flickering, almost snuffing out at the powerful bellow. But Lara held them lit, feeling the energy surge through her body and into her hands, she took hold of that energy and sent it forth. As suddenly small projectiles of flame shot out of her hands, three per palm into a total of six. Seeing the flames approach, the Worgoll retreated back, snarling in surprise as four of the bolts clashed into its body while two missed and flew into the jungle behind it. The projectiles exploded on contact, bursting into a bout of flame each which caught the creature¡¯s fur on fire. Its eyes then closing as it bellowed once more, a pained roar as it slapped its own body, trying to blindly snuff the flames out. Enraged and confused, the monster entered a frenzy as it spun about, suddenly diving down into the flowing river as a cloud of steam burst out from beneath it. Jedd took that moment to turn tail and run, rejoining her party with a matching expression to Farvo and the twin¡¯s, as each stared at Lara with sheer amazement. ¡°H-How did you do that?¡± Jedd asked with a quivering laugh, still shaken. ¡°I-I don¡¯t¡­¡± Lara shook her head, unsure how to answer, the words had simply came to her. Then each of them turning to face the monster, as it rose out of the dissipating steam. Eyes wide, growling as it stood to its full height, it was done playing around with its food. As it watched them, cautiously it watched them, slowly it approached them before suddenly charging forwards with a burst of speed like nothing before it. Stumbling then as its legs were caught in a bunch of vines, it fell, face first into the rocky riverside with a painful yelp. The Worgoll growled and snarled, pulling itself free of the vines as a figure stepped out from behind it. Kaine met the monster¡¯s eyes, his own focused as slits as his entire expression lay empty and cold. ¡°You done playing around? Good, so am I.¡± He said, glancing at the rest of them as the monster rose back to its feet. ¡°Support me from afar, Lara, take timed shots¡­Your mana is far more finite.¡± He warned, then disappearing as the beast¡¯s fist crashed down, raising a pillar of water where he once stood. He then reappeared, rushing around the monster¡¯s legs, unharmed as he danced about them. Second after second Kaine¡¯s hands blurred with attacks, slicing and dicing his blades into the Worgoll¡¯s flesh. As it turned to stomp on him, arrows then embedding themselves into its wide open back, the beast faltered and returned to facing the rest. Confused, as Kaine continued to tear away at its legs, it stumbled around. It may have been too large, but he, was just agile enough. As the Worgoll kicked about, splashing water around as it tried to crush Kaine beneath its feet, yet he rolled, dodged and evaded each step. Too quick and too small for it to catch. Enraged, it suddenly leapt back and out of his range, snarling as it landed with a crash. Blood now reddening the water around Kaine from what he had spilt, slowly washing away as the river flowed. The beast roared, fangs bared as it suddenly charged at him. Every step, every stomp making the earth beneath him quake, as it approached. ¡°Now!¡± Jedd exclaimed from the side, as a barrage of projectiles then met the beast¡¯s charge. Two arrows sticking into legs and a stone into its claws as it tried to slash it aside from hitting its mark too. Leaving it completely defenceless as six bolts of flame exploded into its face, lighting its fur afire and making it stumble and falter, ending its charge. The Worgoll dove into the water, splashing it onto itself frantically as flames burned away at its face. Feeling then as something sharp slashed at its arm, catching the faintest gleam of metal and a blur of green before both suddenly pulled back and away. Snuffing out the flames from its face, it then caught sight of the attacker once more, as a vine-wrapped bone-axe bashed into its maw before suddenly slashing through on its way back to its wielder. Kaine kept his distance, standing about thirty feet from the goliath now as he twirled and swung his weapons forth. Long vines coiled around his arms as he threw both sword and axe, the other end of each vine entangled tightly around the weapon¡¯s grips. Widely his weapons flew about, pulling at the almost elastic vines to retrieve them, letting the weapons fall into the water before he swung them forth once more. Never once touching the weapons himself, he fully used the vines to swing them about. Attacks battered the monster now, as cuts riddled its legs and arms, burns covered its face and hands as blades and axes flew at it, as arrows and stones rained upon it, as bolts of flame exploded into it. The Worgoll backed away, suddenly feeling overwhelmed, it turned to run. ¡°Oh no you fucking don¡¯t!¡± Kaine exclaimed, rushing after it as he suddenly threw both weapons, one to either side he swung them wide and inwards. Letting go of even more of the vine¡¯s length they stretched to their fullest, the weapons used as weights to coil the vines around the beast¡¯s legs. Kaine then suddenly feeling the air rush past him as the beast stepping forwards pulled him in, he was sent soaring forth, slamming into the creature¡¯s back and grabbing hold of its fur as not to fall off. Kaine watched as it continued to run, arrows, stones and bouts of flame having been barraging it still, they stopped now that he had grabbed onto it. He climbed, grabbing onto the thick fur as the very thing he held onto leapt and quaked with every step it took, taking him further and further away from his comrades¡­Until suddenly, the sound of something stretch and tear sounded off from below, tripping the beast. Kaine held on for dear life as the Worgoll¡¯s massive frame fell forward, slamming into the river and splashing up a large column of water all around them. Now upright, he ran, dashing across the rising beast¡¯s back till he reached its head. Grabbing on as the Worgoll quickly rose back to its knees¡­ As a rumbling growl escaped its grimacing mouth, Kaine felt the entire monster tremble beneath him. He watched from his perch up high, as the monster¡¯s body suddenly began to expand, its muscles growing in size as a violet light shone through its flesh, energy flowing through its veins. We hit the health threshold¡­ Kaine mused, having an inkling of what this thing was and what was happening to it, he knew he needed to act fast. So, he climbed, as the Worgoll beneath him grew. As quickly as he could Kaine climbed, reaching the beast¡¯s neck just as it began to turn around. Its wide, now fiery red eyes, setting upon his party who lay watching downriver. Kaine glanced at them from over the monster¡¯s shoulder, unseen and unnoticed, or simply ignored. As the monster began to loom forward, taking quaking steps towards them. Kaine¡¯s heart sank, he needed to stop it. But looking down at himself, he only had his bone hunting knife, barely a weapon against this goliath of fur and muscle. ¡°They¡¯re going to die.¡± Then suddenly hissed a familiar voice from behind him, as Nova¡¯s serpentine form coiled over his shoulders. But it wasn¡¯t her voice, still though, Kaine recognised it. ¡°Ssso why falter? When their preciousss livesss are at ssstake~ You wissshed for power, no? Well, here isss your chanccce~¡± The greater demon¡¯s voice came out of the serpent familiar, as it held a dagger in its mouth, barely holding the weapon up by the grip. ¡°How low, are you willing to go, for ssstrength? I wonder, how dark isss your heart?¡± The demon whispered, as Kaine¡¯s eyes locked with the dagger¡¯s gem, a reflection of his own eyes appearing within once more. ¡°What will I lose?¡± Kaine asked, as he stared at the weapon. ¡°What isss left, of your morality. What remainsss, of your mortality. You will barely even noticcce that they¡¯ve gone away~¡± The demon assured with a wicked chuckle. Kaine pulled his gaze away, taking every bit of will he had to do so, then glancing down at the small bone knife clenched in his right hand. He chuckled too, ¡°Everyone has their demons¡­But that doesn¡¯t mean I should listen to mine.¡± He mused, suddenly raising his hand back with the knife clenched tightly within. His eyes, focused on the back of the monster¡¯s neck. He had one shot, one chance to find the right spot. For as he felt the monster¡¯s steps grow into leaps, he knew it¡¯d be upon them moments later. Kaine¡¯s hands which previously shook, now grew calm and steady, the terror in his eyes faltering into a calm coldness. Kaine felt his heart rate slow, he felt the warmth which filled his body lower¡­Yet the sinking feeling in his chest never went away. He was focused, but still afraid. Afraid he¡¯ll fail, afraid he¡¯ll mess up again. Afraid he was about to disappoint more lives. That fear filled him, it engulfed his mind as it always did. For a moment, Kaine faltered. For he knew this would decide what he was, a question he could never get himself to answer. What am I? The thought came through just as he prepared to strike. The warrior my father thinks me to be? The coward others see me as? Or the killer I see in the mirror? Who am I? Kaine asked himself, glancing one last time at the ornate dagger. An easy way out. He thought, then thinking of his comrades standing before this monstrous opponent. A desperate situation. Then, glancing at the make-shift knife in his outstretched hand. A desperate strike¡­But is it desperate? Is it really? His gaze then returning to the monster¡¯s neck, all of this occurring within mere moments. His eyes, then narrowing. He¡¯d choose the dagger, just how he would have chosen the gun, just how I chose to use the gun. I¡¯m not him, I don¡¯t want to be him¡­I¡¯ll never be him. Resolve then filled Kaine, as he decided on who he was. As he struck down with the knife, feeling a rush of energy fill his hand, as his very perception of what lay before him expanded. Suddenly, information flowed into his mind, an understanding of flesh and bone he did not have before. An understanding, of how to disable both. As his striking blade swerved, then clenching tighter around the weapon¡¯s grip, Kaine dealt his attack. The bone knife stabbed through the fur and flesh, going several centimetres deep but nowhere close to reaching bone¡­Deep enough though, to do serious damage to the creature¡¯s nerves, as its entire body suddenly went limp.
Your party has killed { {Elite} Worgoll [Level 7] } Martial experience gained 400/400
Level up! Martial Level 5 reached! +1 to all Martial stats. 3 Neutral Martial Points available for distribution!
Martial Skills Unlocked! [Martial Arts Scroll] window unlocked!
Martial Art {Assassinate} has been learned! Martial experience gained 85/500
Kaine felt the monster¡¯s corpse crash down into the river, the entire thing shuddering beneath him as he suddenly lost hold of its fur, being thrown forwards and tumbling down into the water himself. Taking a deep breath of relief as he rose to his knees, Kaine felt his entire body shaking as he glanced up. I¡­I did it¡­ He thought to himself, seeing his entire party rushing towards him, all alive and well. Well¡­other than Lara¡¯s hands were on fire. One¡­One thing at a time¡­ Ch 13 - Warningsss & Mysssteriesss ¡°Hold on and bite down,¡± Roy said as he held Kaine¡¯s dislocated shoulder, Jedd and Farvo holding the rest of him. Kaine nodded, a bundle of cloth in his mouth blocking him from speaking as he bit down on it. ¡°Alright, on three?¡± Roy said, and Kaine nodded once more. ¡°One¡­Two-¡± Roy counted, suddenly pulling on two as the sound of bone being relocated filled their ears. ¡°Mudder Fak!-¡± Kaine mumbled in agony, groaning as it then dampened into mild pain. ¡°Fuck that hurt worse than the landing!¡± He mused after spitting out the cloth. ¡°Hmph, shouldn¡¯t have rushed after that bloody thing then.¡± Jedd said in annoyance, grinning as he lay there clutching his left shoulder. ¡°I¡­Yeah, I lose my head sometimes¡­Sorry.¡± Kaine apologised, his gaze moving off them and onto Nova who watched from a nearby rock. ¡°So¡­what do we do with this thing?¡± Rey asked, gesturing at the mass of green fur and flesh still blocking most of the river. ¡°Its fur looked really flammable¡­¡± Lara mused as she played with a flame, throwing it from finger to finger. ¡°Yeah could be useful for starting a campfire quickly,¡± Farvo mused, ¡°Or¡­other things.¡± A smirk then growing on his face as he began to ponder. ¡°Please tell me he¡¯s out of that powder¡­¡± Roy groaned. ¡°Nope, still got some and found more on the way, what do you think I¡¯ve been mixing as we walked?¡± Farvo said with a wicked chuckle. ¡°By the way¡­where¡¯s Butch?¡± Rey then mused, causing Jedd to groan as she gestured at a shaking nearby bush. ¡°Right there, the coward¡¯s been hiding the entire time.¡± Jedd said with a grimace. ¡°Aww, poor thing must be terrified.¡± Lara said, standing up to move towards the bush. Seeing this, the worg rushed out and leapt into an even larger set of foliage. Causing Lara to pale, ¡°Its¡­me isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Naah-¡± Jedd was about to assure her¡­ But Rey just shrugged, ¡°Yeah its your flames.¡± She pointed out, Lara still having a flickering blaze around her index finger. ¡°At least I know it ain¡¯t just me,¡± Kaine mused as he rose up, ¡°In the past game you¡¯d need to be at least halfway through Martial Arts to have access to a Magic Tutor to even start learning that.¡± ¡°Damn how much did they change the game then?¡± Farvo asked as he began gathering some of the beast¡¯s fur. ¡°A lot, other than the basic movements and combat assist system¡­I barely recognise this world now.¡± Kaine explained with a sigh, then gesturing at the monster¡¯s corpse. ¡°In the older game you¡¯d be lucky as hell to encounter one of these things, the game calls them Elites but we used to call them Aberrations. They roam areas of lower level than themselves and act as a mobile boss encounter, they also have an ability that activates once a certain health threshold has been hit.¡± ¡°So¡­that¡¯s why it pumped up into an eggplant?¡± Rey asked, poking one of the monster¡¯s massive arms. ¡°Yeah, normally you¡¯d want to kill it before the transformation is complete or not only does it gain two levels in power but grows in size. That specific ability was either Berzerk or Demonic Rage.¡± Kaine said as he stared at the beast¡¯s beady white eyes. ¡°But that¡¯s not all either¡­those worgs, the army at the waterfall, the Gaizedon¡­¡± He then mused, falling into deep thought. ¡°The AI update?¡± Roy guessed, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been pondering the same. If they updated the AI of NPCs, which is my current theory as of why we¡¯re in this situation in the first place, then doesn¡¯t that mean they¡¯ve updated the AI of monsters as well?¡± Kaine nodded, ¡°But then, why does it look like they are not as aware as the dark being from the introduction?¡± Roy shrugged, ¡°Their level of programmed intelligence maybe? Not that I know what bloody level of intelligence you¡¯d need to realise the meaning of your fucking existence and gain access to the game¡¯s code and network to¡­¡± he gestured at them all, ¡°Pull all this shit off¡±. ¡°What if¡­¡± Lara then said in a low voice as realization sparked within her mind, ¡°W-What if they already had access to the code?¡± Each turned to look at her with confusion, causing her to blush by the sudden attention. ¡°I-I mean like, this game has hundreds of s-short sub-quests but, the main storyline quests are using a n-new system too no?¡± ¡°Yeah¡­The main storyline is using the same system as Blood Sabre, which if I¡¯m not mistaken is owned by the same parent company that owns this game?¡± Roy mused, realization hitting him as well. ¡°Which means, what?¡± Kaine asked, all of them then glancing at him. ¡°What?...I haven¡¯t played MMORPGs in a long while okay? I¡¯m not¡­up to date.¡± ¡°The new main-quest system uses a smart, real-time learning AI, to formulate objectives along the pre-determined plotline.¡± Roy said confusing most of them further, ¡°In layman¡¯s terms¡­Whichever NPC has access to this other AI, also has direct access to altering the code. Now the question is, which NPCs in this world give out objectives for the main quest line?¡± ¡°Gods.¡± Kaine then mused, realisation hitting him too. ¡°In the last game, Gods gave out objectives for the main quest line. The Player Character would early on choose a Deity to follow, and from then on that Deity would give them objectives to complete in his/her or their people¡¯s name.¡± ¡°And normal NPCs did not? How would this God commune with the PC in the first place?¡± Roy asked. ¡°Through other NPCs,¡± Kaine answered, ¡°Or at least that is how the story portrayed it, the God would give a priest of their church, cult or house the objective and that priest would relay it to the player character whenever they passed by. Quests didn¡¯t update the moment you completed the last objective, not in Aether, instead after completing an objective the player would have to wait some time for the next one. As the world around them would then change and be altered in some way depending on what and how well they did.¡± ¡°Wait, that makes no sense, how could that even be possible graphically speaking?¡± Farvo then asked, ¡°Say you complete an objective and that kills an NPC, would other players still see that NPC and you no? Or like changes in terrain or cities?¡± ¡°Aether Online was an MMORPG but unlike the others, I¡¯m guessing the gameplay videos you looked up where mostly combat related?¡± Kaine said, a nostalgic smile appearing on his face. ¡°Yeah?...¡± Farvo said looking confused. ¡°Aether Online worked on an instance based system, players who took the same choices were grouped into the same instances and saw each other along with other players who¡¯s storyline wasn¡¯t affected or players who¡¯s storyline countered theirs.¡± Kaine explained, ¡°So say my objective was to save an NPC, but I failed. And say yours was to kill that NPC, and you succeeded¡­We¡¯d see each other.¡± ¡°Damn, that must have taken some processing power.¡± Farvo mused. ¡°Yeah, the game''s software was pretty average but the hardware behind their servers was always top notch.¡± Kaine said, ¡°Also, if say you had a friend who you couldn¡¯t normally see around the world? You could join their instance through the friend¡¯s list, it was called ¡®Realm Jumping¡¯, and story-wise it meant your character was stepping into a parallel universe.¡± ¡°I understand why it was all the rage seven years ago then.¡± Rey chuckled, understanding some of what they had just said. ¡°How long did you play for? You said you haven¡¯t played MMORPGs for a while so, when did you quit?¡± she asked¡­If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. And Kaine¡¯s smile faltered then. ¡°I played for four years, since the beta of it eight years ago.¡± Rey noticed the change in his tone and expression, then deciding she had hit landmine¡­ ¡°Ah, anyway what are we going to do about this thing? Just leave it here and move on?¡± She asked, changing the subject. ¡°Oh I¡¯m gathering as much of this fur as I can, but I am curious as to why some boss-class monster drops no actual loot.¡± Farvo mused, unaware of the sudden tension from Kaine. ¡°Check its stomach¡­¡± Kaine then said, gesturing at the beast. ¡°Its true, an Elite class monster would normally drop something good, but this game like the last doesn¡¯t use a loot drop system but instead a loot gather system. It has nothing of use on it, but inside¡­well. Aberrations eat anything and everything, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s eaten a couple of interesting things it wasn¡¯t able to digest. That¡¯s how we got our loot from them before anyway.¡± ¡°Wait¡­So¡­¡± Rey groaned as her and Lara¡¯s expressions paled. Taking the axe from Rey¡¯s hand, ¡°Yeap, guess we¡¯re chopping it open!¡± Jedd pulled them towards the corpse. ¡°W-W-Wait wait! What?¡± Lara stuttered in exclamation, ¡°I-I just want to say that there¡¯s no ¡®I¡¯ in t-this ¡®we¡¯ y-you¡¯re talking about!¡± ¡°Loot~¡± Jedd ignored them both as she hummed some song¡¯s lyrics off memory. ¡°You three! Help me too or you get none!¡± She then said, continuing to hum away whilst pulling a struggling Elf and Human towards the dead beast¡¯s side. ¡°Right right, I¡¯ll bust the thing open.¡± Farvo said, taking hold of his bone long sword before following with. ¡°I¡¯m¡­good.¡± Roy said, glancing at his makeshift bow and arrows. ¡°And I¡¯m tired, knock yourself out.¡± Kaine said as he suddenly grabbed Nova by the head and began walking off towards the jungle, ¡°I need to check on my and this thing¡¯s stats real quick too.¡± Nova struggled and flapped her serpentine body about as he held her, hissing in objection, but it was hopeless as she couldn¡¯t escape his grip. ¡°Right¡­¡± Roy mused, sensing malice in Kaine¡¯s tone as he walked off. Watching after him briefly before both him and his familiar disappeared behind a tree. Knowing that he was now out of sight, Kaine suddenly slammed Nova onto the nearest tree¡¯s bark, his eyes focused into slits as they lay narrow and cold. Set upon the serpent, he glared upon it while his hand clenched tighter around its neck with every passing moment. ¡°Explain.¡± Kaine said, his voice drowning in anger. ¡°E-Explain wh-what dear m-master?¡± Nova asked, being choked out but seemingly unbothered by it. Kaine clenched his hand tighter, ¡°The dagger, the voice, their words and the meaning behind why I could barely control myself back there.¡± Nova chuckled as she slowly slithered out of his grip, coiling around his arm then as her crimson eyes focused onto his. ¡°You made a pact with mistress, you were in a bit of a pickle back there so she offered you a way out as any good Patron would-¡± Suddenly a copper blade embedded itself into the bark mere inches from stabbing Nova through, the serpent fell quiet at that. As Kaine¡¯s eyes narrowed, ¡°And?¡± Nova chuckled once more, a bit more sheepish in her tone this time around. ¡°You made a pact with a Greater Demon, what did you expect? Holy flames like your friend there? Mistress obviously likes what she sees in you, if she offered you that.¡± ¡°What does she see in me, and what is that?¡± Kaine coldly asked. ¡°She¡­We see the darkness in you, we see the killer inside you. Growing, growing stronger with each passing day. We see the demon you can be, we see the potential of your ugly heart.¡± The demonic familiar explained with a hiss, ¡°You falter, you question yourself. Which is why you made the wrong choice back there, luckily for you everything somehow worked out but I question then¡­will it always? Will luck always be by your side, master?¡± Suddenly, Nova¡¯s eyes turned a pitch black. ¡°Will you alwaysss be able to sssurvive with your sssheer mortal ssstrength alone?¡± ¡°Survive or not, you don¡¯t control me, you won¡¯t control me.¡± Kaine hissed back, ¡°This pact we made, is your assistance in return of your freedom. Nothing less, nothing more. Your freedom, does not include my imprisonment, does it?¡± The serpent chuckled, ¡°No, it doesss not.¡± ¡°Good, because if it does, then I will find a way to break this pact.¡± Kaine warned, ¡°Let there be no mistake, I don¡¯t need your assistance, I just find it useful. You on the other hand¡­You need me.¡± He said with resolve, then releasing the serpent and allowing it to fall to the ground. ¡°I may be just another mortal to you, demon, but unlike you I¡¯m free.¡± Nova¡¯s form rose from the ground, her eyes having returned to their normal crimson self as they met his gaze again. ¡°If you say so, master~¡± She chuckled with a hiss, sending shivers down Kaine¡¯s spine as he stormed off. I¡¯m gonna kill that fucking snake¡­ Kaine mused as he walked out of the jungle just in time to see Jedd, who was reaching into the monster¡¯s stomach¡­pull out a large sack of cloth. ¡°Wait¡­really?¡± Jedd said as each of them stared at the stomach fluid drenched sack, ¡°I think they took the meaning of loot bag too fucking seriously¡­¡± ¡°Whatever¡­just¡­pull that damn thing out so I can stop being here!¡± Rey said, gagging throughout as she glanced at and away from the carved open stomach. Lara sat completely still, eyes wide and watching as Jedd and Farvo pulled the sack out, bubbling liquid and guts in full view as she lay frozen still and paper pale. They dragged the sack off the corpse, Rey having to pull Lara down to make her snap out of her disturbed daze. ¡°Loot~¡± Jedd still humming that same tune as she undid the rope which held the sack close, throwing the rope aside before opening the bag wide with excitement. ¡°Wha-¡± Her excitement then ending there, as all she saw within was darkness. ¡°Put your hand in, you¡¯ll receive something depending on what you did during the fight.¡± Kaine explained as he and Roy walked up to them. ¡°Ah¡­haha.¡± Relief showing on her face then, ¡°For a moment I thought it was empty¡­¡± Jedd said, diving her right hand in first. She watched as her hand sunk into the darkness, feeling nothing at first, before searching about the inside where her fingers found perch around a grip. Pulling her hand out, Jedd also retrieved a large maul. With a shaft of hard wood and a top made of iron in the shape of two hammer heads, the weapon looked like it was made to cause destruction. Jedd whistled at the size as well, the iron top itself was three times the size of her own fist and just as heavy as it looked. The wooden shaft was also longer than her own arm, allowing her to wield it two handed. ¡°Ooh, my turn!¡± Rey exclaimed, sounding like a child on christmas as she dove both hands into the sack¡¯s darkness. Feeling her way through, until she grabbed onto something herself, grinning as she pulled out two small crossbows strapped around a belt with one hand and a small side satchel full of bolts with the other. ¡°Ohhhohoho~ Finally actual weapons!¡± She exclaimed with glee. ¡°Pfft, I could¡¯ve made those with the right resources and tools¡­¡± Farvo mused, pushing them aside as he reached into the sack himself. ¡°Oh¡­Well, so much for making it.¡± He mused out loud, pulling out with both hands a short thick staff-like object with an iron trigger, a grip to the side and a thick metal barrel at the other end. ¡°Now that¡¯s a hand-cannon if I¡¯ve ever seen one!¡± He said, glancing the weapon over before his eyes fell on a small cloth bag hanging to its side. ¡°Powder too!¡± ¡°Alright¡­¡± Roy sighed as he and Lara glanced at one another, ¡°Guess we¡¯ll see what we get?¡± He said, quickly reaching in then with one hand, feeling two objects, he reached in with the other hand as well to pull them both out. In one hand Roy now held a long smooth grey wooden bow almost twice the size of his make-shift one, while in the other hand he held a hard-leather quiver full of iron tipped arrows. ¡°Right, fine, throw my crap away and use that fancy shit I guess.¡± The dwarf mused as he threw aside his own old construct. ¡°I wonder what I¡¯ll get then¡­¡± Lara mused as she lit a quick flame into her palm, snuffing it out before reaching in. ¡°A wand?¡± Rey guessed. ¡°Nah, probably a staff.¡± Farvo said. ¡°Or an enchanted dagger?¡± Roy said with a shrug. Lara pulled out a book¡­ ¡°A grimoire.¡± Kaine said to her confusion, ¡°A book of spells, wielding it also reduces the arcana points required to cast a spell. Look inside, you should find your current known spells alongside two others.¡± Lara opened the ornate book, spreading its dark leather black back over which illegible characters lay inscribed, flipping through its darkened light brown pages to find the first one over which three spells where written down. Neither of them could read what was written within, just as illegible as the title. All but Lara, who could clearly read the words as if they were just common English. ¡°Fire bolt, a fire-based multi target attack spell. Rejuvenate, a low level heal per tick spell and Entangle, a nature-based rooting spell.¡± ¡°Damage, healing and CC. Not bad.¡± Jedd mused before turning to look at Kaine, ¡°Your turn mr. suicidal.¡± She said with a smirk. Kaine rolled his eyes, he knew she wasn¡¯t about to let that go anytime soon, then stepping to the sack he glanced into its dark depths. ¡°Honestly I¡¯d do with just any weapon, sword, axe, dagger¡­¡± He said before reaching down with both hands, grasping around something with either. Something that felt¡­familiar as he grabbed on. Kaine pulled his reward out, his eyes widening as the sack suddenly collapsed into ash before him. The weapon''s information appeared into his UI right then... ¡°No¡­That¡¯s-¡± His entire expression then turning to horror as he dropped them both, taking a step back Kaine stared down at the weapons¡­water rushing past and over them as they lay in the river. Two short shafts of thick wood acting as a handle for the wide curved blades built divergent to them at one end, these were Sickles, and built into the opposite end of the shafts were long metal chains taking to a spiked iron sphere at their ends. ¡°C-Chain sickles¡­¡± Kaine thought out loud, staring down at the unorthodox weapon with wide eyes and a nauseated gaze. ¡°Impossible¡­that¡¯s impossible.¡± ¡°What¡¯s impossible about it? Sure it¡¯s a player custom weapon from the old game as far as I know but, I don¡¯t see the problem with the devs putting it in with the findable weapon list?¡± Farvo mused as each of them then saw the horror in his expression. ¡°Err, you alright there?¡± He asked, watching as Kaine shakily kneeled down before the weapons. Slowly, he approached them with trembling hands, treating them as if they¡¯d explode. ¡°These aren¡¯t just any c-custom weapon¡­My-Seven years ago¡­¡± Kaine couldn¡¯t get himself to handle them though, instead, he lay with his hands hovering over the water. He inspected them once more.
[Iron Kusarigama] Make: Average Creator: Hel Material: Iron, Wood, Leather, Glue, Copper Durability: 100% Sharpness: 100%
¡°My sister¡­made these for me.¡± Ch 14 - The Looming Passst Kaine walked at the back as usual, weapons clenched tightly as a thick mist surrounded them. Barely able to see a few feet ahead of themselves as they traversed the jungle, they decided it was best to walk by the river¡¯s edge giving them less blind spots to be wary of. Each of them was quiet, unusually so as they followed Jedd and Farvo who took the lead. Silence filled the group, and it disturbed Kaine, filling him with a cold dreadful feeling¡­A feeling which doubled in intensity as suddenly the nearby foliage shook. Butch acted first, turning to face the shadow as it leapt out of the bushes, pulling the worg into the mist and out of sight. All but a yelp of pain was heard, before silence took over once more. Neither of them said a word, spooked by the occurrence as suddenly another rattling of leaves caught their attention. Kaine turned to the bushes, stepping aside just in time to evade a blur of darkness rushing past. Too quick to make out through the mist. He looked ahead, his party had begun gathering into a circle to watch all sides, he was the only one still left out of the formation. Stepping forth, Kaine tried to join them¡­But he froze in his steps then, watching as a large shadow rose from their centre. Humanoid and entirely made of darkness, just like the being who introduced them to their prison, yet different. Its eyes were long and narrow, bright crimson as it glanced about. Its body shook, as if having no actual form. The creature¡¯s shape shuddered and blurred with each movement it made. As it raised its long blade-like claws, hovering over the entire party without their notice. Kaine watched as its previous expressionless face suddenly gained a wicked crimson smile. ¡°No-¡± He tried to warn them, he tried to step forth and attack the monster. But suddenly he felt his entire body being restricted, he felt his throat being slowly crushed too¡­ Glancing down at himself, Kaine watched as Nova¡¯s now all too long body engulfed him, flowing about him while clenching tighter with every passing second. He watched as the serpent¡¯s head rose to meet his gaze, her blood red eyes suddenly rushing to the deepest black. ¡°You could be ssso ssstrong, ssso powerful¡­yet you weaken yourssself, you allow thessse weaklingsss to hold you back.¡± The serpent said, ¡°Allow me to free you of thisss burden~¡± It hissed in excitement, as Kaine struggled to even speak, trying his hardest to escape her grasp as he watched the looming shadow suddenly slash its claws down. Blood splattered upon both him and Nova, as with a single swipe the entire scene changed, his party now laying clawed to death before him. Blooding running with the rushing waters of the river nearby. Kaine¡¯s eyes widened, as Nova slowly uncoiled from around his body, allowing him to fall to his knees. His gaze then drooping to the rushing river beneath him, to then see a dark green dagger laying embedded in the ground before him, water rushing through it. ¡°Take it,¡± The serpent said, ¡°Grasssp your dessstiny, Dal¡¯Fae.¡± Kaine reached out, enchanted by the weapon¡¯s gleam, yet noticing he still had a weapon in each of his hands. He dropped the chain-sickles, watching them splash into the water before continuing to reach out to the dagger. ¡°Ta-¡± The serpent spoke again, before suddenly its voice changed, and so did the scene around him. Kaine¡¯s sight blurred before refocusing as the dimly lit inside of a small warehouse, glancing down at himself Kaine now no longer saw the Dark Elf but instead his seventeen-year-old real self from three years ago. Sitting in a wheelchair, barely able to move himself as his entire body lay bandaged up yet still bleeding. Glancing around, a platoon of more men stood all around him, armed to the teeth with advanced weaponry and gadgets. Their faces hidden by masks and helmets. ¡°Take it.¡± Said a rough male voice from his left, as a thickly muscled hand appeared into his vision, holding an ornate looking handgun before Kaine. ¡°This is your future, son. Whether you like it or not, the world is a bloody place. If you wish to survive, kill, if you wish to protect, kill.¡± Kaine¡¯s father spoke to him, but the young boy could not look the man in the eye. Instead, Kaine¡¯s eyes were solely focused on the three tied up men before him, and the weapon held out in his father¡¯s hand. When suddenly, the hand forced the gun into Kaine¡¯s one working right hand, forcing his frail self to take aim at one of the men. ¡°Put your finger on the trigger.¡± The voice ordered him, and Kaine did so. ¡°Now, pull.¡± It said, but Kaine faltered. ¡°Why?¡± The voice then asked, forcing Kaine to then look to the side where two bloody corpses lay hidden underneath black plastic sheets. ¡°That is what they did to your mother, to your sister. They did because you couldn¡¯t pull the fucking trigger. Well here¡¯s your chance son, your last chance. Prove you are indeed my son, prove you can hold the weight of the family name. Pull the fucking trigge-¡± His father said, their voice growling with anger. But Kaine stopped listening midway, as his own anger rose with every word spoken. Kaine pulled the trigger, the shock of shooting the gun filling his entire arm with pain, yet he ignored it. As Kaine then turned the weapon and took aim again, pulling the trigger once more before again he turned his arm and took aim upon the last of the bound men. He looked the man in the eyes, wide and shaken as they stared back at him. Not just pleading, not just angered or afraid. No, the man¡¯s eyes were utterly desperate, maddened by dread as they glared straight into Kaine¡¯s. Relief, Kaine felt relief filling him, as he realised even killers felt fear. As he pulled the trigger once more. Watching as the bullet burst a hole through the man¡¯s forehead, blood then splattering out onto Kaine¡¯s face. ¡°Clean them up.¡± Then said the voice once more, the armed men around them rushing to pull the bodies away. As suddenly a large frame stepped to stand before Kaine, wearing a dark grey suit splattered slightly with blood, Damion Fillips crouched down to stare his son in the eye. The similarity in their features was uncanny, Kaine almost looked like a younger version of the man. The mere thought though, disgusted Kaine. ¡°Well done, Kaine.¡± His father said, as the man¡¯s one open eye met his, the other laying closed and scarred. ¡°And welcome back to the family.¡± Damion said¡­As suddenly rage boiled out Kaine¡¯s patience.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! He couldn¡¯t speak, he couldn¡¯t say a word as even his neck and throat lay burning with pain. There was only one thing Kaine could do to answer his father, only one thing that would tell the man exactly how he felt of that thought¡­ Suddenly, Kaine raised the gun to his father¡¯s head, both of their eyes widening as seemingly time briefly slowed down all around them. Kaine pulled the trigger, feeling the shudder rush through his arm followed by intense pain from his shoulder. He stared into his father¡¯s eye, which filled with disappointment as the man now clenched Kaine¡¯s hand, aiming the gun away. Blood dripped from his ear, the bullet having scraped by it just barely. ¡°You¡¯ll understand, one day you¡¯ll understand.¡± His father told him as he pulled the gun out of Kaine¡¯s hand, standing up and away from his now crippled child. ¡°You¡¯ll understand or¡­¡± Damion said as he walked to the side, suddenly kicking one of the corpses over and revealing it. Kaine¡¯s eyes widened as he now stared into his dead sister¡¯s pale face, a gurgling scream of anger rushing out of him as he tried to stand up. ¡°You¡¯ll understand, or this will be your future as well.¡± -
- Kaine woke with a start, choked with anger as he took a deep shaken breath. Glancing around he saw the jungle, and his in-game self, sitting on a thick tree branch where he had fallen asleep. Around him lay four more figures, the rest of the party laying asleep on different branches of nearby trees, tied up to the branch just like himself so they wouldn¡¯t roll over and fall. ¡°You alright?¡± Roy asked from down below, standing watch with Butch and Nova while the rest slept. Kaine glanced down at him, the moon¡¯s light which shone through the tree tops too dim to show just how pale his own face was in that moment. ¡°Yeah, just¡­a bad dream.¡± Kaine said, feeling his hands still trembling with both terror and shock as cold sweat covered his body, sticking his clothing to his skin. ¡°Ah, well you should try to sleep some more, Rey¡¯s next for watch tonight not you.¡± Roy said, standing up from where he hid between two outgrowing roots and stretching his sore legs and arms. Seeing the movement, Butch¡¯s attentive eyes moved over Roy before going back to glancing about frantically. Nova though ignored them both as she hung off a smaller branch over Kaine, watching from up high while hiding within a bunch of vines. ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Kaine sighed as he laid back into the tree¡¯s bark, closing his eyes briefly, yet as things stood he knew he was too uncomfortable to fall back asleep now. ¡°Ah, actually I can¡¯t.¡± He then said, untying himself and gathering his gear, Kaine used the nearby vines to climb down. ¡°You want watch?¡± Roy then asked as he sat back down. ¡°Maybe in a bit, I¡¯ll be at the river.¡± Kaine said as he moved off, feeling as Nova suddenly landed over his shoulder, he then stopped. ¡°Stay here.¡± He told the demon, a feeling of dread filling him the moment he felt it close. ¡°Very well.¡± Nova hissed disapprovingly. ¡°Don¡¯t go too far now¡­¡± Jedd said sleepily from above, having been woken by their voices. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Kaine said as Nova flew back up to her branch, ¡°Just gonna freshen up and howl at the moon.¡± He joked, continuing to walk off from their temporary camp. ¡°Mmmhhmmm¡­Jelly filled donuts¡­¡± Hearing Rey speak in her sleep as he moved away. Reaching the jungle¡¯s edge and in tandem the river a few minutes of walking later, having set up camp not too far from it. Kaine hid behind a tree, staying silent and unseen as he scouted out the area, seeing no movement nor sensing any through the darkness he then stepped out into the river proper. Taking his tattered shirt off, Kaine crouched down and drenched it in water before starting to wipe the sweat off his body. Staring at the moon¡¯s reflection which lay in the flowing river as he did, a strangely magical sight you didn¡¯t see every day. Dumping his now sweat-drenched shirt into the water once more, Kaine paused as he thought of the dream. Dread and anger filling him, as he glanced at the weapons now laying by his side. How?...Is it in my head? Is it reading our memories and setting up events according to them? Is that even fucking possible? He pondered as he wrung his shirt from the water, his gaze then rising to the sky itself. An unknown galaxy, its stars shining through the immense darkness above. ¡°You know, at some point in time, I just might have wished for all this.¡± Kaine mused with a nostalgic grimace, his gaze then falling from the sky and at the river ahead, focusing on a couple trees. ¡°Looks like some of you have finally caught up, sure took your damn time.¡± He said, as two figures then stepped out of the shadows. ¡°Actually, we¡¯ve been moving around here for a while,¡± said a male voice as a beastman came forth. ¡°Would¡¯ve been ahead if this chick wasn¡¯t still so slow.¡±
{The Silent} Dark Hour [Level 9]
¡°Hmph, and you¡¯re still an asshole.¡± Followed by a female voice as a beastwoman stepped to stand next to Dark, short dark-blue hair and silver eyes with dark-blue wolf-like ears and a long fluffy tail.
{The Brute} Sinclair [Level 9]
Kaine turned to them as he put his shirt back on, looking somewhat surprised, ¡°Thought you were running solo still, Dark.¡± ¡°Heh, she followed me, as usual.¡± Dark scoffed back with a pompous smirk. ¡°More like he couldn¡¯t say no to my charm, as usual!¡± Sinclair corrected with a giggle, elbowing Dark in turn. ¡°Long time no see, Jor.¡± She then said, smiling awkwardly in his direction as Kaine stared at them emptily. ¡°Just the two of you?¡± Kaine asked, yet seemingly uninterested. ¡°Ahh, Dhorn, Beatrice, Howard, Kendo and Sting are here too, but we left them behind with the rest.¡± Sinclair said with a shrug, ¡°They¡¯ve all got their own little groups now¡­¡± She mused, her tone seemingly both saddened and annoyed. ¡°How about you? Off alone?¡± Kaine gestured to the jungle behind him, ¡°I¡¯m in a party, we¡¯re full.¡± He said simply. ¡°You heard him, they¡¯re full.¡± Dark said, turning to walk away. But Sinclair stopped him, grabbing the beastman by the tail and sending a shiver throughout Dark. ¡°Yeap, doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t hang around you anti-social prick.¡± She scolded him, her expression halfway between a smile and a grimace. Dark pulled his tail away from her, looking annoyed as he glanced between them. ¡°Well friend? While we¡¯re at it, you might as well just come on with us. Better off than whatever newbies you¡¯re carrying around.¡± He said with a sigh, looking at Kaine. ¡°I¡¯m fine as I am,¡± Kaine said, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t work out anyway.¡± Dark chuckled coldly, ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re all bloody incompatible¡­without her.¡± A stinging pain then filled Kaine, as each of their gazes fell cold. ¡°Found your way back to those I see?¡± Dark then mused, seeing the weapons by Kaine¡¯s waist. Kaine then glance over the both of them, seeing the single-edged curved sword Dark wielded by his side, a katana. And the long pole-blade Sinclair had strapped to her back, a naginata. ¡°You as well?¡± Kaine said with further surprise. ¡°It¡¯s fucking with us, isn¡¯t it?¡± Dark asked as he glanced at the night¡¯s sky, chuckling uncomfortably whilst he grasped his weapon¡¯s long grip. ¡°I don¡¯t know, there¡¯s a lot I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Kaine admitted, fingering the two wooden handles by his side. He sighed, then glancing back at the sky. ¡°How far back are the rest?¡± ¡°Oh, uhm. Couple days, probably going to make their way around that gathering of monsters at the waterfall.¡± Sinclair responded, ¡°The mood¡¯s¡­pretty bad with them.¡± ¡°I figured,¡± Kaine smiled coldly. ¡°They¡¯re not like us, most of those poor sods won¡¯t make it far-¡± Dark mused, cut off as Sinclair elbowed him again. ¡°Nothing like you for sure,¡± She grumbled, ¡°But yeah, you sure you don¡¯t want us around?¡± Sinclair then asked, returning to Kaine. ¡°Even if for a bit, like the old days?¡± ¡°It would be nothing like the old days.¡± Kaine said, still staring up at the stars. ¡°It¡¯ll never be.¡± ¡°I guess¡­¡± Sinclair said with a disappointed smile, ¡°Well it was a nice surprise seeing you after four y-¡± Suddenly movement from the foliage behind Kaine caught each of their attention as a party of adventurers stepped out, led by Jedd the rest walked out into the river¡¯s side. ¡°Is everything alright? Who¡¯re these two Jor?¡± Roy asked as each of them stared at the two cloaked Weres. ¡°I sensed a presence,¡± Nova said as she peaked out of a tree¡¯s foliage, ¡°I alerted everyone as instructed, master.¡± I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m killing that snake. Kaine groaned silently as he glanced between the two groups. ¡°Ahah, old friends and players just like you all.¡± Sinclair said with a friendly smile, ¡°I¡¯m Sin, and this douchebag is Dark. We were wondering if we could hang around for a bit?¡± She asked, her smile looming into a wicked smirk. As both Dark and Kaine shuddered, knowing full well that Sinclair wasn¡¯t about to lose the easy opportunity. The crows glanced at Jedd, and Sin¡¯s eyes shone with understanding, ¡°We can handle ourselves, just looking for some company while we look for this Elven city I¡¯m guessing you¡¯ve all heard about?¡± now motioning her words directly at the party leader. ¡°I understand that your party is full, we can stay in our own, we¡¯ve pretty much drained this place of potential experience already anyway.¡± Jedd crossed her arms as she considered the request, glancing at their levels which were nothing to scoff at. ¡°Any friends of a member of my guild are welcome to hang around.¡± She answered, at which point both Dark and Sin turned to look at Kaine. ¡°Member of your guild huh?...¡± Sin mused as she eyed Kaine who glanced away from them, she grinned widely at the thought. ¡°Well we¡¯re gonna set up camp on this side of the river, wait the night out and rest up a bit, shall we meet back here at dawn?¡± ¡°Alright, sounds good to us.¡± Jedd said after glancing about her party, watching then as Kaine walked off, moving back towards their own camp without speaking another word. Dark watched him leave, eyes narrowed with curiosity. And so did Sin, although looking less conspicuous than her partner. ¡°Good night then,¡± She told the crows, smiling friendlily once more before the both of them also turned away. ¡°A guild¡­¡± Dark mused quietly as they walked off. ¡°Hm, now I really have to hang around, if anything to see what kind of people can hook in leader to join their guild.¡± Sin chuckled in amusement, ¡°This is gonna fun.¡± Ch 15 / Part 1 - Arrival ¡°So, not only do you have a flying, fire breathing, demonic cobra as your pet..." "Hellbat cobra..." Nova hissed from above. "You can friggin see in the dark AND smell out any movement in your vicinity?¡± Sin exclaimed with a raised brow as she walked by Kaine, the both of them dragging behind while the rest walked right in front of them, Dark though moving ahead of everybody else and slightly alone. ¡°Not smell¡­It¡¯s more like-You know when you have this feeling of someone watching or following you? It¡¯s a cold feeling just like that, but much more intense.¡± Kaine explained with a sigh, not once meeting her gaze as they walked. As the talkative Sin moved from person to person wanting to know more of their abilities. ¡°And you can do what with fire again?¡± Lara being the next victim as Sin moved up to her. The two parties were continuing their traversal of the jungle, following the river still as it slowly widened into a larger yet calmer stream, while the jungle itself grew thinner the further they moved. Watching as Sin juiced every detail of Lara¡¯s spellcasting out, Kaine then had a thought. ¡°How did you find out of the Elven city ahead Sin?¡± He asked, just catching up with the rest as she had. ¡°Oh, Dark got this quest from a large carnivorous monster on like day one, right after it tried to eat us.¡± Sin said, turning then to question Jedd. Kaine though wasn¡¯t satisfied with that answer, ¡°What are the quest objectives?¡± ¡°Ah-Well, before it tried to chow on us, the thing had the gall to warn us of something worse ¡®amiss¡¯ than ending up as its dinner. We beat it up, made it talk more, and got the quest. The only objective we have right now is to reach the Elven city it talked of and find out more before...well it said thirty-two days but at this point we¡¯re down to twenty-six.¡± Sin then explained further. ¡°It¡¯s been¡­six days already?¡± Lara mused with slight shock. Yeah, we¡¯ve barely noticed that¡­ Kaine thought with a grimace, glancing at his own quest window right then.
{Quest Log}
[The Message]; A beast of the savanna has requested you to deliver an urgent message to the far elven city of Calen''Ris which lays deep within the living ravine downstream from here. Requirements; Total level: 4 or higher Race: Elf, or subcatagory of Elven Reward: Unknown Time limit: 26 days Possible results of failure include: -Death of player -Widespread deaths throughout the associated realm -Doom of the associated realm
¡°Well, I¡¯ll tell you that ours says a lot more.¡± Kaine said with a sigh. ¡°Possible result of failure include¡­Death of player, widespread deaths throughout the as-associated realm, fucking doom of the a-¡­realm.¡± Rey read off some of the quest from her own UI. ¡°Careful you don¡¯t bite your tongue there si-.¡± Roy mocked jokingly, hearing her stutter. Rey elbowed him just as Dark whistled from up ahead, ¡°Now that, is interesting.¡± ¡°The thought of dying through some widespread cataclysm is interesting to you?¡± Farvo mused with a sour chuckle. ¡°Man have you been bored this past week then.¡± ¡°More than you know,¡± Dark chuckled too, sounding more so amused though. ¡°So, what¡¯s the story with you two?¡± Jedd then asked. ¡°Hmm? What do you mean?¡± Sin questioned back. ¡°Going off as just a party of two in this situation, two Weres without tames even.¡± Jedd added. ¡°Ah¡­well we used to have a couple tames along the way.¡± Sin mused, glancing ahead at Dark who seemingly began to walk ahead faster. Kaine sighed, he knew the answer to both those questions. ¡°Neither of them do well in crowds, isn¡¯t that right Dark?¡± ¡°Screw you.¡± Dark simply replied back, continuing to walk ahead. ¡°What¡¯s his problem?...¡± Rey whispered through the silence that followed Dark¡¯s insult ¡°Ah, these two don¡¯t like each other very much.¡± Sin explained with an awkward smile, ¡°Although they¡¯re pretty much similar.¡± ¡°Similar? I don¡¯t see it.¡± Roy said with a raised brow, glancing between Dark who moved ever further and Kaine who seemed like he¡¯d rather avoid the conversation as well. ¡°Anti-social, check.¡± Sin then began counting off her hand, ¡°Temperament issues, check. Sly and outright shifty behaviour, check. Disturbing backst-¡± ¡°Right, enough.¡± Kaine then cut her off, lowering her hand. ¡°She¡¯s got a point though¡­¡± Rey chuckled. ¡°Meh, most of our guild was a bunch of weirdos.¡± Sin then shrugged, ¡°Leader¡¯s always had it the worst cause of us all-¡± then suddenly pausing in her words as she realised what she had just let slip by. ¡°Ah¡­woops.¡± Glancing at Kaine as his expression turned cold, ¡°I¡¯m going to go tell that fool to wait up.¡± He then said, suddenly rushing ahead after Dark. Sin sighed in relief, ¡°Phew, close one.¡± she said with a grin. Yet seeing as the rest eyed her with both confusion and curiosity, Sin felt like she simply couldn¡¯t escape without explaining now. ¡°Err, yeah. Jor used to be our guild master.¡± She answered the unspoken question with an awkward smile. ¡°Why does it sound like that¡¯s taboo to even mention?¡± Roy asked as he watched Kaine catch up with Dark, yet neither of them seemingly saying much to each other before continuing to walk ahead from them all. ¡°I¡¯m¡­not sure I¡¯m allowed to explain all that.¡± Sin said after a long sigh. ¡°We already know of his screwed up life, might as well, doesn¡¯t seem like he¡¯s going to tell us much else...¡± Rey mused. Jedd was about to argue, but it was too late.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°Ahah, right sounds just like him. Well, Felicia, his elder sister used to be the guildmaster before him¡­¡± The chatty floodgate that was Sin had already been unlocked, ¡°The guild was formed by her two years into Aether Rifts Online, lasted for two years before the both of them suddenly disappeared for several months. Only Kaine came back and it took him three months more before he was willing to explain what happened to them.¡± Hearing Jor¡¯s real name for the first time an awkwardness seemed to fill each of them, something Sin did not notice as she continued to explain, drowning now in memories of the past. ¡°Kaine took over then, but the guild slowly died off during his time. We used to have over a hundred members...during his time we were reduced to only the main fourteen officers. Me and Dark were a couple of them, and when he came back we all vowed to remain and hoped to revive the guild but¡­¡± Sin¡¯s expression for the first time gained a sorrowful look as she then stared ahead at Kaine, ¡°When he came back, he¡¯d changed. He was completely different from the Jor we knew before.¡± ¡°H-How was Jor before t-then?¡± Lara asked, each of them growing curious. A smile appeared on Sin¡¯s face as she was asked that, ¡°He was¡­calmer, always cool and friendly with everyone. Not one thing passed by him either, he always knew when someone had something going on. He was always there for them too, unlike his rash sister Kaine was the mature brother to us all.¡± A long sigh then escaped Sin¡¯s lips as her gaze dropped, ¡°You know? The three of us use to have a bit of a triangle going on back then¡­¡± She chuckled, melancholy filling her tone. ¡±That all changed when Kaine did, now he¡¯s just cold and¡­distant.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t blame the guy either,¡± Farvo mused, ¡°Not with what he¡¯s been through.¡± Sin simply nodded, ¡°Yeah, yeah I can¡¯t. But that doesn¡¯t mean I have to like how he is now. Dark may be cold at times, but at least I don¡¯t feel hate in every word he says.¡± She then glanced over at Jedd, ¡°He¡¯s an ass most of the time, only talks when he feels like he needs to, and he¡¯ll always steal the spotlight from you¡­Cause he thinks only he can get it done. Still¡­Take care of him alright?¡± Sin said with a friendly smile, her words surprising Jedd. And before Jedd could even reply, Sin rushed ahead and broke the silence elsewhere. ¡°Oi, idiots, you¡¯re way off from everybody else! Slowdown will you?¡± She said, grabbing onto Dark¡¯s arm and slowing him down. ¡°Ah-Y-Yeah f-fine!¡± Dark stuttered in reply, embarrassment filling the weretiger¡¯s face as he tried to escape her grasp. Kaine though paid little attention to either of them still, seemingly now lost in thought as he continued to walk ahead. To the rest of them, this was nothing less than a sad sight to see, as Kaine walked by his old friends¡­Yet neither of them acknowledged the other. ¡°They¡­a-abandoned him, didn¡¯t t-they?¡± Lara mused in understanding. ¡°Yeah, I think they did.¡± Rey said, annoyance clear in her tone as she suddenly rushed forward, grabbing Kaine by the shoulder and stopping him. His dreadfully cold eyes were glossed over with the fogginess of reminiscing, they seemed to look right through Rey as they befell her. Filling Rey with a cold chill. ¡°Now don¡¯t get all relaxed cause your old mates are around, how about we get back into formation?¡± Rey said with a wide grin, ¡°Never know when a fucking Elite might show up again.¡± Her words seemingly dissipating the fogginess from Kaine¡¯s eyes as he nodded, ¡°You¡¯re right, we¡¯re not out of the jungle yet.¡± He agreed, glancing at the trees on either side of them. Yeah, we¡¯re his family now. Jedd resolved herself, shaking the sorrow out of her own thoughts as she pumped her hand up. ¡°Alright crows, re-enter formation!¡± She exclaimed in a commanding tone, ¡°Butch, Nova, keep an eye on the trees. Everybody else keep your eyes peeled and ears open!¡± ¡°Y-Yes boss¡­¡± Butch growled as the worg then wandered off into the jungle to their left. ¡°Hmph, fine.¡± Nova said with clear annoyance, having ben fluttering overhead and watching them from above, she now soared into the treeline to their right. Disappearing out of sight as well. ¡°Yeah¡­might wanna do that.¡± Dark then mused as both him and Sin stopped, the entire party pausing in their steps then... Seeing that just ahead, the jungle was suddenly coming to an end. The treeline opening up as the river abruptly widened to twice its previous width, all of them now able to make out the tall cliff once hidden by the trees. Seeing also that the river continued through the cliffs, flowing into a massive crack in the earth which loomed before them. It was a thin yet mightily tall canyon, the jungle seemingly continuing to grow into its rocky sides as well; roots running from one wall to the other all the way up to the very top of the cliffsides. Vines also hanging down like a curtain closing off the entrance into this eerie place. ¡°The living ravine?¡± Roy mused minutes later as they reached the entrance, a wall of vines laying before them. The sound of whistling winds blowing through the ravine ahead filled their ears, as the vines waved back and forth. A cold breeze exiting the ravine sent the vines suddenly waving into their direction, like a breath being exhaled into their faces, the cold breeze filled each of them with a chill. ¡°We¡¯re¡­supposed to find a city, in there?¡± Dark mused in disbelief. ¡°Ravenfell was found on the ceiling of a cavern, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised.¡± Kaine mused as he stepped forth and through the vines. ¡°It¡¯s dark in here but I can sense better in darkness, so I¡¯ll go on ahead. Come on.¡± ¡°W-Wait!¡± Rey exclaimed, but was far too late as Kaine disappeared into the wall of vines. Each of them then glanced at one another, unsure of the unnerving ravine before them. ¡°Well, no point waiting around now is there?!¡± Jedd then suddenly said, ¡°Onwards people, let¡¯s go.¡± She announced, pulling Lara and Roy with as she also delved into the vines. The rest followed, albeit still remaining wary. Kaine led the way now, as the further he moved the darker his surroundings got, a mass of vines falling all around him blocking out what little sunlight made it through the crack above. ¡°Damn its thick in here! See an end to this yet?¡± Farvo exclaimed as he trudged along with the rest, pushing aside vine after vine all the while trying not to slip over the smooth river surface beneath them. Finding their way through while trying to keep Kaine in sight, as most of them were still able to somewhat see in the dark. Other than Lara¡­who had to hold onto Jedd tightly as not to get lost in the utter darkness she saw. ¡°Not yet¡­¡± Kaine answered, hearing his voice just a few feet ahead as only his movements through the vines was visible to them. The sound of splashing water and a whistling breeze the only things they heard before, ¡°Oh¡­¡± He then said, going completely silent right after. ¡°What?¡± Rey asked, ¡°¡¯Oh¡¯ What?!¡± She repeated when he did not answer. Each of them then reaching the end of the mass of vines, exiting into the ravine proper as it expanded all around them. Their eyes widening fully at the sight, as mossy roots growing into the ravine sides held up large trees which loomed over them, acting like a ceiling to the ravine and allowing no sunlight through. Still there was light, as strange plants hung down from the tree¡¯s own roots, ending in a golden bulb of brightness. Falling all around the roots also were dozens of waterfalls, all along the ravine before them, as the river beneath them suddenly grew deeper and fiercer. ¡°Here, this way.¡± Kaine said, gesturing to the side as he pushed through the now waist-deep river. Watching as he passed under one waterfall, seemingly pulling himself up to some platform behind it which they hadn''t noticed at all until he pointed it out. Following him, each did the same. Passing through the waterfall and drenching themselves in the meantime, they pulled themselves up to a ten feet wide pathway, which from looking ahead seemed to go along the canyon''s side and rest just a few feet above the river¡¯s surface. Still able to fully see the river and trees above through the falling water to their left, they began to walk along the wet pathway. Stems ending in the bright bulbs of light growing along it and showing them the way as well. ¡°This¡­can¡¯t be natural right?¡± Sin mused as she dragged her palm along the pathway¡¯s rocky right wall. ¡°Well it doesn¡¯t look hand-made either.¡± Farvo said as he inspected the wall and ceiling himself. ¡°These plants are giving off their own light too, so much for realism.¡± Rey chuckled as she flicked one bulb out of her way, a surge of energy then suddenly filling her arm. ¡°Ow! Fuck¡­¡± Stepping back and away from the plant as its light flickered a few times. ¡°D-Did you¡­feel t-that?¡± Lara asked, glancing at Kaine. The both of them were now staring at the plant. ¡°Yeah¡­I don¡¯t think any of this is natural.¡± Kaine mused, having felt the surge of energy he also knew what it was from his past experiences. ¡°Those plants are filled with magical energy, this tunnel was probably artificially made with magic as well¡­¡± ¡°Guess w-we¡¯re getting mighty close to the city then?¡± Rey mused as she held her now numb hand. ¡°Close indeed.¡± Suddenly spoke out a melodic voice, as each of their visions blurred, barely able to make out the figures swiftly stepping out of the waterfalls from their left. Each reached for their weapons, watching as the tall green figures now surrounded them, but were unable to make them out as their senses turned numb, their minds filling with nausea and weariness as the world around them swirled. ¡°Wh-What? Who-¡± Jedd tried to ask, watching as Rey, Lara and Farvo passed out nearby. Kaine struggled to keep his own eyes open as well, his vision clearing briefly, he made out some of the figures. Tall humanoids with long pointed ears, pale skinned and wearing leafy clothing held together by vines and plant fibre. Each wielded long dark green spears ending in strangely metallic-looking leaves, the jagged blades now falling to point at him and his party. The Elves surrounded them, as one by one they fell to the ground unconscious. Roy, Jedd, Dark and Sin being the next to fall as Kaine now stood alone and on one knee. His vision blurring in and out as one of the figures approached him, kneeling down before him was the speaker, a tall female Elf with bright green short hair and piercing golden eyes. ¡°Sleep, dark stranger. No harm will come to you¡­yet.¡± She spoke softly, her voice like a melody to his ears, causing his mind to relax. Kaine saw her hand waving in front of his face, a spark of blue light flashing into his eyes causing him to release his own hands from gripping his weapons. The sensation of weariness becoming unbearable then, Kaine felt himself being unnaturally lulled into sleep. ¡°And welcome, to Calen¡¯Ris.¡± She said, Kaine making out her thin smile just before the darkness of unconsciousness took him over. Ch 15 / Part 2 - Hospitality... Consciousness returning to her, Jedd lazily forced her eyes open, pushing herself to rise from the lulling slumber and comfy bed she lay on. Groaning and stretched her arms out, she then wiped the grains out of her eyelids, rubbing them out of their sleepy numbness too. Realizing then that she wasn¡¯t in her bedroom, and remembering her current circumstances¡­ She glanced around, seeing each of her party and Kaine¡¯s old guildmates slumped down onto their own beds all around the room, all of them fast asleep. All but Kaine himself who was nowhere to be seen. As her vision unblurred and mind settled from just waking up, Jedd began noticing the further details of the room they were in. From the light green low grassy flooring to the light brown wooden walls and ceiling, plant stems and leaves growing out of the walls themselves as if the entire room was still rooted in. Even the beds they lay on were fully natural, from the cotton mattress and headrest she sank into, to the sheets made of bound and durable leaves she lay on. ¡°Slept well?¡± Then suddenly asked a disembodied voice, as a figure faded into existence, standing with her back to the only door leading out of the room. Immediately Jedd inspected the Elf, her frantic eyes glancing the woman up and down.
{Watch Captain} Tsarra Reylee [Level 24]
With long, almost emerald, bright green hair and piercing silver eyes, the pale-skinned Elven woman glanced at each of them with a friendly smile as they slowly woke. ¡°We went ahead and stored away all of your weapons,¡± Tsarra said, seeing both Dark and Sin immediately look around for their sword and pole-arm. ¡°We haven¡¯t had visitors in a¡­long time, I¡¯m sure you understand us taking some precautions.¡± She mused with a shrug, ¡°Ah speaking of, where are my manners?¡± rising from the wall then to stand at the center of the room and them. ¡°I am one of Calen¡¯Ris¡¯s border Watch Captains, Tsarra of clan Reylee. We¡¯ve been expecting you, and I¡¯m sure you all have questions so let¡¯s get on with those first.¡± She said, gesturing for them to speak. ¡°Uh, expecting us? How?¡± Sin spoke first, cutting the others off. ¡°We have many a seer here in Calen¡¯Ris, we did not know how many nor that we were to expect beings of other races¡­but we were expecting ¡®Visitors from another world.¡¯¡± Tsarra explained, ¡°The prophecies were very clear though, that none of you are of this world, less so realm.¡± ¡°So you know?¡± Roy then asked. ¡°Know?¡± Tsarra repeated in question. ¡°Ah¡­You know not what world we¡¯re from? Why we¡¯re here?¡± Roy added on. Tsarra¡¯s eyes narrowed as she looked at him now, ¡°No, that we do not know. Might you enlighten us on that subject?¡± ¡°We¡¯re asking the questions first, though, aren¡¯t we?¡± Dark then stepped in as he rose to sitting on the bed¡¯s side, glaring coldly at the Elf. ¡°But to answer yours, no we don¡¯t know why we¡¯re here, only where we come from and that is not really important to our current predicament. What matters to you is that we¡¯re stuck here, we don¡¯t know how to go back.¡± Tsarra pondered over Dark¡¯s response briefly, eyeing the Weretiger up with suspicion at first. ¡°Hmm, if that¡¯s so then it answers most of our questions, although creates many more at the same time.¡± Sighing then seemingly in frustration, ¡°Well, anything else?¡± ¡°Where¡¯s Jor?¡± Rey then asked, noticing his absence as she came to. ¡°Your friend is sickly, he¡¯s been placed in solitary for now while our priests make their way here to take a look at him.¡± Tsarra replied simply. ¡°Sick? With what?¡± Jedd questioned, having an inkling of the general feud between Dark elves and other Elves from most games and fantasy. ¡°You travel with a Dark Elf in your midst yet know not of their sickness?¡± Tsarra then asked with a disbelieving raised brow¡­but seeing their blank and confused expression after, she simply sighed. ¡°It is not a sickness of body, but one of spirit and mind. Well, that¡¯s how the High Priest¡¯s teachings go anyway. Personally, I¡¯ve never heard of a Dark Elf appearing in my life time, although what I have heard is horror stories of old.¡± ¡°W-What will h-happen to him?¡± Lara asked after several moments of silent contemplation. ¡°I¡­honestly don¡¯t know,¡± Tsarra mused, ¡°I don¡¯t really remember the texts speaking of what happens to them¡­I¡¯m sure the priests will take care of him though, there¡¯s no sickness high or holy healing magic cannot subdue so nothing to worry your minds about.¡± She assured them with a smile. ¡°Is that so¡­¡± Sin mused with a smirk, ¡°Then what will happen to us?¡± She asked, gesturing at the rest. ¡°We have a few questions to ask, mainly of what you might have encountered on your way here¡­We don¡¯t leave the Living Ravine much, so the world outside is mostly a misty mystery to us.¡± Tsarra explained, ¡°After which, you¡¯ll be allowed into the city¡¯s outskirts, but watched for a few days. If you make a friend of Calen¡¯Ris, we may allow you into the city proper.¡± ¡°So we¡¯re free to leave?¡± Dark then asked, as he and Sin glanced at one another. ¡°You aren¡¯t our prisoners if that is the root of your questioning,¡± Tsarra then explained with a chuckle, ¡°Yes you¡¯re free to leave as you wish, you will undergo inspection as you leave and if you return though.¡± Each of them then looked at one another, unsure what to ask next, but feeling as if they had to ask more. Too used now to the anxiety of fighting to survive from the past week, Tsarra¡¯s relaxed attitude caused each of them to feel awkward and suspicious. ¡°One last question then,¡± Farvo stepped to the task, ¡°You say your people don¡¯t leave this city much, does that mean you aren¡¯t in contact with other worldly powers? Other nations or people?¡± Tsarra smiled awkwardly at that question, ¡°Ah¡­Right, you probably don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Know what?¡± Dark snapped, both curious and cautious. ¡°The desert, then the savannah, the jungle, these cliffs and the lake beyond is as far as this realm goes.¡± Tsarra explained, ¡°A ¡®Realm¡¯ is what we call the individual islands of existence spread about this shattered world of ours. It has been eons since we¡¯ve had contact with the other races, we don¡¯t even know if they exist anymore. At first we thought your arrival meant contact with some of them but the prophecy was clear that you came from another world, not realm or land.¡± ¡°So the answer is no then?...Well that puts a dead end to my train of thought¡­¡± Farvo sighed, glancing at Roy and Jedd then, ¡°We should tell them, we know what¡¯s coming and they might enlighten us on the quest.¡± ¡°What¡­might you be speaking of?¡± Tsarra asked as she watched a silent conversation go on between them. ¡°We¡¯ll tell you what we know,¡± Jedd then spoke, standing up to face Tsarra, ¡°But on the condition that you let us speak with our Dark Elf first. He may be sick as you say, but that doesn¡¯t change the fact that he¡¯s with us.¡± She stated plainly, her glare meeting Tsarra¡¯s narrowing gaze. Moments passed by, as the two sized each other up. Tsarra pondered their offer, ¡°I see little reason to disagree, some I see of course, his Dark Elf affliction being one¡­¡± She glanced over them all then, ¡°I¡¯ll allow it, as long as you agree to not withhold any information from us and be honourful of that agreement. We Wood Elves have a good sense of perceiving mischief and misguidance.¡± She then said with a grin, glancing between Sin and Dark. Turning around, ¡°Well, follow me.¡±, Tsarra stepped to the door as she gestured for them to follow. Dark and Sin rose to follow, but the rest waited for Jedd to give the go, moving to follow only once she had. Sticking together as they lay surrounded by the unknown. ¡°What do you think?¡± Roy whispered to Jedd as he moved to walk by her, each of them keeping an out of earshot distance as they walked out of the doorway and after Tsarra. Met with a porch-like area from which two roped bridges went across to other platforms before them.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°We keep to our word, for now. Our top priorities right now are making contact with Jor and figuring out the Elves¡¯ standing with what is coming and the quest.¡± Jedd whispered back and Roy nodded, then glancing back to make sure the others heard as well while they walked directly behind them both. Dark and Sin on the other hand were far more busy glancing around at the structures and terrain, seemingly built around these massive trees, which hovered above the ravine¡¯s floor. They could make out up to seven small and three large platforms in total, with bridges taking to and from every single one. Each small platform being built around a single tree while the large ones held onto three to four trees each. The trees in question had a thin but very long trunk, completely straight too, indicating that the wood itself was abnormally strong. Glancing below they saw the roots, thicker than the trunk itself they would spread out of the very visible bottom and dig into the ravine¡¯s cliff-sides, holding up the tree itself. Looking above then, all they could see were the tree tops, hundreds of branches slithering about and entangling around each other, forming a ceiling of leaves and twigs. Out of the tree¡¯s branches though fell greenish vines, which halfway down to the roots seemingly broke up into several more tendrils and spread from root to root, creating a strange looking web of sorts. But that was not all Sin and Dark were looking around for, as briefly their gazes would go over one of the several Elven guards which stood around this place. Tall like all Elves, they noticed one thing they all also had in common though. While their eyes differed between silver like Tsarra¡¯s, or blue and green, their hair colour was solely green. Although differing in shade, every single Wood Elf they could see had some sort of green coloured hair. What mostly caught their attention though was the equipment these Elves were armed with. From a peculiar looking set of dark green armour seemingly made of tough leaves and vines, they also held strange long dark green staves ending in leaf-like spear points. A type of spear or pole-blade they assumed, but the make of it is what was so strange. While they understood the camouflage their armour provided, the leaf shaped spear-ends seemed both inconvenient and out of the ordinary. ¡°Ironleaf,¡± Tsarra then said, noticing their glances as they walked across the shifty looking bridge, ¡°It is only one of many kinds of leaves which the trees within the living ravine produce, tougher than stone but lighter than bark. Much of our equipment is made from it and the Silkvines you see growing around you now.¡± ¡°Iron huh?¡± Farvo mused as he too then glanced at the weapons. ¡°Here you are,¡± Tsarra said as she stepped aside, gesturing to the door she now stood by. ¡°He has probably just woken as well, I left two guards with him to watch over while I welcomed you so he wouldn¡¯t be too shaken.¡± She explained, opening the door then. Revealing what lay within¡­ -
-- Moments earlier. --
- Kaine silently woke from his first dreamless awakening since his first day in this world, his eyes being met with a dim light coming from a couple plant bulbs which lay hanging from the room¡¯s ceiling. Shifting about, he felt the manacles which lay around both his arms and legs, hearing the chains drag along the ground nearby too. He glanced about and sure enough he had been chained to the wall, although the manacles and chains had a strange wooden look, they surely felt smooth and heavy enough to be iron. Not something he could easily break out of. ¡°Hmph, looks like he¡¯s finally woken up.¡± Mused one of the two guards who stood watching him from across the room, a wall of wooden bars separating them from him. ¡°Maybe he can sort our dilemma then,¡± Said the other with a smirk as he walked over to the bars, leaning onto them and looking down at Kaine. ¡°So, you actually a Dark Elf or is something wrong with your pigment? Cap called in the priests and didn¡¯t tell us much else, so we¡¯ve been pondering. Where you from?¡± Kaine¡¯s eyes narrowed as he rose into a sitting position, his bindings not allowing him room for much else. ¡°Where am I?¡± He asked plainly. ¡°So, we playing that game huh?¡± Sighed the closer guard, noticing that this one was older and clean shaven unlike the younger bearded Elf, Kaine decided to name them accordingly in his mind. ¡°You¡¯re at the furthest west border outpost from Calen¡¯Ris, the edge of the living ravine. Your turn.¡± Said Baldy. ¡°Sidd we¡¯re not allowed to question him¡­¡± Beardy complained. ¡°You wanna find out or not?¡± Baldy argued back, to which Beardy seemed to have no retort. Returning then to Kaine, ¡°Well? You actually a Dark Elf?¡± Baldy pressed on. Kaine though fell silent at his question, eyeing the two guards up for several moments before answering. ¡°How would me answering that question benefit you?¡± ¡°Hah! Sly one right here.¡± Baldy mused with a chuckle, ¡°Cause we¡¯ve only heard of your kind in fairy tales kid, the kind of tales our elders barely remember.¡± This did not surprise Kaine, but it did give him some relief. At least they¡¯re not burning me at the stake¡­yet. ¡°What do you know of Dark Elves then?¡± Kaine then asked. ¡°Really? Come on now that¡¯s not how you play this game, first answer one of mine then I answer one of yours. That¡¯s how it works, understand?¡± Baldy explained in amusement. ¡°I understand, now you answer my question.¡± Kaine said much to Beardy¡¯s amusement, ¡°What do you know of Dark Elves?¡± At which Baldy¡¯s expression visibly twitched in annoyance, ¡°Right¡­¡± face-palming then and sighing. ¡°Hey, he played you, can¡¯t argue with that.¡± Beardy said with a chuckle, ¡°What we know? Little really, from what the Elder¡¯s Coven tell us of the ancient scriptures¡­You¡¯re sick, your soul is afflicted with dark emotions and your body now reflects them.¡± ¡°Heh, some also say you¡¯re like a beast now, with no control over your reason nor actions.¡± Baldy mused. ¡°Or that he became a Dark because of how he acted with little reason¡­There¡¯s varying explanations, none really consistent.¡± Beardy explained. ¡°He¡¯d know,¡± Baldy then said, returning to Kaine. ¡°Don¡¯t you?¡± Again Kaine took a silent moment to ponder, glancing in between them when something suddenly caught his attention. Diverting his gaze so they wouldn¡¯t notice what he had, he then met Baldy¡¯s curious stare. ¡°I don¡¯t know much either. Neither do I know which version is actual.¡± ¡°Come on you gotta know something?¡± Badly argued. ¡°I know I¡¯m still Elf, but I have access to magic I did not have before.¡± Kaine then said, to which Baldy¡¯s interest grew. ¡°What kind of magic?¡± He asked with a raised brow. ¡°Shadow manipulation and other magic concentrated around darkness¡­Also,¡± Kaine gestured with his head to beyond the bars, following that Baldy then glanced around just in time to see Nova leap off Beardy¡¯s neck and towards him. ¡°Demons.¡± Kaine said simply, watching as Beardy fell to the ground unconscious, while Nova lay entangled around Baldy¡¯s neck with her wings wrapping his mouth closed. Baldy struggled, pulling and hitting at the serpent¡¯s body while it choked him, his muffled grumbles and muttering inaudible as her wings lay tight around his mouth. There was nothing he could do to pull it off as it continued to restrict the further he fought. Falling to the floor then as well, the both of them now lay unconscious on the ground. ¡°Foolish Alfs, oh how careless have they grown over these lazy eons.¡± Nova mused with a hiss as she uncoiled from around Baldy¡¯s neck, turning then to slither in between the wooden bars. ¡°Well done, can you get these off me?¡± Kaine then asked as the serpent came to lay behind him where his hands where bound together. ¡°Hah, an easy task.¡± Nova mused, and Kaine suddenly felt a heat radiating into his wrists. ¡°Ow, don¡¯t burn my skin off!¡± Kaine hissed back at his familiar, feeling the searing flames heat up his bindings. ¡°Surely master can resist for a few seconds¡­¡± Nova groaned as the rising heat then paused, ¡°You may break them now.¡± She said, and Kaine tried to pull his hands apart. Surely enough the manacles broke, releasing him from the chains too as he now rose to standing. ¡°These things are strong but weak to fire,¡± Nova mused as she poked the broken manacles about with her tail, ¡°Does master wish me to burn this entire place down behind us?¡± ¡°No¡­just, break me out.¡± Kaine told the pyromaniac. ¡°Nobody appreciates hellfire this age¡­¡± Watching then as Nova grumbled through burning the shackles at his legs, fully freeing him of his bindings. Now able to walk around the small enclosure, Kaine turned to the cage which separated him from the guards and singular door. ¡°Can you burn these off too?¡± He asked the serpent, gripping his hands around two of the bars as he did. ¡°They really feel like iron¡­¡± ¡°Ironwood I believe,¡± Nova mused as she slithered to lay by the enclosure¡¯s gate, ¡°And yes, I can.¡± She said, then breathing out a blaze of dark flames which quickly turned the strange wood into a deep dark charcoal black. ¡°There, master is free now.¡± Pushing on the gate, Kaine watched as the lock broke apart with ease, allowing him to open it. ¡°Ironwood, full of life energy, something hellfire eats up much more quickly than any other flame to most trees.¡± Nova explained as she slithered over to climb Kaine¡¯s leg, but was stopped as he stepped away and out of the enclosure. ¡°Not that master care-¡± She was about to grumble once more, but was cut off. ¡°Hmm, maybe Tsarra should have put three guards to watch you¡­¡± Suddenly mused a female voice, startling Kaine into a defensive stance, but finding nothing as he reached for his weapons. ¡°Well, I guess I count as the third.¡± She said, Kaine then recognizing it as the same melodic voice he heard before passing out. ¡°Who-¡± Kaine was about to ask, being cut off before then. ¡°Oh me?¡± She asked, the voice now suddenly having an origin as Kaine turned to it, only to see a young Elven woman sitting on the body of one of the unconscious guards. She had short, dark green hair with strands of bright yellow alongside piercing eyes of gold. Her slender body having the palest skin he had ever seen as well, almost sickly in colour. The woman suddenly stood up, Kaine now finding himself face to face with her. ¡°Apologies! I should introduce myself first!¡± She exclaimed seemingly in excitement, ¡°I am Lixiss of the clan Sol, and I absolutely want to know more of you and where you come from!¡± She announced loudly, suddenly leaning closer to Kaine with a blindingly bright smile, causing him to lean away in confusion. Her eyes then locking onto his, as he found himself unable to look away. Lixiss too found herself staring into his dark green slits. ¡°You really are¡­interesting.¡± She mused, as her smile widened. Kaine then hearing the door open, he glanced its way to see another Elven guard and his party outside. But returning to Lixiss then, he froze up as she suddenly pulled in closer. Her soft lips, meeting his quivering mouth as she grabbed onto his tatter shirt, pulling him closer. Kaine found that he was unable to resist, much less pull away, being startled further even as he felt her tongue enter his mouth. What. Ch 16 - Beyond Fate Kaine found himself frozen, staring into her golden eyes as they shone, a blurring light seemingly flowing out of his own as well. Lixiss too felt frozen, staring up into Jor¡¯s glowing greens. Neither understood it, but both of them felt the jolt of electricity rushing in from the other, a bond sparking in between them. As each felt a pull into the other, and although Kaine resisted the feeling, Lixiss did not. ¡°You really are¡­interesting¡± She mused. Lixiss embraced the pull and rose into Kaine, whilst he slightly leaned away in both confusion and distrust, she fully pushed herself onto him. Her eyes closing, and her lips enclosing onto his. Both of them then felt the feeling triple, a sensation like no other. Kaine felt every hair on his body rise, as energy surged through his very skin. He felt it coalesce on his lips, and wherever else they touched. It was strange, he felt no emotional attachment to this girl, if anything he completely distrusted her. Yet, this physical sensation which filled him, was unbearably powerful. He couldn¡¯t fight it, as if it was within his very instincts to drown in it. Kaine couldn¡¯t pull away. Not until several long moments of them kissing passed, the sensation then slowly dissipated, allowing the two of them to respite from one another. Kaine though was only filled with more questions as he got another look at the Elf¡­Her skin, eyes and hair now suddenly changed after having pulled away. Patches of greyish violet riddled her skin, a color much like his own skin. Her eyes, one remained its bright gold whilst the other became a deep dark red. Her hair too, a mixture of its previous dark green now alongside strands of blackish red. ¡°L-Lixiss!¡± Tsarra exclaimed in a whisper as she pushed through the rest, glancing at the unconscious guards about the room before setting her eyes on her. ¡°W-What did we talk about! I told you to wait didn¡¯t I?! Ohh¡­how do I explain this?¡± Panic filling the Watch Captain as she spun about, ¡°D-Damnit you only had to wait one d-day for the plan!¡± ¡°Sorry¡­¡± Lixiss smiled awkwardly as she watched Tsarra panic, ¡°I¡­couldn¡¯t help myself?¡± She said, then glancing back at Kaine. ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Tsarra groaned, nervously ruffling her own hair. ¡°E-Excuse me b-but wha-what¡­¡± Lara stuttered in question as she and the rest of the adventurers still stood watching from the doorway, gazing in frozen confusion. Tsarra then froze momentarily as well, staring at them before glancing at Lixiss and then back. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Her right palm then rising onto her own face, ¡°Y-Yeah¡­This¡­C-Can we sit down?¡± -
A calmer moment later¡­
- Kaine sat alongside the rest of his party and ex-guild mates, sitting across from Tsarra and Lixiss. They followed the two Elves into Tsarra¡¯s office, where they now sat in an awkward silence, warm cups made from a strange white wood laying in her hands. None had taken a sip yet, none other than Tsarra a she reached up with the cup then. ¡°O-Okay so¡­¡± Kaine then began to speak, and Tsarra suddenly lowered her cup, almost burning herself from the warm insides as she straightened up within her seat. ¡°What¡­happened back there?¡± Kaine asked, his gazing setting on Lixiss as she calmly sat nearby Tsarra. Too calm even, but Kaine was more interested in her appearance than demeanor at the moment. Lixiss having returned to her Wood Elf appearance at some point, he vividly remembered her mixed appearance from before. ¡°Hmm, I don¡¯t know, it was definitely weird. I¡¯ve never felt that before, but then again I¡¯ve never met another either.¡± Lixiss mused. ¡°Another?¡± Kaine repeated in question. Lixiss was about to respond, but Tsarra raised her hand cutting her off. ¡°I¡­should explain some things first.¡± She said sheepishly, ¡°I also should apologies for the confusion, and if Lixiss here startled you.¡± Taking a deep breath Tsarra then took a sip out of her cup. ¡°You¡­Jor, you¡¯re a Dark Elf, am I correct in saying that?¡± Tsarra then asked, having calmed her nerves. Kaine pondered on her question briefly, unsure if he should lie, but saw more to gain in answering truthfully. ¡°Yes.¡± Tsarra nodded, ¡°Lixiss here is a half-blood, half Wood Elf, half Cor-¡­Dark Elf.¡± ¡°Hah¡­Just say it, I¡¯m half Corrupt.¡± Lixiss then mused bitterly, ¡°It¡¯s how everybody sees us here Jor, we¡¯re a corrupt seed who must be given to the Elder¡¯s Coven for ¡®purification¡¯.¡± ¡°Elder¡¯s Coven? The guards spoke of them too, who are they?¡± Kaine then asked. ¡°The Elder¡¯s Coven is a council who decide everything for our people,¡± Tsarra explained, ¡°They are our leaders.¡± ¡°And tyrants.¡± Lixiss added in. Tsarra cleared her throat, ¡°Lixi, let me?¡± She said, glancing at the younger Elf. ¡°Fine.¡± Lixiss said with a sigh, going quiet then. ¡°I garner that, my kind aren¡¯t exactly liked around here.¡± Kaine then mused, ¡°So, what are you planning or were planning to do with me exactly?¡± Tsarra then returned to him, her anxious eyes meeting his probing gaze. ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand, we never planned on giving you into the Coven. In fact, I placed my worst two on guard with you and planned to scout out a few of your more trusted companions to aid in making you escape. Although¡­it seems as that wasn¡¯t needed.¡± She chuckled tensely, ¡°We¡­We only want to know more of your kind, for Lixiss¡¯s sake.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Jedd then spoke up, ¡°What¡¯s your goal? What even is the relationship between you two?¡± ¡°I guess you have every right to know¡­¡± The two Elves then glanced at one another, ¡°I am Lixiss¡¯s guardian, I took her in after her clan abandoned her.¡± Tsarra answered, ¡°Her father, is one of Sol¡¯s Root Elders¡­Ah, you wouldn¡¯t know what that means¡­¡± Pondering briefly then before continuing to explain. ¡°Families within our people are divided into clans, a clan is a combination of up to four families. The leading family is the Root Family, and then there is the lower three Branch Families. While the Branch Families hold the clan name only partly, such as Soleil, Sole and Solis. The Root Family holds the core name, Sol. Within each family then there is the Elders, the eldest men or women of the Root or Branch family, the family leaders. Lixiss¡¯s father was one, a Root Elder, and as such he couldn¡¯t bear to have Lixiss around¡­¡± Kaine saw a sorrow fill the both of them, but while Tsarra had a bitter smile on, Lixiss was emotionless as she remained silent. ¡°Lixiss¡¯s mother, just a few weeks before Lixiss was born, had turned Dark you see¡­¡± Tsarra continued on, ¡°Lixiss¡¯s father tried to keep the change unnoticed, he hid her right up until Lixiss was born¡­and revealed to be a Half. Her father couldn¡¯t bear this, without even telling her mother, he reported them to the Coven. Too afraid to lose his status.¡± Tsarra¡¯s hand then rested onto Lixiss¡¯s shoulder, noticing the young Elf tremble, ¡°Being a close friend to her mother, Lixandra, she reached out to me knowing what was happening anyway. Under the cover of night Lixandra handed me newly born Lixiss, and made me promise to look after her¡­¡± Tsarra¡¯s gaze glanced over each of them as they listened, smiling although her eyes lay hollow of any such joy. ¡°I never saw Lixandra again after that night, leaving just me to look after Lixiss.¡± She said, ¡°We two have been alone, for years I¡¯ve been doing my best to hide her. So¡­please,¡± Again Tsarra smiled widely, ¡°We won¡¯t tell about your friend, if you won¡¯t tell about us. We only have questions, questions about her power and¡­sensations.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Kaine shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t know either. I¡¯m¡­not from this world.¡± Tsarra nodded, ¡°I feared as much, but surely you¡¯ve experienced some things?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve only recently turned,¡± Kaine then said, seeing the little bit of hope within Tsarra¡¯s eyes then falling apart. ¡°But I wish to know more myself.¡± And this Coven¡­They should have the answers. Kaine then thought, but put it aside for something more important. ¡°While we may not be able to help each other in that regard, there is something else I think we should talk about.¡± He then glanced at Jedd and the rest, ¡°Did you tell them?¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t exactly have the time, now, did we?¡± Rey said with an annoyed tone, seemingly not meeting his eyes. ¡°My head¡¯s still spinnin.¡± Farvo mused. ¡°Right, you wanted to talk about something?¡± Tsarra then remembered also. ¡°Well it¡¯s a good thing we¡¯re already sat down.¡± Sin said with a sigh, ¡°You guys have more details, you tell ¡®em.¡± Kaine nodded, turning back to the Watch Captain. ¡°On our way through the savannah we were handed a message to give to the patriarch of the clan of Sol.¡± He said, glancing then at Lixiss. ¡°I believe this message is meant for your father, or another Root Elder.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the message?...¡± Lixiss asked with now wide eyes. Kaine strained his mind to remember the full riddle, ¡°Uh¡­It went; The barrier grows dim, thirty more moons and the sky goes grim? Be swift with my call, or ruin will come to us all.¡± ¡°Not a message, a prophecy.¡± Tsarra then said, ¡°I presume an ancient beast spoke these words to you?¡± ¡°A Gaizedon did.¡± Kaine replied, ¡°On our way into the jungle we also came about something else.¡± ¡°An army.¡± Jedd mused, ¡°Kobolds, Goblins, Furies¡­all sorts of monsters gathering into a singular and massive force.¡± ¡°An¡­army?¡± Tsarra then rose from her seat, ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Like we¡¯d miss it,¡± Dark snickered, ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re bloody sure.¡± ¡°The barrier dims¡­It can¡¯t be?¡± Lixiss then mused in an unheard whisper, as for a long moment silence filled the both of them. ¡°I have to report this in¡­¡± Tsarra said, ¡°But, nobody can know of you.¡± Adding as she looked at Kaine. ¡°Those two know.¡± Nova said with a hissy chuckle as she hung from the ceiling, wrapped around a vine. ¡°And the others who were with you when you captured us¡­¡± Roy added. ¡°My men won¡¯t say a word unless I tell them to.¡± Tsarra assured, ¡°The recruits would be a problem, but they don¡¯t know anything about you yet either. Only my trusted have knowledge of you so far, we should keep it that way.¡± ¡°How do I know I can trust them?¡± Kaine then asked. ¡°Because they know of me too.¡± Lixiss answered, her gaze rising to meet Kaine¡¯s, ¡°They¡¯ve known for years. You can trust them, if you can trust me?¡± She said with a cheeky grin. Rey wanted to puke, fully glaring at Lixiss now. ¡°Fine,¡± Kaine said, ¡°So-¡± ¡°Wait, we¡¯re not actually trusting them?¡± Rey then said in surprise, ¡°They snatched us and locked you up!¡± ¡°Girly surprisingly has a point.¡± Dark mused, ¡°Who¡¯s to say they won¡¯t go and backstab us, just to shut us up about this half-dark one.¡± ¡°Hmm, after all what¡¯s the best way to hide her if not giving another up and make a show of it?¡± Sin added in agreement. ¡°Right!...Wait, what?¡± Rey then asked in confusion, a shiver going up her spine as her thought of simple mistrust was suddenly concocted into something much more by Dark and Sin who stood behind her seat¡­ Lixiss suddenly rose then, ¡°I would never betray another¡­I know no one else, no one else like me so why would I?...¡± She said, wearing a horrified expression over her face as she gazed back at Rey. Rey felt cornered, flustered as Lixiss now stood at the brink of tears before her. ¡°Ah I-I didn¡¯t mea-¡± When a wide smirk then grew over Lixiss¡¯s face, ¡°Hah¡­¡± her eyes shining red as her entire expression changed into annoyance. ¡°If I wanted to trick and betray, I¡¯d do it against and not for the people who took my mother.¡± Her smirk turning into a bitter smile, ¡°But if you don¡¯t want to trust me¡­I understand, I¡¯m used to it.¡± Lixiss turned to walk out, ¡°Lixi¡­¡± while Tsarra tried to stop her, grabbing her by the shoulder. Lixiss though pulled away, continuing out through the door and leaving behind a room now fallen silent. Several long moments of this silence followed, only Sin breaking the ice after. ¡°Well, can¡¯t say we haven¡¯t a point.¡± She said with a sigh. Kaine rose up, ¡°Yeah¡­but I have no choice.¡± He said, turning to her and Dark. ¡°Guess this is where we split.¡± Dark mused, turning to leave then. ¡°Huh? Already?¡± Sin asked, glancing in between them. ¡°We don¡¯t want anything to do with their mess, let¡¯s just wait for the others to catch up.¡± Dark said as he reached the now open door. ¡°Others?¡± Tsarra repeated questioningly. ¡°Ah, right.¡± Dark then turned briefly, ¡°There¡¯s thousands of us out there, good luck filtering through what I¡¯d bet is several dozen more Dark Elves to come.¡± He said before walking out, Sin chasing after him, she waved at Kaine before leaving as well. Another moment of silence followed, as his words sunk into Tsarra, as she sank back into her seat. ¡°Thousands¡­¡± Eyes wide at the thought, ¡°An army¡­¡± She sighed. ¡°What¡¯s this world coming to?¡± Suddenly rising back up, ¡°Well, first thing¡¯s first, I need to form a report to send through¡­¡± She announced, staring straight at Kaine. ¡°I won¡¯t make any mention of you, but I have to mention your group as a whole and¡­what is to come.¡± ¡°So what, will he have to hide for the entire time we¡¯re here?¡± Farvo asked. ¡°Something¡­like that.¡± Tsarra said before stepping around her desk, ¡°Close the door please.¡± She told Roy who was standing behind his sister. And after he had done so, she stepped to kneel before Kaine. ¡°I spent years researching, finding ways to help Lixiss move around the city unhindered. Still I could never find the perfect spell. Only this one,¡± She explained, raising her right palm to hover before his face. ¡°Show not what lies outside, show only what the inside wishes to be seen. Show not what is, only what can be.¡± Tsarra chanted, her voice rumbling with power as a bright greenish energy left her palm. The light showered over Kaine, spreading across his entire body before sinking into his skin¡­yet seemingly nothing happened. ¡°Think of how you looked before, before you became a Dark Elf.¡± Tsarra said and Kaine did so, he thought of how he had created his character. And as he did each of them then saw a change occur to Jor¡¯s appearance, the skin returning to a pale white, his hair losing the strands of green and regaining its light blue appearance¡­His eyes too, morphing into a normal set of irises as the green brightened up. ¡°There, just another Wood Elf.¡± Tsarra mused with a smile, ¡°It took me years to learn this spell, but I warn you, it¡¯s not perfect. Lose your temper, and the effects will dim.¡± ¡°I understand, I¡¯ll be careful.¡± Kaine said as he glanced over his own hands, ¡°Thank you.¡± Tsarra nodded, rising back into standing then, ¡°As for the rest of you¡­feel free to walk about the outpost but I warn you not to roam off too far. There are things out there¡­not even we can control. Word will also reach the city quickly, so I¡¯ll receive orders back just as quick. I¡¯ll want to notify you as soon as possible¡­and maybe reason out what is to happen next.¡± She explained, then gesturing at the door. Kaine rose from his seat, ¡°We¡¯ll leave let get at that then,¡± He said, gesturing at the others as he moved to leave. ¡°One last thing.¡± Tsarra then said as they all now rose up, ¡°Don¡¯t mention what we spoke of in here¡­with anyone. None of it, we don¡¯t want panic to spread¡­¡± ¡°We won¡¯t,¡± Jedd said in understanding, ¡°But I do expect an update on your superior¡¯s reply. We¡¯re in this together now.¡± Tsarra simply nodded, remaining still as they left, drowning deep in her thoughts. Closing the door behind himself, Roy gave a long sigh. ¡°Well, can¡¯t say I expected all¡­this.¡± ¡°Civilization at last though.¡± Farvo mused. ¡°As strange as things are, we¡¯ll just have to roll with it for now.¡± Jedd added, moving then to stand before them all. ¡°We can¡¯t say we¡¯re safe either, we need to keep our eyes peeled.¡± ¡°So¡­what do we do now? Just wait?¡± Rey asked as she glanced off, watching Dark and Sin exploring the many platforms that lay about. ¡°We still know too little of these people,¡± Kaine pointed out as he glanced around. ¡°Right, so we¡¯ll spread out and find out as much as we can.¡± Jedd then said, ¡°Talk to whoever we manage, but don¡¯t be too conspicuous. Like Rey and those two said, we can¡¯t know if we can trust these NPCs¡­yet.¡± ¡°Npcs¡­¡± Rey then mused, ¡°Yeah¡­God I almost forgot.¡± Realization going through her, as her eyes widened. ¡°What did you forget now?¡± Roy groaned, gaining himself an elbow. ¡°Shush you, I just¡­It¡¯s nothing, it¡¯s stupid.¡± Rey replied, turning away she then walked off. ¡°Spreading out remember?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll meet back up at the central platform by night time,¡± Jedd finished before leaving herself. ¡°Aight, see what they all gotta say about dwarvish ol me.¡± Farvo groaned as he too walked away. ¡°I-Uhm¡­¡± Lara though caught Roy just as he was about to walk off, gripping his sleeve with her right hand. ¡°Ah, yeah.¡± Roy glanced at Kaine and seemed about to ask him something, but Lara cut him off. ¡°Can I just, c-come with you Roy?¡± She sheepishly asked. ¡°Right, sure.¡± Roy agreed, although as Kaine noticed, he didn¡¯t seem like he wanted to. Strange, he¡¯s usually¡­Ah. Kaine thought, knowing Roy to usually being the kind sort, although now realizing that he couldn¡¯t think of a time when Roy and Lara did anything together without Jedd being in between. This thought lingered on as he watched them leave, remaining as the last to walk off from Tsarra¡¯s office. I¡¯m thinking too hard¡­ He told himself, too focused on seeing things in between the lines as everything around him still lay a mystery to be solved. A riddle to be figured out. Why¡­ He asked himself, as it all now gathered into his mind. The quest¡­Dark Elves¡­The chain-sickles¡­How are they connected? What is¡­What are you trying to do? Kaine pondered on all of the happenings so far, trying to make reason out of them, trying to figure out the underlying plot of what this world has in store for him. As he glanced up at the tree tops, the sky¡¯s light just barely shining through. What¡­do you want from me? What fate are you trying to force onto me? Entertainment¡­That¡¯s what you want right? So what¡­You couldn¡¯t have known, you couldn¡¯t have known about those, about her¡­Unless-So why, how? Raising his right hand then onto his forehead, Kaine pulled his all too long fringe aside. His hand then clenching into a fist, reddening as he gazed up at it. History, repeats itself huh? I won¡¯t let it. Kaine promised what he knew was listening, shaking with anger as he lowered his hand. I know, so I won¡¯t let you. Read my past, my mind, my memories. All. You. Want. I won¡¯t be controlled! A smirk grew over Kaine¡¯s face, as he glanced around at the outpost. I¡¯m done squirming, I¡¯m done struggling to decide! You¡¯ve shown me enough, this game¡­this world is just as unforgiving as home. I understand, you want us to fail, you want to enjoy watching us fall¡­ A step forward, Kaine began to walk away. I¡¯m not gonna fail, not again¡­ Never again. With his thoughts in disarray, yet mind set on a singular goal, Kaine wandered off in search of Lixiss. Not knowing what fate had in store for him, he did know one thing for sure. I''ll live, I''ll survive this damn game. Posting Schedule...and life. So, I could rant on forever how much different it is to write two stories at once...But I''ll skip the bitching for your benefit. Thing is, I''m at a point in my life where I need to choose, and currently its two hobbies versus my future. I can only choose my future, as such I''ll be starting a course soon, which will limit my time in writing even more.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. I have two stories, this and The Dragon Within. I''m afraid I can''t let go of TDW, I just can''t. Now I dont want to abandon this story either, its just so fun to write and I have so many ideas for it unlike those which I''ve already abandoned. But postings will slow down drastically, because I have to get my shit together. So consider this both a warning, that chapters will be coming out much slower...And a promise, that they will continue to come out, even if it takes me a month to write it. Thank you for reading so far, and continuing to if you remain. ~ The Sly Wolf Out~ Ch 17 - Lixiss Finding Lixiss on his quick search through the camp, Kaine faltered from approaching her as he sees the Elf brooding mid-way through one of the bridges. Staring off into the ravine below. He watched her sigh, a pitiful sight compared to the excited and overwhelming girl he saw earlier. For long moments, unconsciously, Kaine watched her. Her demeanour, her expressions and sounds. Then glancing at the other guards, and seeing theirs. A chill climbed up Kaine¡¯s spine, as he simply couldn¡¯t deny the fact that¡­ They didn¡¯t just seem real. Everything about them felt all too real, to the point that he feared that if he didn¡¯t know any better, Kaine would forget all too easily that they were¡­NPCs, in a VR MMORPG. Drowning in this thought, Kaine watched as Lixiss noticed him standing there, staring still. The sorrow in her eyes then being joined with amusement as she saw him, as she stepped back from the bridge¡¯s railing and glanced about. Only one of the guards was watching her at the time, waving at him, Kaine could swear he saw the guard roll his eyes. As even Kaine was confused at what occurred next. Lixiss gestured him over, before suddenly jumping off the bridge. Startled, Kaine rushed over to the railing, looking over only to sigh with relief. Seeing Lixiss standing upon the web of vines below, completely unharmed as she wobbled from the shaking web. Rising fully then, she glanced up at him with a grin. Once more, gesturing for him to follow, before suddenly rushing off towards one side of the ravine. Kaine glanced at the guard watching him, unsure of what to do, but as the guard simply looked away as he did¡­ Hah, screw it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XULwY0rvQUk
He thought, jumping over the railing himself right then. Kaine landed shakily, immediately losing his balance upon the tough yet elastic-like web. Falling back onto his ass, he glanced ahead to see Lixiss waiting for him by the cliff¡¯s side, even if chuckling in amusement at his fall. Embarrassed, he quickly rose up, almost losing his balance once more as he flailed his arms about to regain it. Causing Lixiss to laugh further. Smooth dude, real fucking smooth. Kaine groaned, catching himself standing still but unsure if he could take another step without falling again. Looking ahead then, he watched Lixiss smirk before suddenly break out into a spree of movement, jumping from side to side with little effort. Not losing her balance once, she approached him. ¡°Having some problems there?¡± She asked as she reached him, coming to stand before him as he wobbled from her movements. Leaned forward with an amused grin plastered all over her face, Kaine couldn¡¯t help himself but briefly stare, remembering their first encounter. It filled him with confusion, and even further embarrassment. As he took a step back, balancing himself once more. He looked around her and at the cliff¡¯s end ahead. ¡°Oh? Race me then?¡± Lixiss asked with a chuckle, turning around to face the cliff too, she seemed amused. But Kaine¡¯s expression hardened, his eyes going cold as they focused. Unbeknownst to Lixiss, Kaine was done having problems. ¡°On three,¡± She said, watching his expression and entire demeanour suddenly change, ¡°One, Two,¡± Lixiss counted down, disregarding the change at first. ¡°Three-¡± But was left standing in shock, as Kaine suddenly shot forwards. Fully adapted to the situation and surroundings, within the mere moments Kaine got to watch Lixiss he studied and learned her movements. Making them his own. Kaine now ran unconstrained, reaching the web¡¯s edge without an issue, he turned around to see her still standing there. A wide smile upon her face, as her eyes lay just as wide with astonishment. After a brief chuckle then, Lixiss turned around, gesturing for him to follow once more. She rushed off, leaping from the thickest of vines to the next, she delved deeper into the ravine. What¡¯s with this girl? He at first thought, yet throwing aside any insecurities he might have had, Kaine chased after her. Leaping from thick vine to vine himself, as the web below him shook and trembled from their movements, Kaine at first followed. Before suddenly overtaking her, landing upon the same vine she had, Kaine rushed ahead. Feeling the wind then blow through, a sudden wall of force that stopped his every movement. Kaine held on for dear life, clutching the vine beneath him as the blast of air seemed unending. Watching through his narrowed eyes, as a figure rushed past him, landing in front of him at that moment. Kaine felt the wind¡¯s barrage pause, as he now fully took in the sight before himself. Lixiss stood there, as the wind seemed to abruptly swerve around her, a fluorescent rush of blue energy surrounding her like a barrier where the wind attempted to reach her.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Unrestrained by the breeze, Lixiss chuckled as she glanced down upon him, ¡°Careful now, you don¡¯t want to get blown away like a leaf, do you?¡± forwarding her hand then. ¡°Come on, we¡¯re almost there.¡± She told him. ¡°There? Where?¡± Kaine asked, fully self-conscious as he accepted her hand. ¡°You¡¯ll see,¡± Lixiss told him as she pulled him up, ¡°when we get there!¡± She then suddenly said with a wide smile, pulling him with as Kaine then felt something carry along the weight of his body. As the wind, rushed and twirled about their feet. Kaine felt weightless, as Lixiss pulled him along, leaping higher and further than before even as the harsh rushing of air blasted past them. Something Kaine barely felt like a harmless breeze, as they soared through it undeterred. As she pulled him with, seemingly impossible form her thin frame, yet whatever magic now surrounded them made it so. Speechless throughout, Kaine neither pulled away nor rushed ahead, as she clenched his hand. Only landing right every time they hit the ground, as not to fall over. Unknowing, and uncaring, of the winged serpent that tried to follow them but failed, the winds all too strong for the slithering demon. Kaine was entranced by what lay ahead. Staring at her from behind, clear of his cold fear from earlier, yet questions still filled his expression and mind. Insecurities returning to him, Kaine was still unsure how to regard her and her people. Allies? Bystanders? Enemies?... He didn¡¯t know, yet still, he held on. Still he let her guide him through the winds. For in this reality, and the other. Kaine had nothing left to lose. And so, as they landed one last time, he followed. As she led him by the hand through the clearing wind, revealing the massive falls of water which now surrounded them. Kaine hovered up and down alongside her as the web shook from the crashing waters. With each landing, she¡¯d push them forwards, moving weightlessly like feathers and ever closer to the descending river. Letting go of his hand as they reached the edge where the water crashed into the web, and mist rose from below. Lixiss glanced back at him briefly with a grin, ¡°This way,¡± she said before suddenly leaping headfirst into the waterfall into which she disappeared. Kaine faltered, stepping to the waterfall first, he narrowed his eyes trying to make anything out on the other side. Barely able to see a dark figure move closer, a hand then reached out through the water, grasping his arm and pulling him through before he could even resist. Kaine felt the hard ground beneath his feet then as the weightlessness magic wore off, finding himself standing within what he guessed to be a naturally formed tunnel as water trickled in from the fall behind him. Lixiss stood next to him as he stared down the path, barely making out with his Elvish eyes that it descended downwards. ¡°It¡¯s¡­a hole, so?¡± Kaine mused as he side-glanced her. Sighing, Lixiss then stepped forward, suddenly beginning to slide down the very slippery stone surface. She glanced back at him with a wide smile, saluting as she disappeared into the darkness. ¡°Well? You coming?¡± Her voice echoed back through the nothingness before him, seemingly moving further with each word. Yeah, this one¡¯s got a few screws loose! Kaine decided, as he sheepishly took a step forward himself, finding that indeed the ground was¡­incredibly slippery. As he almost slipped forwards, catching himself just in time by taking another step forwards. Yet, at the same time, dooming himself to whatever fate awaited him beyond. As there was no stopping his momentum now, Kaine skid along the trickling waters. Delving into the darkness, he felt the air rush past his body, indicating that he was only getting faster. All he could do was retain his posture, helplessly trying to not tumble over and die a gruesome death. As the rushing cavern around him suddenly grew clearer than stone and stalactites above, the name of this place finally clearing too. The Living Ravine. Kaine now understood, why it was named as it was. The tunnel opened up, a massive cavern of lights now surrounding him as he slid down the ramp which twisted all around its side. Roots growing out of the walls all around, gave much of the light to the cave as their fluorescent hanging flowers riddled the walls. Reflected then by the crystal-like stalactites above and into the thin mist which filled it, descending down from the ceiling and onto the pool of water below, which once more reflected the light back. Creating a rainbow of colours within the mist, an ever-flowing swirl and mix of lights. Kaine was awestruck by the sight, not noticing that his descent had reached its end, he was caught off guard as his sliding came to an abrupt stop. Friction doing its thing as his feet met wet dirt, Kaine tumbled over, splashing into the pool¡¯s shallows. Rising out coughing the water out, Kaine glanced around the cavern to find Lixiss sitting over a boulder nearby, laughing her heart out at the sorry sight he ended up as. ¡°Could¡¯ve warned me of that,¡± He grumbled as he rose to his feet, drenched from them and all the way up. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t have been funny if I had!¡± Lixiss mused, stifling her giggles now. ¡°What is this place?¡± Kaine asked, glancing around the surreal cavern once more. ¡°Nowhere, really. My hiding place, I guess?¡± Lixiss shrugged, ¡°The ravine is full of places like these, and others, all hidden around where only luck can help you find them.¡± She explained, glancing up at the reflection of lights above. ¡°Yet, even when there is many, they¡¯re all different. You wont find another place just like this.¡± As she did, Kaine glanced a peek at her, smiling widely as she gazed at the dancing lights caused by the ripples in the water Kaine¡¯s fall had produced. Eyes shining as she stared, ¡°This place, it reminds me that, it doesn¡¯t matter if I¡¯m different.¡± Glancing down at him then, ¡°But I guess, I¡¯m not alone anymore.¡± ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡± Kaine asked, looking away right as she turned to him. ¡°Hmm, you looked like you wanted to talk,¡± Lixiss mused, ¡°Or, were you just staring?¡± A grin growing on her face as Kaine then felt the stare set on his stiffening back. Collecting his thoughts, Kaine then turned to face her. ¡°What is coming, what¡¯s the barrier, and why does it ¡®grow dim¡¯? Why are monsters gathering? You know something we don¡¯t, Tsarra seems alright but I can tell, the hierarchy above her stops her from telling us.¡± Watching as Lixiss¡¯s eyes narrowed, her entire expression falling into a sullen pout. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± She sighed, ¡°Well¡­Uh, what do you know of this¡­our world? Not much huh?¡± ¡°We know of the islands, which you call realms, like this one that we lay on. Of the mainland below, which I don¡¯t know if its habitable or not. We know of a dark being who brought and trapped us here¡­That¡¯s it.¡± Kaine listed. Lixiss sighed, ¡°That¡¯s¡­really not much. Where to start I guess?¡± She mused, looking back up at the lights above. ¡°The barrier then, it¡¯s what we call the energy that surrounds our realm and keeps us from the outside¡­and the outside from us. Why it grows dim? I don¡¯t know, but if it is then it means something is coming.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kaine asked. ¡°Monsters, monsters unlike anything from here. Creatures who guard the empty space in between each realm, keeping us from the rest. As the barrier enters a stage of weakness, holes will appear in it, letting them trickle in.¡± Lixiss explained, ¡°The army of monsters forming at our borders? They¡¯re getting ready, they¡¯re preparing to fight for survival. As should we.¡± ¡°Are you prepared?¡± Kaine then tentatively asked. At which Lixiss chuckled, ¡°The Coven are rulers, politicians and smart asses.¡± Turning to look his way then, ¡°Do you think we¡¯re ready? Because I truly don¡¯t believe we are¡­You¡¯ll see for yourself though, when they take you to the city¡­¡± She sighed, ¡°The city¡­¡± Turning back to stare up at the entrancing lights. ¡°Whatever you do¡­don¡¯t get caught dark.¡± She then said, ¡°I don¡¯t¡­think I could handle that.¡± Whispering the last part. ¡°Hm?¡± Kaine barely making out her words as he turned to her, his eyes widening then in surprise as he watched Lixiss rise to standing. Taking her leaf-bound shirt and leathery pants off, she suddenly dove into the water. Although still wearing her also leafy underwear, Kaine couldn¡¯t help but glance away as she rose to the surface. ¡°The water¡¯s fine by the way!¡± Lixiss exclaimed with a chuckle as she saw him look elsewhere. ¡°Pfft, you¡¯re boring you know that?¡± She teased. To which Kaine¡¯s shoulders slumped, his face twitching in annoyance as he turned forwards and in one swift motion removed his tattered clothes. Down to his white boxers which the game thankfully provided, Kaine took a posture, his legs tensing as he leaned low before suddenly leaping forwards. The water splashing back as he exploded with momentum, he soared over Lixiss as her expression paled and eyes widened. Crashing into the pool¡¯s deeper levels a few feet behind her, yet she never saw him rise back out. Worried that he hadn¡¯t even moments later, she swam over to where he landed, feeling hands grasp around her feet right then. Lixiss was pulled down and under, easily sinking and remaining beneath the surface within the fresh waters. Flailing about in surprise at first, she opened her eyes to see Kaine leaning away then with a victorious smirk. This, seemed to only edge her on. As her expression hardened, and eyes narrowed. Seeing this rise in ferocity, Kaine now feared for his safety. Ch 18 - Impressions With a contained flame blazing before him, its light flickering into his face, Kaine sat staring down at his open hands.
[Iron Kusarigama] Make: Average Creator: Hel Material: Iron, Wood, Leather, Glue, Copper Durability: 100% Sharpness: 100%
His unorthodox weapon clenched tightly between his fingers, he ran his left hand across the sharp and curved iron blade. Wearing an expression of lost thoughts, Kaine barely noticed Lixiss crouching down beside him. Done from changing out of her wet underwear and putting back on her dry clothes she hummed a soft tune whilst beside him, neither of them speaking not a word for a long moment, they both stared into the two blades. Kaine with melancholy as his lips pursed with annoyance, yet eyes narrowed with sorrow. Lixiss noticed his expression clearly, as she glanced the strange tool over with great curiosity. Finally breaking the silence herself as she asked the burning question at the tip of her tongue, ¡°What is it?¡± Glancing briefly at her, fully conscious of her vicinity, Kaine returned to staring at his weapons before speaking. ¡°Sickles bound to long iron chains, an unconventional weapon I mastered long ago¡­¡± He answered, a sigh escaping with his breath right after. ¡°I know what a sickle is, I know what chains are, that¡¯s not what I meant you buffoon.¡± She chided, nudging his arm with her elbow, ¡°I meant what is it to you, why are you staring so deeply at it?¡± Sighing once more, Kaine¡¯s hands suddenly burst with speed, as he stood up into holding the weapons at a stance. Chains laying coiled about his wrists, as the rest of them hung down beneath him, he stared into the weapon¡¯s blade as the fire¡¯s light flickered and reflected off it. ¡°My sister, made these for me, even longer ago. As she did for each of my¡­of our other comrades at the time.¡± Lixiss sighed this time as she fully sat down, leaning back to stare up at the cavern¡¯s alit ceiling. ¡°Nope, definitely in the company of a moron.¡± She mused with a sneer, ¡°Not what it is, not who made it for you. What does that object, mean to you? I can sense it, it means more than just as a weapon or gift to you.¡± She then said with a coy smirk. As Kaine lowered his arms, staring down at her he found himself lost in her question. Stumped by her question. What does it mean to me? He thought, unsure how to answer in any other way but one. As he glanced back down at the two sickles and their chains. ¡°It¡¯s my past, it¡¯s the boy I left behind¡­Who I was, who I am no longer, who I never will be again.¡± He mused, his usual calm tone disappearing then. Replaced, with a shaken voice, as his own hands began to tremble. It¡¯s back. He mused, as once more Kaine lost control over his own body, as he dropped the sickles. Startling Lixiss into sitting straight, she watched as he stared out into the pool of water now. ¡°What do these mean to me?...Hah, pain, anger, loss¡­Despair, they mean despair.¡± Kaine mumbled out, suddenly then kicking the weapons into the water. Watching as they drowned, he did nothing to recover them. ¡°I¡¯m not desperate enough to use them.¡± Lixiss did the same, she watched the iron weapons and chains sink, understanding going through her own expression. ¡°Your sister¡­she made them for you?¡± Silence briefly filled them, ¡°Yeah,¡± as Kaine then finally answered, snapping out of his daze. Grasping her legs and hugging them close to her chest, Lixiss rested her chin over her knees as she continued to stare into the water. ¡°Your sister was a blacksmith?¡± ¡°More than that,¡± Kaine mused with a weak chuckle, ¡°Tailor, Jeweler, Enchanter¡­She could do it all and loved all of it, creativity was her game and this world she-¡± Stopping himself then, Kaine realized he was about to say too much, if he hadn¡¯t already. Glancing down at Lixiss then, he studied her expression as it was lost in the fluctuating waters. ¡°This world?¡± She then mused, glancing up at him as well. ¡°No¡­Not this world,¡± Kaine corrected his mistake, ¡°She loved life, as it was then, she enjoyed the smallest things about it. Making that weapon for me¡­making the others their own and then upgraded versions of them at every threshold our strength would reach¡­She was my sister, she was my smith, and the person I looked up to the most. She was my leader¡­¡± ¡°What happened to her?¡± Lixiss then asked, going straight to the point. As Kaine lagged behind from answering, his mouth opening yet closing back again twice over before words actually escaped it. ¡°She died, because of our father¡¯s greed, because of my¡­my¡­cowardice. She died, and I killed her.¡± ¡°Did you stab her?¡± Lixiss then asked, surprising Kaine. ¡°No b-¡± He tried to respond, but she left him no time to. ¡°Did you pierce her with an arrow then? Cleave her chest open with a sword? Crush her with a hammer or mace? Choke her out? Poison her?¡± Lixiss barraged him with questions, as her own expression remained calm, still staring into the now similarly still waters. ¡°No I-¡± Again Kaine tried to speak, but Lixiss was relentless with her tone. ¡°Then you didn¡¯t kill her, I don¡¯t know what mistakes you did or what you couldn¡¯t do, but you didn¡¯t kill her.¡± She stated plainly, standing up to meet his astonished gaze. ¡°Am I wrong? Then tell me I¡¯m wrong.¡± She said with a challenging tone. Kaine couldn¡¯t respond, as his own gaze strayed away. Returned to meeting hers as Lixiss grabbed him by the chin, and kept him there, as she stared into his eyes in silence. For a long pause, before she suddenly turned away. ¡°Sorry¡­¡± She apologized, ¡°I just can¡¯t accept that kind of self-hating attitude, it doesn¡¯t suit you.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know me.¡± Kaine responded coldly. ¡°No, but I know pain.¡± She chuckled, glancing back at him with a weak smile, ¡°I know what it means to suffer, to be alone, to lose.¡± Fully turning back around to face him then, she closed her eyes. Lixiss¡¯s form changed, revealing her half Dark-Elf body, she reopened her mismatched eyes. ¡°I was born, and already I had lost.¡± She mused, keeping up her frigid smile, ¡°Tsarra was all I had left, and I¡¯m losing her too¡­¡± She sighed, her smile fading with those words. ¡°With her rank and standing¡­Do you know how difficult it is to keep what she keeps? How much better her life would be¡­without me?¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Another cold, empty chuckle, sorrow now fully filled Lixiss¡¯s expression. ¡°If you¡¯re a coward for surviving, then so am I. I¡¯m a coward for remaining alive.¡± Lixiss whispered, as her gaze moved down to her open hands. ¡°I hate it, I hate this way you see the world. I hate your words. Why? Why do you do this to yourself?¡± Lixiss then asked, returning to staring up at him as her expression hardened. Resolved eyes which Kaine met with his own dreadfully empty gaze, ¡°Because I deserve it, for running away, for hiding.¡± He said, turning away from her then, ¡°No one can resist punishing themselves for breaking their own morals or goals.¡± ¡°So it¡¯s punishment huh?...¡± Lixiss mused, walking around him to come standing right in front of Kaine once more, ¡°I don¡¯t see it like that.¡± She then said. ¡°And how do you see it then?¡± Kaine asked with a raised brow. As she smiled widely, ¡°Why blame myself? Blame the world around me instead. Why punish myself? I¡¯d rather punish everyone else and reap the spoils. Reality is so vast and beautiful, there¡¯s enough of it all even if I take some. Don¡¯t you think so too?¡± She asked him, as once more Kaine found himself unable to reply. ¡°I can see it, it¡¯s in your eyes, in your tone and words. You keep it hidden, you hold it back but I see it.¡± Lixiss said, as she leaned closer, ¡°There¡¯s a rule breaker inside you as well as I, and you know as well as I just how good it feels to¡­¡± Her voice slowing to a crawl, as it lowered into a whisper. As her lips barely touched his, ¡°To forget everyone else, and just do whatever you wan-¡± Her words stopped though, as Kaine stepped away, yet still she continued to smile. As Kaine¡¯s expression hardened, ¡°Yeah, I know.¡± He said, ¡°And I¡¯m never going back there again.¡± Lixiss giggled at his reply, ¡°So stiff, denial huh?¡± straightening herself then, Lixiss shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s not good to hold it in, you¡¯re just building it all up inside. Keep it up, and you¡¯ll explode you know.¡± Chuckling some more before taking a deep breath, Lixiss turned away, ¡°But seriously, that mentality of yours, it¡¯s going to get you killed some day.¡± ¡°Maybe it will, maybe it won¡¯t. Guess we won¡¯t know till it happens.¡± Kaine responded, just as stiffly as before. Stiffening further as he heard cloth and leaves ruffling behind himself. ¡°Don¡¯t turn around now¡­¡± Lixiss said as she fully redressed, feeling something hit his back then Kaine grabbed hold of his own dry underwear. ¡°Probably should go back now¡­¡± Lixiss mused, ¡°Come¡¯on, getting out of here is a lot harder than getting in.¡± She added as Kaine turned around to see her grip onto a dangling vine which reached all the way up to the cavern¡¯s top. ¡°I can see that¡­¡± He mumbled out. -
Back at the Western Border Outpost
- Jedd took in a worn-out breath as she sat down upon the wooden floor, the tree¡¯s bark to her back as the rest of her companions surrounded her, mostly also sitting down other than the two strangers. Sinclair and Dark Hour having joined this interesting regrouping, they instead chose to remain standing. ¡°We all here?¡± Jedd asked, glancing around then. ¡°Not, where¡¯s Jor?¡± ¡°Dunno,¡± mused Farvo, ¡°Last seen jumping off a bridge after Elf-girl.¡± He answered with a smirk. ¡°Huh?¡± The entire group was taken aback with that reply. ¡°W-Wait what?¡± Rey stuttered as she suddenly straightened. ¡°Say again?¡± Sinclair as well now fully joining the conversation as she previously stood back with Dark. ¡°Farv, is he¡­alive?¡± Roy mused with a raised brow, Dark leaning in to listen in then. ¡°Oh yeah, they ran off fuck-knows somewhere, didn¡¯t try to follow.¡± Farvo answered with a shrug. ¡°Bah, he¡¯ll be back.¡± Dark sighed, sounding disappointed. ¡°Right¡­guess we¡¯ll get started without him.¡± Jedd then said, ¡°I¡¯ll begin then, although I don¡¯t have much to add to what we already know.¡± ¡°Anything is better than nothing.¡± Lara mumbled as she lay beside Jedd. ¡°Yeah, still not all of it is good.¡± Jedd added, ¡°First, we¡¯ve got this kingdom¡¯s society. Somewhat post medieval, not entirely industrial though. Politically speaking, it¡¯s a mess. The ruling over law is divided between the Elven royalty, the Army, and the Elder¡¯s Coven who act as a sort of religious cult/council for the Elves, who also currently hold and have held most of the power for the past several centuries.¡± ¡°Not good, I¡¯m guessing.¡± Rey said. ¡°No, the Coven is very strict with tradition.¡± Jedd continued, ¡°Any deviation from tradition is met with immediate consequences, be it through fines, property, rank or even punishment.¡± ¡°And the Military does nothing about it?¡± Roy asked. Jedd shook her head, ¡°The army only reacts to outside threats, while within the city itself¡­The Coven rules with their own policing armed force of warriors known as the Covenant. Four ranks in total dictate a Covenant member¡¯s power, using the same ranks as the Coven itself. Going from Squire then Knight, to Paladin then Sovereign, the latter being a singular person who rules over the rest. The Coven then simply adds ¡®Elder¡¯ before each rank, so the Cover¡¯s greatest leaders are called ¡®Elder Sovereigns¡¯ and that is plural.¡± ¡°As in, there¡¯s multiple and not one person.¡± Roy mused. Jedd nodded, ¡°Yeap.¡± ¡°So what kind of laws are we facing then?¡± Farvo asked. ¡°Oh, I got those.¡± Lara literally almost jumped from her sitting posture, excited to add to the serious conversation. ¡°The basic laws are¡­well, basic. Any crime we can think of, is banned by law, other than cyber as¡­well.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, what else?¡± Rey urged on. ¡°Ah-T-The Coven then d-dictates that, any non-Elven creature within the city walls must be registered.¡± Lara stuttered, disheartened by the ever-growing bored Rey. ¡°As the Coven¡¯s scriptures state that, all beings are beneath Alf, and as such they shouldn¡¯t be raised to an even standard with Alf¡¯s freedom.¡± ¡°Great, racism!¡± Rey mused with faked enthusiasm, ¡°Ughh¡­¡± Trying to ignore Rey¡¯s self-amusement techniques, Lara continued on. ¡°Only three races fit within the category Alf too, Wood Elves, Lunar Elves and Sun Elves. Dark Elves¡­aren¡¯t even mentioned until the very last scripture.¡± ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡± Sinclair asked. ¡°Ah¡­It¡¯s, n-not good.¡± Lara said followed by a brief awkward pause. Broken by Roy as he then spoke, ¡°It states that¡­Creatures of the dark, bring forth a plague of chaos upon Alf, therefore they should be dissected like the parasite that they are. Any harboring, assistance of, or leniency towards said dark creatures is met with capital punishment. Any obstruction of capture, failure to divulge information of, or inaction at the excuse of ignorance is met with the same, capital punishment.¡± Farvo whistled, ¡°So, Nazi Elves? Anyone?¡± He mused with a dissipating smirk. ¡°Are we sure¡­there aren¡¯t any other¡­you know, civilizations around these parts?¡± Rey asked, her expression having paled. ¡°You wanna go live with the goblins?¡± Jedd asked pointedly, to which Rey shook her head. ¡°Then we¡¯re stuck with what we¡¯ve got. Anything else?¡± ¡°Heh, some numbers to drop into the mix.¡± Farvo sighed, ¡°The city¡¯s damn big, about half a million inhabitants within, not counting the many outposts all over the ravine nor the villages in between. Which is quite a few, guy I talked to mentioned about four villages in between here and the main city.¡± ¡°Good lord, how big is this ravine?¡± Roy mused. ¡°Big,¡± Rey mumbled out in between chewing her lunch, ¡°Bigger than the jungle from what I heard.¡± ¡°Took us days to cross that¡­¡± Lara added with a groan, ¡°How far is it?¡± ¡°The city? Six days by foot, four by mount. They don¡¯t have mounts here¡­¡± Farvo replied with a similar groan. ¡°The closest village will,¡± Roy then said, ¡°but the path to and from the outposts is only known by its inhabitants. I was suggested not to roam off alone¡­¡± ¡°So again, we¡¯re left with no choice but to trust them eh?¡± Dark mused with a grimace. ¡°Least we got someone to trust,¡± Jedd chided. ¡°Hah, sure.¡± Dark mumbled out, stepping away from them then. ¡°But we should remain cautious,¡± Roy added, ¡°They¡¯re NPCs after all.¡± ¡°Right¡­¡± Lara sighed, her expression dropping to the floor before suddenly rising back as her eyes narrowed. ¡°Guys¡­what, is that?¡± She asked, pointing off to another platform as they all stood up. Following Larakrell¡¯s gesture, they each saw it then. A bright ember light, like a flame it burst brightly alit, yet somehow hovered midair. The light, like sparks at first, began to move. Carving an oval shape and leaving it blazing in its path before completing it, a thin layer of a white bubble-like substance then forming within the shape. As from within, stepped out several figures. Realization dawning on the group then, this was a portal. As half a dozen armed white-plated Elves stepped out of the portal, followed by a well-dressed, noble-like Elf with short yet sleekly held back black hair and a well-endowed and perfectly kept black beard. The Elf glanced around, his eyes pausing on their group briefly before returning to the outpost at large. An air of superiority hovered around the man, as his expression showed nothing less than disgust at his surroundings. ¡°Captain Reylee!¡± He suddenly exclaimed, his voice echoing out into the ravine below and back up before the sound of crashing and tumbling followed. As Tsarra stumbled out of her office, ¡°Y-Y-Yes?¡± She answered, straightening herself before fully exiting. ¡°S-Sir Tallow? But¡­you¡¯re early?¡± Rolling his eyes, Tallow turned to face the agitated captain, ¡°With the report you sent through? I¡¯m more so late, but discrepancies aside¡­¡± He not so slyly gestured at Jedd¡¯s group, ¡°Is that them?¡± Tsarra nodded, before having a retake as she glanced at them one more, noticing one missing. ¡°Hm,¡± Tallow hummed out as he turned to face the players, starting to walk towards them, the soldiers followed and so did Tsarra moments after as she snapped out of her panicking thoughts. Walking elegantly over the wooden bridge Tallow approached them, almost tripping midway over, yet just as elegantly continuing on till he reached several feet away from them. The Elf scanned their rag-tag group, his expression ever changing with each individual, being mostly taken aback by Lara¡¯s strange appearance. Finally, he then spoke. ¡°Well, not much for summoned heroes, are you now?¡± ¡°Fucking excuse you?¡± Sinclair said with a raised brow and insulted tone as she turned to now glare the Elf down. Tallow¡¯s eyes also widened at her tone and words. And as Dark tried very hard not to laugh, seeing the white-plated knights straighten their held weapons, Lara shrunk behind Jedd. Wishing she was literally anywhere else. Ch 19 - The Snide and the Vile ¡°Hmph, were you never taught manners either?¡± Tallow mused as each Covenant knight behind him turned to face them then, blocking Tsarra and her men off as well. ¡°I would ask the same for you, but it is painfully obvious to me that you haven¡¯t,¡± Sinclair answered back with a murderous glare, Dark reacting to the knights as he took a step to stand ahead of her. Tallow raised a brow, ¡°Well, then. Might we both learn out of this, seeing as, you stand in my city. My land. My territory and under my laws.¡± He said coldly, as slowly he began to raise his left hand up. ¡°W-Wait, please, we apologize for that. She¡¯s a bit of a hot head¡­¡± Jedd exclaimed as she stepped in between them, ¡°We¡¯ll abide by the rules, we¡¯re not here for conflict but to help.¡± She said, trying to diffuse the situation. Glancing in between the three of them, Tallow¡¯s eyes narrowed, ¡°Your standing is duly noted, adventurer, take your comrades and step aside from the accused.¡± He stated coldly. Making Tsarra¡¯s expression pale, as both the knights, Dark and Sin now fingered their weapons. It seemed as the situation was only worsening. ¡°Dark, Sin, stand the fuck down.¡± When a voice then hissed out from behind the adventurers, each glancing back, but Dark and Sin, who knew it was Kaine. As he stepped out into view, coming to stand next to Dark he clenched his old comrade¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Stand down.¡± Kaine said, and Dark¡¯s eyes turned to glare back at him. ¡°You don¡¯t tell me what to do.¡± Dark whispered with a warning tone. ¡°You can argue that later, or right now.¡± Kaine warned back, as Dark quickly looked him up and down. Seeing no weapon in sight only made him more cautious, as he did not respond back. ¡°Fine,¡± Sin sighed, also pulling Dark back then, yet still meeting the Coven officer¡¯s glare as she did. ¡°I¡¯ll drop it,¡± She said with a sudden smile, ¡°Apologies.¡± Sin spoke with a strangely honest tone. Confusing Tallow, ¡°A-Ah,¡± and putting him in an awkward situation as his expression twitched into the fakest of smiles. ¡°V-Very well, if you¡¯re willing to admit your mistake.¡± He dropped his hand and the Covenant stood down as well. ¡°I don¡¯t believe,¡± Kaine continued as he turned to the new faces now, ¡°I caught your names?¡± To which Tallow straightened, ¡°Oh, yes. How uncouth of me,¡± clearing his throat then, ¡°I am Elder Squire Dheron Tallow, member from the Elder Coven of this city of Calen¡¯Ris. I, as a law enforcer of the west ravine, have been tasked with welcoming the prophesized summoned. Which, I take, are all of you¡­¡± He finished with a bitter tone, glancing back at both Dark and Sin. To which he swore he heard Dark growl, but wasn¡¯t entirely sure as Sin had elbowed him in the gut making the poor adventurer create a sound more akin to a wheeze. Sin continuing to smile throughout. ¡°Yet, from Captain Reylee¡¯s report, I have come to understand that there are¡­many more of you to come?¡± Tallow then explained. ¡°Yes,¡± Jedd answered, ¡°We could number in the thousands, hundreds of thousands, the exact number is unclear even to us since the spaw-¡± Clearing her throat then with a cough and catching herself, ¡°Sorry, since we arrived here in large but probably separate groups, spread out throughout the first area we found ourselves in. My guess is that each horde of p-adventurers has at this point met one another and formed together to move in this direction.¡± ¡°Hundr¡­of thousands?...¡± Dheron squeaked out, his expression twitching further. ¡°M-My have the gods decided to send numbers over power then?...¡± ¡°That very well could b-be sir,¡± Tsarra added as she managed to squeeze her way through the Covenant knights. ¡°W-Well, that is not as such that great an issue¡­The military could easily rally and regulate you with some well thought out strategy¡­¡± Dheron mused out loud, ¡°It would be greatly easier if you had a select few to¡­per say, speak for you.¡± Almost laughing, ¡°Hah, I¡¯m sure that can be arranged.¡± Dark replied with cold amusement, remembering the first few minutes of spawning in and the players already beginning to take command. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯d have to reconvene with the rest first though.¡± Jedd added, focusing on the topic at hand and away from Dark¡¯s attitude. ¡°I would dare ask though,¡± Kaine then stepped back in, ¡°What do we gain for listening to you?¡± His question amusing Dheron as the Elder Squire now turned to the seemingly most interesting face amongst them, delighting him that this was an Elf, and not one of the other races he saw before him. ¡°If, you follow our rules. You gain knowledge of this world, be it simple directions through the very dangerous ravine to historical knowledge of our people and this realm. You gain access to trainers and scholars of ours, alongside the very resources our military train upon. In return, all we ask is that you do as told whilst within our home.¡± ¡°Sounds reasonable¡­¡± Lara mused. ¡°Reasonably vague,¡± Jedd then coldly mused as her eyes narrowed onto Tallow, surprising the Elder Squire as he had thought her to be the easier one to convince, Jedd¡¯s careful expression now spoke otherwise as she met his stare. ¡°We will follow your rules, within our own moral reason.¡± Jedd said solemnly, ¡°We understand something is coming, and you think you can take it all on your own. Would it not be much cleaner a process with us though? Less damage, less losses, less costs to cover. We have our own rules to follow as well, while we won¡¯t force them upon you, most of us will follow them.¡± ¡°Y-Yes, we won¡¯t force you to just follow our laws, of course.¡± Dheron added into the brief pause Jedd gave as she then continued. ¡°We will both benefit from this friendship, as such we will follow your laws within reason and you will allow us freedom within reason.¡± Jedd ended with, thinking to herself then. We won¡¯t be controlled, we won¡¯t be bullied. ¡°We won¡¯t be pushed around, leafy.¡± Sin then mused, still wearing that now creepily perfect smile. ¡°Hmph,¡± Dheron Tallow smirked in response, ¡°But to an accord we have come, as such I officially welcome you, to Calen¡¯Ris. I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ve only prepared accommodations for few though, how soon should we expect the¡­rest of you?¡± ¡°They¡¯re days behind.¡± Dark said with a grin. ¡°Meaning we can accommodate ourselves with said accommodations!¡± Sin joyfully added. ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡± Dheron responded awkwardly, ¡°Then to Sporetop you shall go.¡± ¡°Sporetop?¡± Roy repeated in question. ¡°The nearest town, beyond the villages alongside the eastern path, a three-day journey through the ravine.¡± Dheron answered, ¡°Of course, guides will be provided.¡± He said glancing then to Tsarra. ¡°R-Right¡­¡± Tsarra replied tentatively. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that might not be possible sir,¡± Then spoke a voice from Tsarra¡¯s gathered guards, Lixiss spoke out with a respectful tone as expected from an underling. Tsarra herself just noticing that she had also returned, ¡°What might you mean?¡± Dheron asked as he too turned to her. ¡°We¡¯re short on hands sir, we won¡¯t be able to deal with any coming adventurers if our numbers shorten.¡± Lixiss replied. To which, Dheron chuckled with great amusement, ¡°Hah, how usual of the military, then shall we send our friends here through the ravine alone and unguided?¡± He asked with a wide smirk. Tsarra was about to respond but Lixiss spoke out too quickly, ¡°Would it not be wiser to send out the Coven¡¯s men to guide our ¡®friends¡¯ sir? As much more capable as they are than us simple guards, we wouldn¡¯t want accidents to happen to them due to our lack of personnel?¡±You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Dheron glanced at his men. ¡°Can¡¯t you just like, take us with you through that portal thing you just came from?¡± Rey then asked. ¡°No adventurer, only Coven can use Coven magic.¡± Lixiss then answered with a smile, ¡°You do not meet the requirements.¡± Seemingly changed from the annoyed young Elf they had met before. Kaine¡¯s own eyes narrowing, although he understood her change of personality, she had something to say but wanted not to remain noticed within this Coven member¡¯s mind. ¡°Indeed, but alas it is true that the Covenant is unmatched,¡± Dheron sighed dramatically, turning then to his knights, ¡°Second Squire¡­Thorn?¡± Dheron seemingly asked, not remembering the name of his own guard. The Covenant soldier stepped forth and nodded, a grimace hidden behind his helm. ¡°Yes, Second Squire Thorn and his squad will guide you,¡± Dheron then said, and Thorn simply nodded again as three of the Covenant stepped forth with him. ¡°I¡­will return to the city, there is much to¡­plan for. As we await the rest of you, in the meantime, have a safe trip, adventurers¡­¡± Dheron gave a barely low bow, a cold smile as he gave them all one last glance, ending upon Kaine as a portal then appeared behind him.
Your faction reputation with [The Elder¡¯s Coven] has increased! [The Elder¡¯s Coven] 10/2000
Your faction reputation with [The Covenant] has increased! [The Covenant] 10/2000
Two notifications appeared within Kaine¡¯s view then, and by the surprised expressions of the rest of them, he wasn¡¯t alone. As before them Dheron turned about to leave, ¡°Captain, I expect full cooperation with what¡¯s next, after all we must work together to make these coming events go as smoothly as possible.¡± He said with a snide smirk, before nodding and stepping through the portal. Followed by the Covenant guards, all but the squad of four tasked to guide Kaine and the rest. And as the portal closed, Thorn¡¯s entire demeanor changed, as the guard spat off the edge before turning to glance over them all. ¡°Heh, I know he¡¯s a bit of a jackass but, Tsarra you should¡¯ve at least warned them to be careful with his type.¡± He said with an amused chuckle. ¡°I know¡­I was caught off-guard by the timing.¡± Tsarra replied, sighing with relief. ¡°Well, guess I¡¯m stuck with you all now.¡± Thorn then mused, ¡°Thanks to a certain big mouth underling.¡± Glancing briefly at Lixiss who remained at attention. ¡°Not very reassuring a tone there.¡± Farvo pointed out. To which Tsarra laughed, ¡°Guys, this is Clayton Thorn, a bit of a jack ass himself.¡± She introduced him, and each guard both military and Covenant laughed, whilst Clayton grimaced. ¡°We of the military who protect the borders and the ravine work closely with the Covenant who protect the citizens within our villages, towns and the main city, alongside keeping them law abiding. You¡¯ll be safe with his squad as long as you follow them closely and listen.¡± ¡°Meh, just follow three simple rules.¡± Clayton then said with a shrug, ¡°Shut up, follow, and don¡¯t fall behind.¡± ¡°Neither of which he is capable of himself,¡± Joked one of his own squad mates, bursting many of them into a fit of laughter. Clayton sighed, glancing back at her briefly as he said, ¡°Nice, right, thanks for your input.¡± Turning back to his charge right after. ¡°The joker is Third Squire Kla¡¯ris Hawk, and the remainder being Velnor Crest and Tuck Kales¡¯io.¡± Then quickly introducing each of his squad as all three casually saluted back. Briefly staring at all of them, ¡°What? Do none of you have names?¡± Clayton then asked with a raised brow. ¡°R-Right, sorry.¡± Jedd apologized with a stutter, ¡°I¡¯m Jedd, leader of the crimson crows, alongside my friends here.¡± Gesturing at each but Dark and Sin, ¡°Lara, Farvo, Rey, Roy and Jor.¡± ¡°Jor eh? Seemed like you made the best impression on ol¡¯ jack ass back there,¡± Clayton mused, ¡°I¡¯d watch yourself as much as the rude ones.¡± To which Kaine¡¯s eyes narrowed as he processed this, ¡°Speaking of which, how about you, rude ones?¡± Clayton then asked the last two. ¡°Got names? Rather know who I¡¯m risking my hide for.¡± ¡°Dark Hour,¡± Dark said with a roll of the eyes. ¡°Ah, I like this one, little words and easy to read.¡± Clayton said with a chuckle, gaining himself a glare from Dark. ¡°I¡¯m Sinclair, or just Sin.¡± Sin added in with a wide smile. ¡°And that¡¯s everyone, right?¡± Clayton then asked, a chill going up his spine as he glanced away from Sinclair. ¡°At the moment yeah.¡± Jedd replied. ¡°Good, the less the better.¡± Clayton added as he yawned. ¡°What should we expect?¡± Roy then asked, ¡°On our way through the ravine that is.¡± ¡°Hm? Ah, all sorts of things.¡± Clayton lazily replied, ¡°We¡¯re gonna need some supplies though, so I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll be confiscating some things from your cellar.¡± He then told Tsarra with a smirk. ¡°We don¡¯t have too many mouths to feed here, go ahead, we¡¯re stocked for months.¡± Tsarra said, gesturing at the largest of the trees within which a tavern seemed to have been built in. ¡°And unlike them we know how to sustain ourselves from our surroundings,¡± Lixiss mused in a whisper, which Kaine strangely heard as a breeze blew past him. ¡°Great, fill yourselves up while we¡¯re still here, three days out there is bloody long enough.¡± Clayton told them and his squad as he immediately turned to stroll towards the direction given. ¡°Speaking of which¡­¡± Jedd mused as the sound of grumbling echoed out from amongst them, each turning to look at Lara as the human turned redder than peach skin. ¡°We haven¡¯t eaten much for a couple days too¡­¡± Kaine too felt a bit light, but said nothing if only to enjoy Lara¡¯s embarrassment a bit further. Still, starvation is penalized by death even here so¡­ That one thought entirely draining the humor out of the situation for him, as he glanced at his survival UI, his hunger bar was indeed hovering below 40%. Something he knew could be dangerous if not paid attention to. ¡°Then let¡¯s get you all some food, Kjil makes the best soup.¡± Tsarra said, inviting them forward as well. ¡°More like the only soup¡­¡± Lixiss whispered as she now came to stand beside Kaine, once again him seemingly being the only one able to hear her as once more a light breeze blew past his ear. ¡°Oh, right. I¡¯m using a wind spell, Sending Breeze, nifty little trick isn¡¯t it?¡± She mused with a smirk, ¡°Only you can hear me, although others can see my lips moving and maybe detect my mana. Like how Tsarra just glared back at me.¡± She said with a stifled chuckle. ¡°Teach me that?¡± Kaine whispered back as the rest moved to follow a now suddenly delighted Clayton. ¡°Well, that depends what elemental arcane arts you possess.¡± Lixiss replied normally now as both of them also moved. ¡°Ah,¡± Kaine remembered, yet wondered if it was still the same as the last game. ¡°How do I know what I have access to?¡± ¡°What spells can you cast?¡± Lixiss then asked, ¡°Ah, nevermind.¡± She then quickly added realizing what her question meant, as did Kaine right after. ¡°Depending on the spells you know, is what kind of elements you have access to. If you have learned a fire spell, then fire is your primary, or one of, your elemental arcane arts.¡± ¡°How many elements can someone have access to?¡± Kaine asked. ¡°Depends¡­Most only have access to one, some get two, and rarely three.¡± Lixiss replied with a shrug, ¡°I have wind, obviously.¡± She said before suddenly changing her voice to sending. ¡°And another we both probably have in common.¡± Darkness. Kaine thought as they reached the tavern¡¯s massive wooden doors, which is what he attributed to his fear spell, {Dreadful Sight}. ¡°So, I won¡¯t know what other arcane arts I have access to until I learn more spells?¡± He then pondered. ¡°Pretty much kid,¡± Velnor, one of the Covenant, said as he pulled up a couple chairs out from under one table nearby. ¡°And spells ain¡¯t something you exactly learn, just gotta wait for the Elements to find you worthy of their power.¡± ¡°Yeah, and most who do, are a minority compared to those who never get any.¡± Grumbled Kla¡¯ris. ¡°The Elements?¡± Lara repeated in question, as each of the adventurers now grew interested in their conversation. ¡°Deities who command a specific power, be it fire, water, disease, sound, etc.¡± Tsarra answered as they all began sitting down around the largest table. ¡°Ah Kjil, portions for everyone.¡± She told the large burly Elf on the other side of the wide window separating them and the kitchen, before returning to them. ¡°And it¡¯s not just Deities, but other kinds of spirits could deem you worth their attention.¡± ¡°Such as?¡± Roy asked, prodding for more. ¡°Hm, Fae, Dark Harbingers, Nymphs or even Demons.¡± Tsarra listed off, the last catching Kaine¡¯s full attention, ¡°Each of which you should be very wary and careful of, unlike Gods who bestow power with the only agenda of strengthening a creature who¡¯s ideals they like. These spirits do so to warp and turn their chosen¡¯s ideals to their own agenda.¡± ¡°Fae and Demons above all are the most mischievous,¡± Kjin¡¯s rough voice exclaimed from the kitchen. ¡°Whilst Dark Harbingers, or Servants of the God of Death, rarely ever select anyone.¡± Kla¡¯ris added, ¡°Other than maybe one old man at the brink of death, once every seven centuries.¡± ¡°What about Nymphs?¡± Sinclair then asked, as an absolutely horrid smell then reached their nostrils. ¡°Ah-N-Nymphs are what empower the current royal family of the clan Tera.¡± Kjin answered once more as he stuttered, after seemingly having spilt something into the large cooking pot he had been slowly stirring. Kaine was very sure he saw the ¡®chef¡¯ glance at the cupboard full of strange bottles above him as if he didn¡¯t know what did fall, shrug, then continue to stir like it wasn¡¯t his problem. ¡°Still, they¡¯re n-nothing compared to the power the Coven has accumulated over the years.¡± Clayton mused as he returned from a side door taking downwards, carrying a large backpack he quickly set down once having reached their table. ¡°I hear one of the Elder Paladins was chosen by a Reaper.¡± ¡°What reaper?¡± Farvo asked with a raised brow. ¡°A reaper, A harbinger,¡± Clayton reiterated as if it was obvious, sitting down then, he sniffed the air only for his nose to twitch in seeming disgust. ¡°Power over death, it¡¯s some high-level magic that. Not that we common folk will ever get to see any of it.¡± He then sighed, rising briefly to look at Kjin pouring whatever lay within the pot into several wooden bowls. Clayton¡¯s pale expression then, gave Kaine little hope, as Kjin then came out from the kitchen with a tray full of bowls. ¡°Behold this power over death¡­¡± Lixiss mused into Kaine¡¯s ear then, as Kjin began dropping a bowl before everyone. And as it was Kaine¡¯s turn, the stench of something truly dead now fully reached him. As Kjin placed the bowl before him, all Kaine saw within was a bubbling green sludge he wanted no part of. Seemingly none of the rest wanting to partake in either, as starting from Lixiss, each pushed their bowls away. Sinclair even gagging at what she saw within. ¡°What?¡± Kjin asked as he watched it all, ¡°It¡¯s just kaldarin spice!¡± he protested. ¡°Ugh, my friend, if spice is what created this¡­¡± Kla¡¯ris began to say as she held her bowl up towards him, ¡°Then I question what ingredients are missing to make it anything else.¡± Ch 20 - Secrets A cool breeze washed over Kaine¡¯s face as he stared down the long winding staircase ahead, carved into the stone of a tunnel going down one side of the ravine, it was the sole way up and down from the safety of the outpost¡¯s height. Glancing back, he watched as the others said their goodbyes to Tsarra and Lixiss. ¡°Watch yourselves down there, beings of all kinds exist solely to hunt and feed within the ravine, whilst there are also others of many different reasonings and needs.¡± Tsarra warned one last time as the adventurers gathered behind the accompanying Covenants. ¡°Trust not what you see, believe not what you hear, only what you know.¡± Clayton grumbled as he began descending the stairs. Kaine though glanced around once more, looking for Lixiss, strangely he found her speaking with Jedd. With Butch the worg sticking closely to his reunited master, the beast whined as it glanced anxiously in between the Elves. Unable to hear their short conversation Kaine could only watch as Lixiss glanced at him, smiled, then walked away. Eyeing with a raised brow the strange NPC as she left, Kaine barely noticed Jedd approaching. Pausing next to Kaine, Jedd tapped him on his shoulder to get his attention then gestured for him to follow. ¡°Well, I got my tame back. She also said she doesn¡¯t need any more goodbyes,¡± Jedd told him, ¡°Should we wait for you?¡± Pondering over it for a few moments, ¡°No, let¡¯s go.¡± Kaine decided to leave it be, turning to then follow Jedd down the tunnel and stairs the others had already begun to descend. Taking a deep breath, Kaine began descending the stairs too, his hand clenched around the sword he had been handed by Tsarra. Since he was the only one unarmed amongst the adventurers. Glancing at it, Kaine pulled up the weapon¡¯s window.
[Elven Sabre] Make: Average Creator: Durand Sol [Calen¡¯Ris] Material: Ironleaf, Living Wood, Elder Tree Sap, Drake-weasel Pelt Durability: 80% Sharpness: 100%
Seemingly somewhat worn, yet Kaine couldn¡¯t complain about the weapon¡¯s light weight and sharpness. With a long, mildly greenish single-edged and curved blade, greyish wooden handle and handguard. Kaine¡¯s hand wrapped comfortably around the white leather-like grip, what he figured was made from this Drake-weasel creature¡¯s pelt. This will do just fine. He thought to himself, turning then to look ahead as he walked down the stepped path. Each of his comrades, new and old, wielding their weapons and other brand-new equipment. Same as Kaine had not only gotten a brand-new sword, each of the adventurers were handed some new clothing to replace their tattered new-spawn clothes, and some protective equipment to go with. Not wanting to hand them the full guard uniform though, Tsarra at least gave each of them a hard-leather vest, shoulder-guards, knee-guards, Ironleaf helmets and boots. Boots¡­ Everyone was ecstatic about finally replacing the bandages with actual footwear. But that excitement was short-lived, as the dreadful feeling of anticipation crept up into all of them, as they descended these steps. Unsure what to expect, unsure what might come next. Carefully, they anxiously took each and every step down the dimly lit tunnel, as at times a cold breeze caressed their faces. The wind making the light flicker, as the plants giving it off swung with. ¡°Care of where you put your foot from here on,¡± Then warned one of the Covenants, being at the very back Kaine recognised the voice as being the buff Velnor¡¯s. The light within the tunnel began to brighten, as suddenly the tunnel opened up on his right. With railing keeping them from walking over the edge, albeit flimsily made, Kaine could now see down into the ravine below. As the lower you went, it widened. Turning from an already rather wide crack in the earth, to a long valley bustling with life. As strangely-feathered birds flew down below in great flocks, actual clouds moved with the winds at an elevation slightly higher. Then further down below, the bottom of the Living Ravine, was a grassland. Not a tree in sight, unlike the very top where the massive Elder Trees grew out of the ravine¡¯s edges, the largest plant-life Kaine could see where unkept hedges formed out of bushes and tall grass. A vastly open stretch of land, lit up only by the light producing plants which grew out of the ravine¡¯s cliff-sides. Yet not even those could fully light it up, as where the plant¡¯s light did not reach, was utterly dark. ¡°Generally, I¡¯d suggest keeping to the Ravine¡¯s edges,¡± Clayton then began to explain as they continued their descent, ¡°After that, is the grasslands filled with many creatures, great and dangerous. Further beyond, are the Dimlands, where monsters prowl, hunting the beasts in the grasslands before dragging them back into the shade for consumption.¡± ¡°Then beyond even that, is the Dark Rim,¡± Kla¡¯ris interjected, ¡°Where creatures beyond the word ¡®Monster¡¯ live. Monsters that, hunt other monsters, for a literal living.¡± ¡°I¡¯d also suggest never going there.¡± Clayton resumed, ¡°If you like keeping your insides where they are, otherwise, feel free to feed the beasts. Anyhow-¡± He yawned calmly, ¡°The plan is simple, follow us, and we¡¯ll deal with anything perceivably dangerous. If we do not deem it dangerous enough, then we¡¯ll reserve our strength and you will take care of it.¡± ¡°Wait what? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be our guides?¡± Rey pointed out. ¡°Guides, not bodyguards.¡± Clayton specified with amusement, ¡°Killing shit that you can¡¯t if and when it attacks us, well call it on the house.¡± ¡°There¡¯s things other than monsters you need to look out for down here anyway¡­¡± Velnor grumbled, eyeing the lands below with narrowed eyes. Unsure what the soldier meant, ¡°Like what?¡± Jedd asked. Tuck smirked, ¡°Heh, let¡¯s just say not everyone gets along with the law.¡± ¡°Crest¡­¡± Clayton called out with a warning tone. ¡°What? Not like they won¡¯t figure it out later, better now than then.¡± Velnor replied and Clayton just shrugged. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Roy then asked as he stood directly behind the Covenant. ¡°I mean that this kingdom isn¡¯t all bright and fun, while the Coven obviously doesn¡¯t care much for you, others might.¡± Velnor explained, ¡°Others like the Royals, military higher ups and¡­well others.¡± ¡°The prophesized summoned.¡± Clayton mused with a chuckle, ¡°Wait till the barracks knows you¡¯re just barely adult newbies.¡± Cringe went through the adventurers, other than Sin seeming to be growing further annoyed with each word Clayton said, Kaine then finally spoke. ¡°Then what do the people think of us? What does this prophecy say in the first place?¡± He asked what was on everyone¡¯s mind. ¡°That¡¯s the thing, we don¡¯t know what the prophecy exactly says.¡± Kla¡¯ris said, ¡°Only the Elders do, which has left it for widespread interpretation. Most think it¡¯s just as the Elders said, summoned from another world will come to aid us in our time of need. Some others though¡­think there is more.¡± ¡°A dangerous way of thinking,¡± Tuck added, ¡°Questioning the Elders, blasphemy.¡± ¡°Even you cannot deny that keeping the prophecy from us is strange, right?¡± Velnor then asked. ¡°The Coven must have its reasons to,¡± Tuck replied, ¡°Either way, one should never question their leaders. There¡¯s a reason we¡¯ve only ever prospered under the Coven.¡± Tuck coldly said, letting the conversation die there as an awkward silence then filled them. As they continued to descend, for what felt like hours, down the steps they went. The silence then broken as they all stopped, ¡°Finally¡­No more steps¡­¡± Clayton sighed with relief, ¡°You all ready? Stick close, touch nothing and provoke nothing.¡± He warned them as they each silently nodded in response. He rested his halberd onto one hand, then pushing open the rickety wooden door before him, Clayton stepped out of the tunnel. As did the other three Covenants, allowing the adventurers out into the Ravine proper. Tall blades of the greenest grass dancing about their waists, each gazed off to either side of this gigantic crevice in the land, as they lay at its very bottom, yet life flourished none-the-less. The ravine going on for miles and miles in both directions, they could just barely make out where it curved on one side and more easily where it suddenly turned to the other. ¡°Remember, don¡¯t wander off.¡± Clayton repeated, resting his weapon onto one shoulder before beginning to move once more. As did everyone, following him, they trudged through the tall grass. ¡°Tuck?¡± Pausing though as Clayton suddenly stopped to glance back at Tuck, the Covenant had remained back at the exit, halberd clenched in his hands as he glanced at their surroundings. ¡°It¡¯s¡­nothing.¡± Tuck said, having sensed something strange move about them, yet he felt nothing out of the ordinary now. ¡°Haven¡¯t been out and around in the ravine for a while now, is all.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Well better get your shit together and quickly,¡± Clayton warned before continuing onwards. ¡°Now come on, we¡¯ve got a long road ahead.¡± ¡°Aye sir.¡± Tuck responded, turning to follow, still he anxiously continued to watch their surroundings. As Kaine then suddenly sensed a familiar movement about his feet, he heard the demon¡¯s hiss reach his ears too. ¡°I have returned, master.¡± Nova hissed out in a whisper as she entered a pouch which lay hanging off his waist. ¡°These ones are alert master, I must hide, else you might be¡­revealed.¡± The demon said, going silent then. Like I¡¯d protect you at the cost of revealing myself¡­ Kaine bitterly thought, not having forgotten this creature¡¯s master and their ¡®Agenda¡¯. That dagger¡­I¡¯ll have to deal with it at some point, but now¡¯s not the time. He figured best to leave it for when he had some more privacy, not around his comrades and definitely not around the Covenant. Realising also, that Nova had kept her distance their entire stay here. He was unsure, whether it was to keep her existence secret, or to avoid conversation with Kaine in the first place. I can¡¯t avoid it. He decided this demon in his pocket was a dangerous priority. -
- Long hours passed by as they treaded through the seemingly empty tall grass, not a living creature in sight other than the flocks of birds storming the sky beneath the clouds, yet the Covenant knew otherwise. As did Lara and Kaine, as the only two amongst the adventurers having unlocked their magic, they sensed the movements within the grass. Creatures large and small, the grass was their forest within which they lived and hid. Clayton sighed as he suddenly stopped, the rest stopping with him, he turned to them. ¡°Damn rats, well, you¡¯re up newbies.¡± He said, ¡°Not gonna waste our breath on these things, still someone¡¯s gotta deal with them pests before they horde around us and lure other things to the feast.¡± ¡°W-What do you mean?¡± Lara asked, sensing only the usual critter she had the entire trip. ¡°No more questions, here they come.¡± Clayton announced, aiming his halberd down the direction they had come from. Kaine and the rest immediately turned to face it, as he gripped his weapon ready. Kaine too sensed nothing approach, not even seeing the grass move unordinarily, he no clue what they were expecting to come. That is, until it bit his leg. ¡°S-Shit-¡± Kaine pulled away, almost falling over as the furry creature gnawed at his boots. Kicking up, Kaine momentarily sent the beastie flying through the air, revealing it for what it was. Not much unlike a ferret, yet the long little beast had thick gleaming silver fur. Only two fore-legs though, as from its waist down the beast became serpentine in form, the fur completely stopping and being replaced with a scale-like white pelt. The creature hissed as it soared, Kaine taking the moment to inspect it.
Female Drake-Weasel [Level 6]
¡°Careful now, their fangs are poisonous.¡± Clayton warned as the Covenant rested upon their halberds, watching with great amusement as the adventurers began to huddle up and unsheathe their weapons. ¡°Also worry not, they can sense you¡¯re weaker than us, they¡¯ll definitely focus on you!¡± He assured them with a chuckle. ¡°Oh, how reassuring!¡± Sin grumbled as she prepared her polearm. ¡°I don¡¯t sense them!¡± Lara exclaimed, ¡°Where are they!?¡± she was panicking. ¡°Calm down, watch your feet!¡± Jedd exclaimed as she did just that. Kaine¡¯s eyes widening then as he watched the grass suddenly shudder nearby, as one of the beasts leapt out and into Jedd¡¯s direction. Quickly unsheathing his sabre, Kaine stepped forth, slashing upwards he met the beast¡¯s leap with his blade. ¡°Watch out!¡± He exclaimed, as the agile creature bent mid-air, completely avoiding his attack¡­ It couldn¡¯t then avoid Jedd as she smashed her massive maul upon it, crushing the beast into the ground, still the creature seemingly survived as no death message came up. Also disappearing from sight, only crushed grass lay before them as Jedd and Kaine then turned to watch each other¡¯s backs. ¡°Okay! Don¡¯t just watch your feet!¡± Jedd then exclaimed, eyes wide as she scanned her surroundings back and forth. ¡°Oh yeah, they have a tendency to jump out at you! Did I mention that?¡± Clayton added with a wide smirk. ¡°Let¡¯s just fucking say you did!¡± Dark shouted back. As the adventurers now formed a circle, unsure where the enemy was or where they¡¯d come at them from. Sensing nothing amiss, seeing no movement, sound was their only friend. As Kaine solely focused on his hearing, ¡°Stop moving.¡± He told the rest. ¡°What?¡± Jedd asked. ¡°Be quiet, listen.¡± Kaine told them. Gaining Clayton¡¯s attention then, Kaine listened through the blowing winds and flailing blades of grass. He listened through the chirping and calls of the birds above. Sounds that had surrounded him the entirety of the journey thus far, he searched for something amiss, he searched for a sound that stood out. Then suddenly, he heard it. Squeaking as it prowled towards his feet, Kaine heard one approaching. Glancing down, he couldn¡¯t see it, the grass too thick to do so. Yet he heard it, he knew where it was. As he gripped his blade with both hands and aimed it down, the sound then abruptly stopped as he did. Kaine stepped back and when he did the beast leapt out, hissing with fangs wide it soared out of the grass and towards him. Towards its untimely demise as Kaine lunged forwards, his blade cleanly slashing through the creature¡¯s snout, splashing green blood onto the grass as the sound of tearing flesh now rung.
You have killed {Female Drake-Weasel [Level 6]} Martial Experience gained 105/500
Holding his stance, Kaine studied the beast closer as it hung off his blade¡¯s point dead. Fangs longer than any snake¡¯s, he figured himself lucky they did not penetrate his boots. ¡°Don¡¯t celebrate just yet!¡± Tuck exclaimed, ¡°Trust me, there¡¯s more where that came from!¡± And Kaine believed him, shoving aside the little corpse he stepped back into formation, blade ready at his side. Kaine listened, as did the others. ¡°Hmph, how about we show them who¡¯re the newbies here?¡± Dark mused, as he suddenly stepped out of formation. ¡°I like the sound of that.¡± Sin replied, as she stepped forth as well, she held her naginata one handed and to the side. As Dark kept his katana sheathed, he continued to move ahead, Sin all the while following him. ¡°Meh, it¡¯s your death.¡± Clayton shrugged. ¡°How about it Jor?¡± Sin called out, ¡°Like old times?¡± Eyes wide as she smiled, as she suddenly spun with her weapon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMkkZ5q1Bjc
Three drake-weasels leaping out of the grass at her then, her blade slashed through all three, a wide sweep that ended with splattered blood and three falling corpses. Having cut aside the long grass as well, a circle of her long range was clearly visible at her feet, not one blade of grass having avoided her sweep. ¡°Always so defensive,¡± Dark mused as he scanned the grass before him, ¡°Remember Jor? We were the frontline, what happened to going to our enemies.¡± Dark asked, as suddenly he rushed forwards, running around their formation with the sound of several beasts chasing after him through the grass as obvious as the grass was now giving off their position. Dark suddenly stopped and spun around then, unsheathing his weapon he slashed and moved forwards in one smooth motion. Sending more blades of grass into the air, as more blood splattered in the wake of his blade, yet he did not stop there. Dark continued his forward motions, each step a slash, each slash continuing into further. Dark danced with his katana as much as Sin did, once more spinning in place. No creature could approach her, high or low, her blade reached them all before they even got into range of leaping at her. She moved not, retaining her position, she spun her weapon about. As Dark continued his own dance, each step met with a foe, each foe met with his blade. And not wanting to be outdone, or losing on the potential experience gain, Kaine also stepped out of formation. Immediately hearing two of the beasts leaping out of the grass and at him, Kaine stopped to face them, onehandedly slashing at one as he grabbed the other by the tail, throwing it aside. Kaine turned and followed the beast he had injured, rushing into the grass blade first, he plunged it into the fallen beast¡¯s back.
You have killed {Male Drake-Weasel [Level 6]} Martial Experience gained 125/500
Before quickly retreating away as the other leaped out at him once again, Kaine though was ready. As once more he grabbed it by the tail and at the same timed slashing with his sabre, pulling it by the tail and ending its leap Kaine then slashed the beast in half.
You have killed {Male Drake-Weasel [Level 6]} Martial Experience gained 145/500
¡°Hah! Looks like you still got it!¡± Sin exclaimed, cutting down what could have been her dozenth beast. ¡°Still not enough!¡± Dark mused, slashing through the tall grass and sending two of the beasts flying out, they momentarily hovered before him. As he lunged forth, impaling both into his blade before slashing aside, catching a third mid-leap. Cutting each down to size. ¡°No, not enough, just yet.¡± Kaine replied with a smirk, as he pulled a copper sword out from his inventory, a blade per hand now he stepped forth once more. ¡°Show off.¡± Sin and Dark both mused in unison at the sight. As Kaine took in a deep breath, as his smirk widened into a grin. As four drake weasels leapt out at him, one from each direction, he also heard more rushing towards his feet. Surrounded, Kaine switched his shorter weapon into a back-handed grip. Suddenly stomping his foot down upon the closest weasel, Kaine stabbed down with his copper sword.
You have killed {Male Drake-Weasel [Level 6]} Martial Experience gained 165/500
At the same time lowering his stance,and slashing to the side where two more weasels stalked through the grass. The four now descended upon his back, yet weren¡¯t quick enough, as Kaine rolled forwards, avoiding them entirely albeit abandoning his copper sword. Quickly Kaine recovered and turned about, rushing into the grouping of monsters, Kaine stabbed and slashed with his sabre, recovering also his copper sword. A whirlwind of blood and bodies followed the rhythmic and co-ordinated movements of his blades.
You have killed {Male Drake-Weasel [Level 6]} Martial Experience gained 185/500
You have killed {Female Drake-Weasel [Level 6]} Martial Experience gained 205/500
With each injury, still the frenzied monsters did not back down, re-entering the fray even after being thrown aside or cut down. As even more joined the assault upon Kaine, unafraid even with many of their companions lying dead nearby, the Drake-weasels horded around him. Yet Kaine¡¯s grin only grew wider, blood splattered across his face, he enjoyed every moment, every sound and feel of his blades cutting each beast down. Breathing heavily with excitement, the rush of it all went to his head. As his vision began to blur from overexerting himself, Kaine still continued to fight. His eyes then, suddenly revealing themselves for the green slits that they were. Kaine did not notice, he only continued to kill, kill and kill. Even as his body shook and trembled, his movements were clean and deadly. Right up until both his blades were met with Dark¡¯s katana, as the beastman glared straight into Kaine¡¯s ravenous eyes. ¡°Stop.¡± Dark told him, breaking Kaine out of his daze. ¡°They¡¯re running off, stop chasing them.¡± He said, Kaine now noticing how far he had run off from the group, having been chasing the retreating beasts. Noticing then his heavy breathing, his hands shaking, his feet trembling and his vision going blurry.
You have killed {Female Drake-Weasel [Level 6]} Martial Experience gained 485/500
And apparently the many dozen of drake-weasels he had already slain. ¡°I-I did it¡­again¡­¡± Kaine quietly mused, stepping away from Dark and lowering his weapons, Kaine fell back into the grass. Dropping both swords, he clenched his shaking hands upon his trembling legs, taking several deep breaths. Kaine tried to calm himself, as the rush of excitement slowly faded away. He swore he saw it before him, plunged into the earth and awaiting his hand, for the briefest of moments Kaine saw the dagger amongst the grass. Somehow different, more ornate than before. But it was gone now, and so had his eyes returned to the illusion Tsarra had cast upon him. ¡°D-Did they notice?¡± Kaine asked Dark as he, Sin, Jedd and Roy now stood all around him. ¡°No¡­I don¡¯t think they did,¡± Roy replied as he forwarded his hand to Kaine. Glancing up he met their gazes, Roy and Jedd¡¯s filled with worry whilst Sin stared down at him with confusion. Dark though, he glared down at him, cold eyes of understanding and amusement. ¡°Hmph, so it¡¯s true, Mangoest.¡± Kaine met Dark¡¯s glare with his own, ¡°Don¡¯t fucking call me by that name,¡± he warned, slapping Roy¡¯s hand away before retrieving his weapons and standing up alone. Still mildly shaken, Kaine walked away to re-join the rest. Again¡­god damnit I saw it again¡­ He thought as he sheathed his sabre and put away the short-sword, then briefly he glanced back at Dark. Meeting their amused glare with his own cold stare. He knows¡­and this is going to be an annoying trip. Ch 21 - Pity Kaine held back, breathing steady controlled breaths, he carefully kept his distance from the fight as the pack of bird-like creatures surrounded them.
Treanix [Level 7]
Their bodies were made of seemingly nothing else but vines, leaves and other plant life, moving unnaturally as a singular being. The size of a common hound, yet the wingspan of an eagle of equal size. Each Treanix snarled ferociously as they formed a circle around them, wings of leaves held wide open, they bared their mouths hungrily. Beaks of bark and fangs of thorns even. The very grass seemed to shift with them as they moved. Their eyes, crimson roses with long trembling petals. Not actual eyes, yet they needed none, clearly able to sense the prey before them. As said prey fended them off, Lara¡¯s bursts of flame keeping them at bay as the rest tried to break out of the encircling. Farvo, Roy and Rey holding their fire, waiting for the opportune moment to attack, whilst Dark, Sin and Jedd waved their weapons aggressively. Sin¡¯s long range keeping two of the beasts from pouncing while Dark and Jedd held one each. And as eight of the creatures surrounded them in total, Lara¡¯s flames held three more, but Kaine faced the last. And unfortunately for him, it was the largest of the pack.
Alpha Treanix [Level 8]
And as the vines upon its back swiped at him, so did its massive beak, poking and prodding. Searching for an opening, as Kaine used both his weapons to fend it off. ¡°Having some trouble there, newbies?¡± Clayton mused from afar, as the Covenant simply watched. ¡°Oh we¡¯re just bloody fine!¡± Dark exclaimed, slashing his katana to the right and catching the creature¡¯s beak from lunging at him, forcing it back once more. ¡°We need to break out of this.¡± Roy said, ¡°Plans anybody?¡± ¡°Yeah, on my mark.¡± Kaine then said, as he noticed the beasts growing more and more agitated with each passing moment. ¡°Half-Beasts charge the left in your beast forms, Roy will watch your backs.¡± He did see a weakness in their tactic though. ¡°Farvo and Lara switch to the right and focus those four down, Rey watch their backs.¡± ¡°And the big fucker over there? I suppose you¡¯re taking him on?¡± Farvo asked with a maniacal chuckle as he glanced at the alpha. Kaine grimaced, ¡°I¡¯ll keep this one at bay, buy you some time. Ready? Go!¡± He then exclaimed, and each melee fighter but him turned to his left. Jedd, Dark and Sin¡¯s forms grew suddenly, a mixture of humanoid and the beasts they represented. Dark pounced through first, soaring over and out of the encircling, he quickly turned and began his attack. Sending forth a rapid succession of slashes as he moved from left to right, he forced the two Treanix he was attacking to retreat away from him as they suffered severe damage to one of their wings. Grouping the both of them closer to another. Jedd and Sin charged right then, Jedd¡¯s hulking bear-like form barreling through two of the birds, throwing them off-balance before her great hammer bashed into one¡¯s body and sent it crashing into the other. Sin lunged forward, her naginata piercing into the injured and distracted Treanix¡¯s chest, ripping it wide open and revealing a bright greenish core within. But not for long, as the vines quickly closed up the hole, yet she had seen all she needed to see. Stepping forth, Sin¡¯s pole-arm dug into the Treanix¡¯s chest once more, yet deeper than before. The sound of cracking glass resounding through their surroundings, Sin turned her weapon as it lay embedded into the beast¡¯s chest, causing a second crack. Her target fell completely still then, each plant which made up its body going completely inanimate, even as she pulled out her weapon to fend off the second Treanix. ¡°This one stopped moving!¡± Sin exclaimed, ¡°They¡¯ve got a core in their chests! Focus that!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t gotta tell me twice!¡± Farvo mused, taking aim upon one of the Treanix on the other side, he released his weapon and both his arms pulsed back from the explosion. His barrel smoking as a projectile fired out, the stone shone like a molten ember as it soared, then pierced into the creature¡¯s chest. Sending it stumbling back, then freezing in place. ¡°Boom, bullseye!¡± Farvo exclaimed, his grin disappearing as quickly as it appeared when the other two Treanix pounced onto him. Farvo taking several steps back as they soared up, wings wide and talons prepared, they descended upon him. ¡°Watch out!¡± Lara shouted as six bouts of flame exploded into the two creatures, sending them crashing back down into the grass, several leaves and vines upon their bodies now charred or still burning. ¡°I¡¯ll keep them at bay! You get the kill shot!¡± ¡°Aye aye, let me reload!¡± Farvo added as he began refilling his weapon with powder, feeling relieved. When a bellowing cry exited the alpha, as it too pounced. Wings wide open, it blacked out the light as it soared over them. Massive thorns forming each of its two sets of talons, it glided directly towards the twins. ¡°S-Shit!¡± Jedd swore as each saw the attack in progress, none able to block it, not even Lara as she kept her two at bay. ¡°No you don¡¯t!¡± Kaine exclaimed, as a vine bound copper blade embedded itself into the beast¡¯s left wing, Kaine soon following as he leapt up, aided by the vine¡¯s rubberband-like properties. He flew after the creature, faster than it even, as the alpha spun mid-air to react to his attack. Turning, its beak wide, it tried to bite at him as he soared past it. Slashing his weapon widely, Kaine grinned as his sabre stabbed into the beast¡¯s right rosy eye. Pulling himself up as it fell, Kaine left his sabre inside the Treanix¡¯s head. And as it tumbled down to the ground, just barely missing from squashing the twins, Kaine saddled onto the back of its neck. Holding on tightly, he gripped the branches which made up its body, as a hissing sound left the creature now beneath him¡­ As it slowly rose back up to its feet, Kaine swore it took a moment to glance back at him, as the right eye¡¯s petals completely pointed towards him. ¡°Uhh¡­¡± Suddenly the vines upon its back wrapped around him, the creature was trying to pull him off its back but he continued to hold on tightly. Enraging it further. ¡°This was not a good idea, master.¡± Nova mused from his waist, as the Alpha Treanix then stomped down its right talon and bellowed out a screeching menace of a sound. ¡°Oh shi-¡± Kaine managed as he realized what he had gotten himself into¡­ As the Alpha then leapt, taking him with. Then again¡­and again¡­ Trashing and soaring left and right, Kaine was taken on a ride as the Alpha entered a fit of rage. Trying to buckle him off, Kaine held on for dear life, tears dripping out of his eyes as the air was turned to wind by the speed he himself was moving at.
Health Risk Warning; [Nausea] in effect.
¡°Oh look at that!¡± Clayton exclaimed, ¡°He¡¯s bloody riding it!¡± Laughing alongside Kla¡¯ris and Velnor, all but Tuck who simply shook his head. ¡°Our heroes¡­¡± Tuck mused in a whisper. This¡­ But Kaine wasn¡¯t laughing, not as he held onto the death-trap of a ride he got himself into. Isn¡¯t¡­ As once more his eyes flared green, and a dark shadow pulsed out of his palms, briefly forming at the Alpha Treanix¡¯s surface before dissipating into it. Funny! Kaine thought in annoyance, as suddenly the vines holding him fell loose, and the beast he rode stopped frozen in its tracks. ¡°What?¡± Velnor thought out loud as they watched the beast pause. Seemingly trembling for several moments as it lay unmoving. Kaine took his chance, reaching out and retrieving his sabre from the creature¡¯s eye which strangely did not regenerate, he then held it high with both hands. ¡°I¡¯ll show you a ride!¡± Kaine exclaimed, stabbing down his weapon into the back of the creature¡¯s head, he pierced through the creature¡¯s thick branches and vines. Feeling his weapon break into something even harder, he then held it there, as a jolt of shuddering then ran through the creature. Recuperating from its momentary paralysis, another long pause followed, as the alpha hissed. Before suddenly screeching out in further anger, as it stepped forth to continue its rampage.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Kaine chanted then, ¡°The sound of me, chills you to the bone.¡± altering his chant, and as he did his very voice came out differently. Having spoken in a low tone, only the beast heard the chilly whisper of death he produced. Forcing it to pause in its steps once again, although now it struggled, pushing itself to snap out of the magically induced daze. ¡°The sound of my voice, sends chills through your body, mind and soul.¡± Kaine chanted once more, again altering his words, and again the Alpha faltered. Kaine felt it, he felt the creature tremble beneath him. He also sensed it, a feeling like no other, he sensed the fear fill it. As a rush pulsated through him then, an electrifying sense of energy he hated, yet also oh so adored. The challenge was before him, a power struggle between him and this monster, it excited Kaine. Yet, this time around, he caught himself. No¡­No calm down. He told himself, restraining his mind from the thought. To the rest, Kaine had frozen, just as he seemingly had several times before. But within his mind, a battle was occurring. A conflict between Kaine¡¯s instincts, urging him on to dive into the rush. Against his own conscious mind, as he pushed the feeling deep down, drowning the sensation of euphoria within. Not again¡­Not again! Kaine tried to calm himself. As all the while, the beast beneath him snapped out of its own daze. Screeching out loudly, the vines rose to entangle around Kaine¡¯s body once again, yet this time Kaine was distracted with himself. Caught off-guard, Kaine was pulled off the Alpha¡¯s back and thrown aside, tumbling into the tall grass with a loud cracking sound. Agony filled Kaine¡¯s left arm as he rolled over, grimacing in pain, he was very sure it had at least been dislocated¡­at worst broken. As he stumbled to his feet, stepping away from the creature as it opened its wings menacingly wide, then snarling ferociously before suddenly rushing at him. Kaine tried to roll out of the way, but as a jolt of pain then surged from his arm and into his shoulder, he briefly lost control of his movements. Tripping over the grass which surrounded him, Kaine felt as if the world had slowed down, as he fell. As he watched the Alpha Treanix rush at him, hungry and dead set on finishing him off. In that moment Kaine knew there was nothing more he could do, not as he fell, not as his left arm lay useless whilst he fell onto it. A single thought went through his mind then. No way¡­is this going to be it?...This? This one thought filled Kaine with both regret and anger. Hah¡­Screw you- He thought, meeting the beast¡¯s waving maw with wide eyes. Then noticing, the several notifications which had been awaiting his sighting at the corner of his screen, as if the game wanted nothing more than annoy him. But as he read the first part of the first one¡­
Your party has killed {Treanix [Level 7]} Martial Experience gained 495/500
Your party has killed {Treanix [Level 7]} Martial Experience gained 500/500
Level up! Martial Level 6 reached! +1 to all Martial stats. 3 Neutral Martial Points available for distribution!
Your party has killed {Treanix [Level 7]} Martial Experience gained 5/600
Your party has killed {Treanix [Level 7]} Martial Experience gained 15/600
Then the rest as he hit the ground, he felt it shake and tremble beneath him. As a boot appeared before him, stomping down into the grass ahead, Kaine glanced up as the figure then was pushed a few centimetres back. Looming over him was Jedd¡¯s beasted-out back, as she held the Alpha Treanix¡¯s beak at bay with the staff of her hammer stuffed into its maw. Jedd grimaced as she pushed her body to its limits, eyes wide and teeth grinding, she felt the soft earth beneath her moving back as she was being pushed away. ¡°Get up! You moron!¡± Jedd exclaimed through the struggling, as she suddenly stopped forwards, pushing the Alpha back instead. ¡°Get the fuck up!¡± She repeated, feeling as if her muscles were at the brink of tearing, still she held the beast at bay. As a window then appeared before her.
Bravery is not fearlessness.
A strange feeling filled her chest, all the while another window appeared.
Bravery is facing everything in spite of petrifying fear.
Not understanding what these words were, she only understood what they meant. Yet, they also distracted her, and the Alpha took this opportunity. Bringing forth the entirety of its physical strength in one singular push, Jedd was thrown stumbling back, tripping over the fallen Kaine she too crashed into the grass. The Alpha then loomed over them both. ¡°Oi ye ugly ass weed!¡± Farvo exclaimed, ¡°Have a load of me mate!¡±, then the resonating sound of his cannon filled their surroundings as he fired. Blasting a part of the Alpha¡¯s lower beak off, it whined, then hissed angrily as it turned its attention to the rest. Its beak slowly regenerating back.
And in spite of petrifying fear, stand at your strongest, stand stronger even. Become strength.
¡°What the hell? This shit is getting in the way!¡± Jedd exclaimed as she and Kaine rose up. ¡°What? What is?¡± Kaine asked back, trying to move his injured arm then, the pain which followed told him it was no use. ¡°Words keep appearing on my UI!¡± Jedd whispered out in annoyance. His eyes widening at her words, ¡°It¡¯s a chant, Jedd that¡¯s either a magic spell or a physical skill! Speak the words how you want and cast it!¡± Kaine told her, as a barrage of bolts, flames and arrows assaulted the Alpha before them. ¡°Oh, right, I forgot.¡± Jedd mused, immediately calming down as she remembered the tutorial. Gripping her weapon with one hand, as her beast form faded away, having run out of time for it. She faced the Alpha as the rest kept its attention. ¡°Let¡¯s see then.¡± ¡°Bravery¡­is not fearlessness¡­¡± Jedd began to chant, energy seeming to fill her voice, as it suddenly rushed through her body. ¡°Bravery is facing everything in spite of petrifying fear.¡± She spoke each word as she remembered it. ¡°Put some energy into it!¡± Kaine then said, ¡°It¡¯s more than just saying the words.¡± Nodding, Jedd continued, ¡°And in spite of petrifying fear, stand at your strongest, stand stronger even! Become! Strength!¡±
Martial Skills Unlocked! [Martial Arts Scroll] window unlocked!
Martial Art {Infuse Will}
Seeing the notifications barrage her UI then, Jedd also felt the energy which filled her suddenly surge into her arms, hands, then weapon. Pulsing through and engulfing her hammer, the energy took the form of an erratic red aura. Feeling the energy. Feeling the power. Feeling the strength now lying within her very hands, Jedd grinned widely, as seemingly the Alpha sensed that too. As it turned to face her, ¡°Here I come.¡± She said, as faster than before Jedd rushed forth. The red aura engulfed her body too then. As she stopped before the rising beast, stomping her right foot down and quaking the ground, Jedd clenched her hands around the hammer¡¯s staff.
Leaping Strike
Her UI read as, and she repeated the words, as the motions appeared within her mind. ¡°Leaping Strike!¡± She exclaimed, swiping her weapon lower before moving up, continuing the attack into a rising smash. Her hammer¡¯s head colliding into the beast¡¯s, sending the Alpha jumping back a few feet before stumbling to a stunned stop. ¡°Oh, Oh I like this!¡± Jedd mused, smiling wickedly, she continued her assault.
Earthquake
Stepping to the paralyzed beast, she bashed her hammer into its side, toppling it over. Jedd continued her motion even as it fell, spinning in place and bringing her weapon around, ¡°Earthquake!¡± then down. The Alpha screeched in agony as part of its body was smashed open, destroying its left wing entirely, and revealing its insides. Revealing the brightly shining crystal core of green within. Yet, snapping the monster out of its stunned daze, as it then retaliated. Kicking its feet wildly, the Alpha caught Jedd off-guard, throwing her off from looming over it, she tumbled back. Coming to a stop, her hammer was left behind mid-way through the fall, now lying in between herself and the rising monstrosity of regenerating plant-life. Jedd narrowed her eyes as it turned to her. ¡°Let¡¯s quicken the pace a bit.¡± She mused, ¡°Hit it!¡± She exclaimed, and the Alpha¡¯s left eye exploded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PboczstRVXk
¡°Let¡¯s show these show-offs what teamwork is like!¡± Jedd announced, Farvo now reloading once more, Rey and Roy barraged the creature¡¯s legs, bringing it down to its knees as vines grew from its lower body to hold itself up. More vines grew out of its side then, followed by branches and leaves, it regrew its wing fully. Snarling, it burst its wings wide open, deflecting off the twin¡¯s assault of projectiles, it fully focused on Jedd before itself. Screeching maddingly, it pulled itself back up. ¡°Coil and wrap, movement become alike the forest!¡± Lara then chanted, as greenish energy flowed out of her grimoire, diving down into the ground before her. ¡°Grab thy enemy, and drown their sound below our mother the earth, entangle!¡± As from the ground about the Alpha then rose different vines, thorn-ridden and a dark green compared to its own bright greenish-yellow, these were also far thicker as they entangled themselves around its right leg and wing. Holding it in place as the twins continued their rain of projectiles, now aiming for the head, as another of Farvo¡¯s high-speed stones blasted into the beast¡¯s neck. Breaking off a big chunk of it. The Alpha tried to struggle out of the vines which held it, but it was all for nought, as its leg moved not an inch from where it lay. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this,¡± Jedd then said, clenching her weapon she charged the preoccupied monster, ¡°Leaping Strike!¡± Once more, holding her weapon behind her as she advanced. ¡°Holy flames, burn my enemies!¡± Lara then chanted once again from her new position, firing off a barrage of fire-balls into the beast¡¯s wide-open chest, the creature burned in agony as each branch, leaf and vine which hid the core from its front now lay burnt away into ash. Fully revealing it to Jedd once again as she continued her charge, her hammer now rising up into her target. When suddenly a loud crack resonated out, as the Alpha moved down on Jedd when it shouldn¡¯t have. Having thrown aside its own limbs, both the entangled leg and wing, its wide-open beak now befell onto Jedd, as her eyes widened with panic at the sight. Continuing her attack, she met the beast¡¯s maw with her hammer, crashing it through the monster¡¯s lower beak and shattering it to pieces¡­ The Alpha though also continued on, catching Jedd over the shoulder with its fanged upper beak and tearing off enough flesh to make Jedd scream with agony. The very same attack also throwing her back, Jedd was sent tumbling out into the grass, coming to a bloody stop, she lay rolling on her side with pain. As the Alpha now stood over her, regrowing both its leg, wing, beak and chest. It snarled, before freezing up where it stood. ¡°There¡¯s a difference between being show-offs,¡± Dark mused as he stood in between the fallen Jedd and the now inanimate plant. ¡°And knowing what we¡¯re doing to a point beyond your own capability.¡± He seemingly mocked, yet as he glared down at Jedd, she only saw annoyance in his eyes. ¡°Maybe next time, you¡¯ll leave the strong monsters, to the strong.¡± Dark said as he turned away, pulling his blade out of the creature¡¯s now cracked core, he walked away from her. As the rest of her clan gathered around her, Lara rushing to heal her severe injury, Dark walked by Kaine as he stood to the side, watching the entire thing. Unarmed, and still shaking, Kaine¡¯s narrow-eyed glare met Dark¡¯s as he briefly paused beside him. ¡°That was¡­¡± Dark mused with a wide smirk, only gone noticed by Sin nearby and Kaine himself, ¡°Fucking pitiful.¡± Ch 22 - The Shadow Kaine groaned in pain as Lara¡¯s magic worked itself into his arm, the sound of bone popping back into place filling his ears as he sat over one of the Treanix¡¯s bodies, entering his newly gained stats as he waited.
{Jor Mungandr}
Race: Dark Elf Total Level: 9 Martial Level: 6 Arcana Level: 3 Crafting Level: 0 Main Faction: None Reputation: Neutral {All} Guild: None Title: {The Reckless} Racial Title: {First of the Dark Born}
[Elven Civilian Shirt] [Elven Vest] [Elven Shoulder Guards] [Elven Knee Guards] [Elven Helmet] [Bandage Gloves] [Vine Belt] [Elven Sabre] [Elven Civilian Pants] [Elven Boots]
[Martial Arts]; 6 {3} Neutral Points -Strength / 10 - -Agility / 12.50 (10)- -Dexterity / 13.75 (11)- -Vitality / 6- -Perception / 10 (8)- [Arcane Arts]; 3 -Intelligence / 5- -Spirit / 5- -Expertise / 3- -Sense / 5- -Aura / 3- [Crafting Arts]; 0 -Brightsmithing / 0- -Enchanting / 0- -Handicraft / 0- -Leatherworking / 0- -Blacksmithing / 0- -Tinkering / 0- -Alchemy / 0- -Ritualcraft / 0- -Herbalism / 0- -Gathering / 0- -Mining / 0- -Woodchopping / 0- -Hunting / 0- -Cooking / 0- -Minstrelcraft / 0- -Sigilcraft / 0-
¡°Haha¡­that healing spell came up useful after all huh?¡± Jedd mused as she rubbed her fully healed yet still sore shoulder. ¡°H-Hopefully I w-won¡¯t have to use it t-too much¡­¡± Lara added, finished with healing Kaine¡¯s arm. ¡°Yeah.¡± Kaine sighed, glancing at the Covenant who waited for them nearby, then Dark as Sinclair chewed him up over his behaviour. He couldn¡¯t hear what she was saying, but knowing them well enough, he could very well guess as Dark simply smirked away. Lightly sighing, his attention was then caught by movement within the darkness in the distance, the Dimlands themselves laying too dark to see into, Kaine figured that his ability to see in the dark was not fully available as he lay surrounded by bright light. Yet he caught glimpses of movement within it, putting him on edge, as a sensation of danger filled him whenever he looked in its direction. He couldn¡¯t shrug off this feeling¡­as if he could sense something inside, watching them, following them. It edged him into standing up, wanting to be gone as far away from here as quickly as possible. ¡°You all done?¡± Clayton mused as he lay leaning onto his pole-weapon, ¡°Good, let¡¯s move then.¡± He said, glancing at the Dimlands himself, his eyes briefly narrowed before he returned to looking ahead. It didn¡¯t help Kaine¡¯s feeling, although he followed without speaking a word of it. Continuing their journey through the ravine, Kaine¡¯s mind was at the point of bursting, a headache plaguing him as everything so far only pointed to the worst. Maybe I should just¡­ He thought, glancing over at the Dimlands, he doubted anybody could follow him if he decided to go solo. Between Nova¡¯s insistent master, Dark¡¯s musings, the Crow¡¯s inexperience with the game¡¯s combat, and his own psyche failing him every second step¡­Kaine was nervous, of what else could go wrong. Kaine was wary, alert to everything around himself, more so than usual. Noticing, in his state of vigilance, a group of figures ahead and slowly approaching them. Kaine paused then. ¡°It¡¯s back up,¡± Clayton assured from the back, ¡°Keep moving.¡± He told them, and Kaine did. Eyeing the approaching group of what he could now make out as more Covenant soldiers, he also noticed that their own escorts had over time taken to move at the back of the group. At first, Kaine thought they were just watching everyone¡¯s backs. ¡°Is the first village close by then?¡± Roy asked, relieved to take a break. ¡°No, we¡¯re only half way there, we¡¯ll make things easier on you now though.¡± Tuck answered, seemingly in his usual grumpy tone. ¡°So you¡¯ll be taking care of the trash monsters from now on then?¡± Kaine asked, glancing back at the Covenent, silence dragged on before one of them answered. ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t worry about it.¡° Clayton finally said in his usual lazy demeanour, Kaine thought it might have been his imagination, yet Sin obviously had noticed something. Glancing over to his old comrades, Sin clenching her pole-arm¡¯s staff tightly and eyes narrowing as she gazed at the group ahead, whilst Dark kept watch on their own guides, was all the warning he needed from them. Something was wrong, Sin knew it and if anything, Kaine trusted her instincts on people above all. Fuck, now what? He thought, gazing at the approaching Covenant, there was more of them then there was of Kaine and his comrades now. We can¡¯t take them on¡­They¡¯re too many and stronger than us. He knew they didn¡¯t stand a chance if an actual fight broke out. He knew he needed to do something¡­ His eyes moving from crow to crow, his gaze then briefly settled on Jedd, seemingly she as well was growing more anxious as they came closer to the new group. Maybe we¡¯re just paranoid? Kaine tried to reason after all they had recently been through, but there was no reason as to why there were that many Covenant approaching them now that they had reached half way. Then it struck him, there was a reason. That bastard¡­he didn¡¯t argue against Covenant guiding us¡­And even if we had Military guards instead that¡¯s a whole lot more Covenant than Tsarra could probably afford to send! Realising that they had been set up all along. And the fighting¡­We haven¡¯t been moving straight, we¡¯ve been moving closer to the Dimlands! Fuck! They¡¯ve been leading us into the monsters to tire us out! A cold anxiety then filling him, Kaine breathed in a long silent breath, calming his nerves and mind. He glanced about once more, Jedd and Roy both were on edge, yet the rest seemed unaware, whilst nearby Dark and Sin seemed ready to jump at their own shadows.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. This situation¡­ Kaine met Dark¡¯s glance then, and Dark smirked back. Pausing in his steps, Kaine then turned to him, ¡°You know what?¡± he mused as he unsheathed both his weapons. As everyone else paused in their steps then, each Covenant guide clenched their weapons tightly as they focused on him. ¡°I¡¯m tired of this bullshit,¡± Kaine said as he stared at Dark, who also unsheathed his own katana. ¡°How about we settle this the only way we know how?¡± Kaine offered, preparing himself into a stance, he aligned his feet, ready to charge. ¡°Hah, I was starting to think you¡¯d never ask.¡± Dark mused, as everyone else looked at them with confusion. Sin though caught on to their act, but even she couldn¡¯t have foreseen what they did next. ¡°Six on four, what do you think?¡± Kaine asked. ¡°Eh, sounds like they should be fine.¡± Dark responded, his smirk widening into a grin, ¡°Two on eight though, think you can keep up?¡± He then asked. And Kaine smiled, ¡°Only one way to find out.¡± He said. ¡°What are you tw-¡± Velnor began to ask, cut off then, as the both of them turned around. ¡°Nova! Sick ¡®em!¡± Kaine shouted, and out of his pouch soared out a blazing demon, whipping up into the air before suddenly diving down into Clayton. Kaine and Dark though rushed off, running at full speed they charged not at the four Covenant who stood with them, but towards the group of eight approaching them. Sin too engaged then, spinning around as she twirled her naginata, the blade collided with Kla¡¯ris and Velnor¡¯s halberd staffs, completely unexpecting the attack, she knocked both of their weapons aside. ¡°It¡¯s a trap! They set us up!¡± Sin exclaimed, as her form grew, gaining the features of a Wolf, she then lunged at the disarmed Covenent. Suddenly met with Tuck as he stepped in, blocking her attack, still that left two enemies down to their side-arms and Clayton swinging wildly at a ravenous demon of flame. Jedd took her beast form right after, ¡°Sons of bitches, gah! I swear if that moron dies!¡± She swore, glancing back at Kaine and Dark rushing off, she turned to face Clayton as an aura of crimson engulfed her body. ¡°Crows! Engage!¡± ¡°Fuck it,¡± Farvo shouted, unstrapping his cannon, he took aim at Tuck who lay confronting Sin, deflecting one another¡¯s attacks blow for blow¡­Until suddenly a blasting sound filled their ears, Tuck¡¯s halberd exploded into splinters right then and there as he tried to block Farvo¡¯s projectile. Doing little to stop the high velocity stone, it did slow it down enough for him to step aside, hitting him in the shoulder instead of dead centre. The sound of bone cracking as it still hit the soldier though, truly began the fight. As the four Covenant faced off against the six adventurers, far off, two of them raced towards eight more Elven warriors. Dark¡¯s form rising as the appearance of a tiger mixed into his human shape, his speed doubled in that moment, rushing forth ahead of Kaine. Kaine, who¡¯s eyes now shone a vivid green, wide open and revealed as the slits that they were. Rage filled him, as he clenched his weapons tightly. As he rushed after Dark, he watched as the Half-tiger reached the prepared Covenants, all eight of them taking a defensive formation with four halberds aim into his path while the other four stood behind them with sword and shield ready. Expecting a full-frontal assault, they did not know Dark¡¯s fighting style as Kaine knew it. As the adventurer suddenly jumped, landing mere centimetres from being impaled by the halberd¡¯s points, Dark leapt up into the air three times as high as he just had. Acrobatically soaring over all eight soldiers, he passed his free hand¡¯s thumb across the back of his blade, chanting as he flew. ¡°Path of Blood; Lacerate!¡± Dark called out as he then landed behind them, the second line of Covenant trying to quickly turn around, they weren¡¯t fast enough as his Martial Ability activated. His blade shining a blood red, Dark slashed widely as he turned, sending forth a crimson energy in the shape of a sharp edge through all four of the nearest enemies. Seemingly passing through them without effect, their eyes could not follow the four quick slashes Dark¡¯s hands produced on each target locked-onto, only a trail of red was visible as all four where then suddenly pushed back and into the halberd wielders. Distracting them further, Kaine saw his opening right then. As he grimaced, ¡°Fear the very sound of my voice.¡± He chanted, and a chill shuddered through each Covenant, as he too leapt into the fray. Landing over two of the pointed halberds and bringing them down to the ground with his weight, Kaine lunged forth with both weapons, stabbing into two of the Covenant¡¯s chests. Feeling though his blades being completely deflected by their armour, Kaine leapt away and retreated, as did Dark put several meters between the enemy and himself. Gazing at the recovering Covenants, Kaine saw not a scratch left on them as they shuffled their formation. Two halberds and two shields now facing each of them, with the shields up ahead and the halberds behind them and held high, Kaine¡¯s chances of survival worsened as had his grimace. Their equipment is too damn good. Kaine thought, having felt its toughness first hand, he could barely see any openings on their bodies for even his smaller blade to penetrate through. Seemingly formed out of plates of metal and a tough leather-like material, minimal space lay between their helmets and chest-plate or it and the shoulder-pads. ¡°Not a scratch on my part, how you doing?¡± Dark mused from the other side, as each eyed the other. ¡°Similarly shit.¡± Kaine replied. ¡°Advance, surround and destroy.¡± Then ordered one of the soldiers, and the entire unit moved as commanded, fully dividing into two groups, each advanced on the two adventurers while spreading out to surround them. ¡°Oh, just great.¡± Dark grumbled, ¡°So what¡¯s the plan?¡± He asked as the both of them now lay encircled. ¡°Thought you didn¡¯t listen to me anymore.¡± Kaine mused. ¡°Clam it, you always have a plan.¡± Dark added, as the Covenant further enclosed around them. ¡°Sure,¡± Kaine said as he spun about, keeping tabs on each approaching foe, he had studied each one closely. ¡°I¡¯ve got a plan.¡± He said, suddenly rushing forward as he spun, Kaine evaded low and below one halberd¡¯s strike. ¡°Oh good, cause I don¡¯t fucking wanna die today!¡± Dark shouted out, also suddenly rushing forth, holding his weapon ready to slash into a shield-wielder. He watched as the Covenant held their shield ready to block. Lowering his katana, Dark leapt forwards instead of attacking. Hitting the shield at high speed with his boots, and pushing the Covenant a step back, Dark used him as a spring board to leap right over and land several meters out of the encirclement. Kaine though was met with blow after blow, as the Halberdier spun her pole-arm about expertly, forcing Kaine to carefully evade with each step he took, before then finally striking back. Taking a step away, Kaine threw his copper short-sword, disrupting the Covenant¡¯s flow of attacks before suddenly charging into her with his sabre. Aware he couldn¡¯t inflict sufficient harm, Kaine aimed to disarm her as his sabre¡¯s blade stabbed into her main hand. The gauntlet stopping any actual damage to her flesh yet the blow was strong enough to knock the weapon out of her grip, combined with the spinning motion she had been during in tangent with her other hand, this lost her the weapon for merely a few seconds as it fell to the ground. But seconds was all Kaine needed, as he dodged away from the second halberdier¡¯s range when they reached him, Kaine too escaped the encirclement. Re-joining Dark as they both now put distance between the still unharmed eight Covenants, Kaine though was now down a weapon. ¡°Alright, plan, now?¡± Dark quickly asked as the full unit immediately moved to surround them, briefly glancing at Kaine, Dark caught a just as brief sight of him turning around and dashing off. ¡°Run.¡± Kaine said as he did. ¡°W-What?!¡± Dark was taken aback, also turning about he easily kept pace with the Elf that was Kaine. ¡°Their equipment is too good, but it¡¯s also heavy and clunky, they can¡¯t keep up with us!¡± Kaine mused. ¡°Run¡­That¡¯s your fucking plan!?¡± Dark exclaimed, glancing then at the rest, Sin and the others seemed to be holding their own against the four they had been left with, although the same couldn¡¯t be said about Dark and Kaine as they ran. ¡°Stop.¡± Kaine then suddenly said as he just as suddenly stopped, turning around to face the approaching Covenant. Although his intuition proved to be correct, still the sight of each Halberd wielder standing their ground as they aimed their weapons like javelins sent a chill crawling down his spine. ¡°Are they¡­¡± Dark managed to say before the four Elves began their spell casting. ¡°Combined our weapons form, combined they enclose and hold thy enemies bound! Imprison!¡± Each of them chanted, and their weapons shone a bright green, as vines and leaves grew out of them. Each halberdier then threw their halberds, sending them soaring through the air far too easily for Kaine¡¯s liking, as they slightly scattered from one-another and soared into his and Dark¡¯s direction. ¡°Shit, leap off!¡± Kaine exclaimed, turning back around once more to run, Dark needed no more of a warning as he dashed off at top speed. Easily escaping out of the halberds¡¯ range. Kaine though ran as quickly as he could, hearing the whistling of wind behind him as the weapons fell on either side, he rolled forwards just as the wall of branches and vines grew behind him. Rising quickly, he merely gave the wall of green a glance, all too tall for even Dark to jump, Kaine continued to run. ¡°How the bloody hell did-¡± Dark began to ask as Kaine reached him. ¡°Slow and heavy, yet they¡¯re city guards? They¡¯ve got to have some CC capabilities, probably ranged too, I expected something of the sort but that¡¯s¡­¡± Kaine mused as he paused for a brief breath, ¡°That¡¯s over-powered. Now keep fucking running.¡± He added, glancing back momentarily only to see the cage of plant life disappear into the ground and the soldiers regaining their weapons. Dark held no qualms with this plan now, as he too turned tail and ran, the same chill going up each of their spines as they heard the chant once more. And once again Dark easily evaded it, with Kaine lagging behind him, barely making it out of the imprisoning flora. As a vine entangled itself around his left foot whilst he leapt away, stumbling him. Kaine rolled to the ground with a painful groan. ¡°Fucking hell we can¡¯t just keep running! They¡¯re gonna catch at least you!¡± Dark warned. ¡°They¡¯re getting used to our speed, you¡¯re right.¡± Kaine agreed, kicking the living vine away from his leg. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m not running anymore.¡± He then said, rising up from the ground, he did turn around to face the darkness now behind them. Dark followed his gaze, ¡°You¡¯ve got to be shitting me.¡±, as they both stared straight into the Dimlands, and the pitch-black darkness that was the Dark Rim beyond. Pitch-black, for Darkhour, but barely dim for Kaine as his eyes settled. Revealing the field of low grass filling the Dimlands, and the jungle of short but thick trees within the Dark Rim. ¡°I¡­barely see shit in there.¡± Dark admitted, ¡°You?¡± Kaine grinned widely as the wall of branches behind him began to dissipate, ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡± He told him. Turning away to give Kaine his back then, Dark eyed three of their group moving off to aid their losing allies against Sin and the rest, ¡°Sorry.¡± Dark then apologised coldly. Kaine didn¡¯t ask why, he only chuckled bitterly, knowing the answer as he saw Dark¡¯s morphed legs tense up. Glancing at the approaching Covenants as the prison of flora fully faded, Dark sighed, ¡°I¡¯m never going to live this one down.¡± He mused, before suddenly rushing off. Leaving Kaine alone, Dark took the long path around the Covenant, using his greater speed to rush towards the rest as three more Covenants moved to outnumber them instead. Kaine glanced back as the remaining unit of five surrounded one side of him, three shields and two halberds, they held him between them and the Dimlands. ¡°You¡¯re surrounded, surrender.¡± Spoke what Kaine figured was the officer in command. Chuckling once more, Kaine returned to face the darkness before him. ¡°You have nowhere to run, you¡¯re outnumbered and outmatched.¡± The officer warned further, ¡°Come on boy, don¡¯t make this any harder than it needs to be. You don¡¯t need to die here.¡± ¡°No, no I don¡¯t.¡± Kaine mused, as his grimace widened into a grin. ¡°Yeah, you have the numbers. Yeah, you have the equipment.¡± Turning around then, each Elf¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of his own, each of them paling too as Kaine¡¯s skin warped to dark. As his hair faded into dark blue, joined by strands of green. Revealing his Dark Elf appearance, Kaine then faded into the darkness behind him, ¡°But I¡¯ve got something better.¡± His voice whispered out, as he blended with the shadows. The shadows, a familiar space for Kaine, as he watched his enemies turn to confusion. Here he felt safe, here in the shadows Kaine felt at home.
Part of darkness, escaping the light.
You see what does not, in turn, see you.
Partly light, but embrace the darkness.
Whispering out each part of the chant as it appeared into his view.
Spell {Camouflage} has been learned! Arcane experience gained 95/300
And if he wanted to survive, Kaine knew. As he held his breath, feeling his way through his own body with this strange energy called mana, that he somehow controlled.
Light as a feather you tread.
The illusion surrounds you, engulfs you, removes you.
Removed from the sound of reality, this illusion hides you. Sound now avoiding you, as you avoid it, as you become silence.
Kaine knew as he spoke the next chant.
Spell {Silence} has been learned! Arcane experience gained 145/300
A shadow himself, he would have to become. Ch 23 - Temptationsss ¡°Part of darkness, escaping the light.¡± Kaine chanted from within the Dimlands before them, ¡°I see what does not, in turn, see me.¡± As his form suddenly melded into the shade, his eyes disappearing last as they at first shone a bright emerald. ¡°I am partly light, but I¡­I embrace this darkness first.¡±
{ [Arcana]: 40/50 }
¡°Drow!¡± Exclaimed the startled Covenant officer, ¡°Do not let the creature escape!¡± He then ordered his men forward, soldiers who albeit their training, were still mere squires. Unsure of what they had just seen, they all faltered, before tentatively approaching the shadows. Careful step after step, with weapons and shields held first and ahead. Each of them pausing in their steps then as Kaine¡¯s voice once again whispered out from before them, ¡°Light, as a feather, I tread.¡± Chanting, a coldness filling the soldiers at the sound of it, ¡°The illusions surrounds us, engulfs you, removes me.¡±
{ [Arcana]: 31/50 }
A glimmer of a blade briefly flashed out from within the shade, a mere glimpse, immediately disappearing as it had appeared. ¡°Do not falter, his witchcraft is merely an illusion, nothing compared to the military¡¯s own stealth or the Coven¡¯s power!¡± The officer exclaimed, ¡°Nothing compared to our abilities! There is nothing to fear out of this vermin!¡± He said, stepping forth and into the shade himself, the rest of his retinue followed. ¡°Reveal thy enemy, thou who hides from the light!¡± The officer chanted, raising their blade forwards, a bright blue light pulsed out from it. Engulfing their surroundings, quickly it collided with Kaine as he hid, revealing him briefly. Revealing him as he stood mere inches to the right of them, emerald slits wide as they stared at him, the officer¡¯s own eyes widened with fright. Kaine suddenly moved then, his blade lunging into the man¡¯s sword-arm and piercing in between the gauntlet and arm-guard as the sound of flesh tearing filled his ears and blood splattered out from within the man¡¯s armour, it resounded through the shadows as Kaine dissipated once more. Retrieving his blade, Kaine disappeared, soundless and unseen he put distance between himself and the officer. As two of the other soldiers rushed to aid their captain, whilst the rest stared in shock, their captain now laying disarmed and shaking.
{ [Arcana]: 23/50 }
¡°F-Fuck, what are you all doing!? Look for him! Ch-¡± He began to exclaim, but was too slow in his orders, as Kaine then reappeared behind one halberdier. Again, the sound of tearing skin then flesh filled their ears, as Kaine¡¯s blade poked out through the woman¡¯s throat. She struggled to breath much less fight back as Kaine held onto her shoulders. Holding his weapon and her steady, as she slowly drowned under her own blood, choking and splattering out crimson. She dropped her weapon, clutching her neck and the blade which protruded out of it. Eyes wide and horror filling her expression, as she felt around the weapon. The weapon which took her life away, the pain and sudden fear which filled her, sending tears down her face to join her bloodied chin and neck. And wearing that expression of horror, she died, one last choked breath leaving her as her eyes froze up and body gone limp. She fell and Kaine let her, sliding off his blade, the soldier collapsed to the ground with a rattle of armour.
You have killed {Covenant 3rd Squire} Elven Halberdier [Level 13] -50 {Elder¡¯s Coven} Reputation [The Elder¡¯s Coven] -40/2000 -50 {Covenant} Reputation [The Covenant] -40/2000 Increased Reputation with /Unknown/ faction Martial Experience gained 65/600 Arcane Experience gained 195/300
Leaving Kaine standing alone before the remaining four of them, his eyes shining a bright monstrous green, as his blade still dripped fresh crimson. ¡°Nothing¡­to fear?¡± Kaine mused, as all four turned to face him with their weapons, even the officer who could only hold his shield. ¡°Ha¡­Haha¡­¡± His expression, one of amusement as he faced them, ¡°Do you know¡­what it is, that I mostly hate in the world?¡± He asked in a cold toneless voice, as he took a step forth, ¡°My own father aside, do you know what I¡­completely and utterly despise?¡± His sword hand was shaking, as did the blade in turn, splattering red with each tremble. As Kaine smirked, ¡°I hate blind fools, who follow doctrine and rules to the T, just because it serves them. I despise, morons who allow themselves to be used as minions, just because they are afraid of losing its safety¡­¡± Kaine chuckled, a despicable sound as his smirk widened into a grimace. ¡°I detest it...with a passion.¡± As his eyes focused upon them, before his entire form melded back into the shadows.
{ [Arcana]: 18/50 }
But you know that, don¡¯t you? Kaine thought, still fully able to see himself, he raised his blade forwards. You want to control my fate? There¡¯s no such thing, some come, corrupted AI¡­Show me your worst. Focusing on his weapon, Kaine thought back to abilities Jedd and Dark used. I know every nook and cranny of this game¡¯s combat system, it¡¯s time I put that knowledge to use. Taking a deep breath, Kaine then focused on the enemies ahead of him, watching their scurrying movements as he then stalked forth. Silent and unseen, Kaine walked around the soldiers, watching and waiting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLkTUpzMPrE
As one of them then snapped out of his daze, ¡°Reveal thy enemy, thou who hides from the light!¡± He chanted, and the blue light which he produced briefly revealed Kaine once more. Kaine charged then, lunging into the shield-wielder who casted the spell, his sudden abandon startled them into a defensive stance. Dashing to the side, Kaine avoided the shield¡¯s defence and came to be standing at the man¡¯s right. ¡°Too slow.¡± Kaine mused, as just as before he stabbed his blade through their armour¡¯s crevices, his blade sinking briefly into their side as the man turned to evade. Injured but still armed the Covenant soldier turned to face Kaine.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Surround him!¡± The unarmed officer exclaimed as his sword hand hung at his side, bleeding. The remaining three rushed to engage Kaine as he retreated back, two shieldsmen and a halberdier, they charged him altogether. ¡°Three on one? Hardly seems fair!¡± Kaine exclaimed, stopping several feet away, he turned to face them. ¡°The very sight of me sends chills through your bones!¡± Kaine chanted, and each attacker stumbled in their charge, briefly being stunned where they stood as their eyes turned to a cloudy dark colour.
{ [Arcana]: 11/50 }
For mere seconds the spell took effect, but mere seconds was all Kaine needed to close the distance, and attack. Dashing into the one shield-wielder he had yet to assault, Kaine took the chance to disarm them from their sword. Evading to the side as they all recovered from his spell, a shield was about to bash into him. Sidestepping further before suddenly lunging in, Kaine aimed for the man¡¯s throat, but missed as the armour shifted when they moved, hitting hard metal. But Kaine was not done even as his weapon was deflected off, he quickly reached down and grabbed the dropped shortsword with his free hand. Rolling to the side just as he had and evading a descending halberd, Kaine quickly turned around and rose back up, blocking with both weapons, he deflected the third shieldsman¡¯s sword. Sensing their every movement, feeling their every step and action, from the shadows which surrounded all of them. Kaine had eyes in each direction, sensing even their quickening breaths, as fear overtook them. As fear distracted them, turned their movements slow, and clouded their judgement. On the other hand Kaine¡¯s thoughts were clear, serene and with a single objective before him. Kill, kill and kill. Thinking not of anything else, as his blade led him forward, as he led it deeper. Plunging the shortsword through the shieldsman¡¯s armour, stabbing through the leather part of it and pushing it even deeper into their shoulder. Kaine left it there as he pulled back and away from the halberdier¡¯s strike. Disappearing into the shadows once again.
{ [Arcana]: 3/50 }
Panic filled all four of the Covenants, as the last armed shieldsman stuttered to chant the spell. ¡°R-Reveal thy enemy, thou w-who hides f-¡± Cut off as he had almost completed it.
You have killed {Covenant 3rd Squire} Elven Shieldsman [Level 13] -50 {Elder¡¯s Coven} Reputation [The Elder¡¯s Coven] -90/2000 -50 {Covenant} Reputation [The Covenant] -90/2000 Increased Reputation with /Unknown/ faction Martial Experience gained 115/600 Arcane Experience gained 245/300
Kaine¡¯s blade once more sinking through his enemy¡¯s throat, the keen accuracy and stealth of his {Assassinate} skill increasing the damage his normal attack would¡¯ve landed. But that skill wasn¡¯t the only reason Kaine was about to accurately drive his weapon through the chinks in their armour. As he retrieved it from what was now a second corpse, he turned to the last three Covenants. Eyes focused, as he clenched his weapon, Kaine¡¯s expression widened into a cold smile. ¡°It brings me no joy to kill you, but you are in my way¡­yet I offer you mercy. Leave and take your companions with you, and you will be spared.¡± The officer was about to speak, but Kaine immediately cut him off before he even could. ¡°I will warn you only this once!¡± Kaine then exclaimed, breathing deeply as his eyes widened. ¡°With the next fucking step I take, I won¡¯t be holding back any longer! Run, or die like an animal.¡± He warned them with a harsh, yet seemingly restrained tone. But then the last Halberdier retrieved their weapon, and slammed its butt down before himself, ¡°We are Covenant, we are the Elder¡¯s protectors and executioners¡­The coven signed you all off as outlaws, and captured you will be. But you¡­Dark Elf!¡± He exclaimed, fearful eyes yet holding his weapon strong as he raised it towards Kaine, ¡°Either you die here, or we die at the hand of our commander before the entire city! Tell me, which do you think we¡¯ll choose?!¡± Kaine met the man¡¯s unsteady gaze with his own sullen stare, cold and resentful eyes forcing the soldier to blink. A mere moment passed, and Kaine knew that there was no backing down for either side now.
{ [Breath]: 160/160 }
{ [Arcana]: 7/50 }
And although he hadn¡¯t taken a single hit, pushed by the fear of instant K.O, he did his best to evade each of them. Still Kaine was unsure he could keep that up, as his Arcana loomed dreadfully low, he at best had one last cast of {Camouflage} within a few moments and would then be left with fighting the remaining two fully visible. That is, if he managed to get the killing hit whilst invisible, it¡¯d be all over if he missed as Kaine was sure he could not take three of them on without the advantage of his magic. I can¡¯t lose. Kaine told himself, glancing briefly at his comrades in the distance, Sin and Dark helping the crows seemed to be helping them in at least staying alive¡­but it was very obvious even to him that they were at the disadvantage and were slowly losing ground. I can¡¯t let these three go. Three more Covenants, even injured ones, would decimate the fight there too. As they each grabbed hold of their weapons, the officer too as he abandoned his shield and picked up a shortsword. ¡°Y-You should surrender, we just m-might let your friends off more easily.¡± The officer offered sheepishly, as they approached him. Kaine¡¯s own faltering giving them new hope. As their previously fearful eyes, reminded of the fate that awaits them if they fail, were replaced with wild murderous glares.
The choiccce isss a sssimple one, the Ssserpent offersss it to you.
Then suddenly Kaine¡¯s vision blurred, nausea overcame him as the ground all around him shuddered into a different sight. Amongst the grass where two corpses lay, now rose thousands of weapons, yet the same dagger they were one and all. A smooth patch of green snake-skin with a coil of black making up the grip, whilst the handguard lay as the entire head of one, long blackened fangs on both the top and bottom of the wide-open maw as it lay ready to snap closed upon said grip which also ended as a snake¡¯s tail. The weapons each stood with the blade sunken inside the ground and grip up into the air, as if asking to be held and taken out. Kaine stumbled back at the sight, stepping through several of them, they suddenly dissipated into green wisps of smoke. His eyes widening in fright as he glanced back and forth, everywhere he looked the ground was littered with the same weapon of the same type and design.
It offersss you ssstrength, if you would sssimply grasssp it.
The words said into his view, promising him power.
What, ssshall you do? Grasssp power, at the cossst. Or will onwardsss, with only your own?
¡°Why falter, master?¡± Then hissed a familiar voice, as Nova coiled up around his neck, startling the Covenants into taking a step away. It was not Nova¡¯s voice, but their own mistress, ¡°Your friends stand bravely, but stand for much longer they won¡¯t.¡± It urged, ¡°Resistance is meaningless if one does not have the power to back it up.¡± ¡°Why¡­should I listen to you, demon?¡± Kaine then asked, his shaken gaze rising to meet the now confused Covenants, he knew they wouldn¡¯t falter for much longer. ¡°Hah, you shouldn¡¯t. Who in their right mind listens to a demon¡¯s whispers?¡± It then chuckled rigidly, ¡°But you aren¡¯t in your right mind, are you, master? You¡¯re broken, you¡¯re desperate. Those cracks in your soul, that desperation which pushes you to hold on, they are why I chose you. You rejecting me for this long was expected, but I won¡¯t force you. I could, but I won¡¯t, for I have many puppets and need not another.¡± ¡°You call that an answer?¡± Kaine then asked, grimacing as the Covenants before them seemingly regained their spine. ¡°That¡¯s all the answer you¡¯ll get child, but here¡¯s some free advice from a denizen of the underworld.¡± The serpent then hissed, uncoiling from his neck Nova breathed out a blaze into the Covenants, forcing them away once more as they had begun to approach. ¡°Power comes with sacrifices, at a price and at the cost of others.¡± The Serpent said, its slits returning to meet Kaine¡¯s eyes, ¡°The question is, will you grasp it yourself? Because if you don¡¯t take the power yourself, no one is going to give it to you!¡± It exclaimed, its eyes focusing as a greenish energy lit them brightly. ¡°But most importantly, once you¡¯ve grasped that power, what will you do with?¡± It then asked, opening its maw wide and gasping as it faced him, the dagger¡¯s same grip appearing out of the darkness within. A choice¡­but is it? Kaine thought, unsure if he even had a choice, as the Covenants no longer faltered. Heaving their weapons, they charged, three on one Kaine had little hope. As his hand rose, approaching the grip, he saw not a change in Nova¡¯s serpentine expression as he did. Not a single movement outside the norm, it really wasn¡¯t going to force him? As his hand moved closer, opening and almost engulfing the handle. Kaine took a deep breath as a chill crawled through his palm, the air seemingly being colder around the weapon. And then, a warm breath. A dim set of lights. And three spooked soldiers, "I take back what I just said, run-" Ch 24 - The Pack Kaine¡¯s hand approached the weapon¡¯s grip when suddenly a warm breath was inhaled from behind him, feeling the air rush past his very neck. Kaine panicked, having heard nothing, having sensed not a single movement behind him until it was too late. Until the creature stood directly behind him, as he turned to face it with fright.
{Alpha} Angler Wolf [Level 24]
Standing twice his own height even as it lay on all fours, the dark beast gazed over Kaine and at the Covenants. A four-legged body of blackish-grey fur, not far from a panther¡¯s, with each paw ending in four short silver claws. Frills of black grew out of its back and neck, creating a sort of a fin and a mane of multi-coloured lights, as each frill¡¯s end glowed a dim hue. Its head then was like a wolf¡¯s, but with a far longer snout and circular ears similar to a lion¡¯s. Ending his inspection of the creature upon its eyes, Kaine watched as it briefly glanced down at him, its completely blank white gaze staring directly into him. A brief growl exited the creature, filling Kaine with a powerful sense of dread, as every fibre of his being told him to hide. To turn tail. ¡°I take back what I just said¡­¡± The covenant officer then mused, as each of their eyes widened. At his words, several more lights then flashed alive behind the first creature, and the thought overcame Kaine then. The thought of running. ¡°Run-¡± The officer tried to say, as he himself turned about, collapsing to the ground right then as a mass of black fur fell upon him. Pouncing onto the officer, the first beast¡¯s fangs dug down and deep, tearing off at the armour like it was nothing before its mighty jaws. Rising with a mound of metal and flesh within its maw, it quickly gulped it down before glancing at its pack. Twenty to maybe more of the creatures were visible to Kaine then, as they growled, as their frills trembled and shone, making a hissing sound as they moved. All the while, the remaining Covenants turned tail and ran. In return, the first beast snarled, and the hunt began. As twenty or so of the creatures rushed after them, the first remained upon its kill, but it did not eat further. No, this one was now staring directly at Kaine once more, as its pack rushed around him, seemingly ignoring him. Kaine met its stare as his body trembled, his eyes betraying him for the fear he felt. ¡°These are no lands for you, dark child.¡± A voice then spoke out from before Kaine, rumbling like a thundering growl. Realising it was the beast talking, ¡°I-I don¡¯t have¡­much else where to go.¡± Kaine responded. It huffed, digging down once more into its snack before coming back up with a mouthful, ¡°Then thread forth carefully, for if you cannot sense us, then there may be many worse watching.¡± It warned. Kaine blinked his eyes, watching with relief as the daggers within his view dissipated from sight, as Nova also seemed to return to herself whilst the grip within her jaws also had disappeared. Not knowing what pushed him to even ask, ¡°Why¡­haven¡¯t you killed me?¡± He did so anyway. Rising to stare directly into his eyes once again, they narrowed as it huffed, ¡°There is much of your blood, you¡¯ve yet to learn, isn¡¯t there?¡± It asked curiously, ¡°It has been many¡­many moons, since I last met one¡­of you. But the lands remember, the lands never forget, not your sacrifice.¡± ¡°Sacrifice?¡± Kaine repeated in question, remembering the Gaizedon speaking of something similar, but never having asked for a further explanation. ¡°The Alfs have forgotten, and the Darks have long been gone, only the lands remember. Only we remember.¡± The creature mused, stepping forward and closer to Kaine. ¡°Do you wish to remember?¡± It asked.
{Quest Log}
A shrewd creature of the Dim Lands approaches you with knowledge, will you follow it? Requirements; Total level: 8 or higher Race: Dark Elf Reward: Racial Information, Unknown, Unknown Time limit: 20 seconds Possible results of failure include: Player will have to seek out the quest giver to re-accept.
Seeing the option to either accept or deny, then noticing the time frame limit, Kaine saw no harm in giving it a shot. ¡°Yes, I want to know more.¡± He said.
{Quest Log}
¡°Good, but first, we hunt.¡± It exclaimed with a howl. The Angler Wolf spun about, stretching its claws as it eyed the escaping three Covenants, and the battle beyond. ¡°There lays too much prey, too pass up. Come dark child, hunt with us.¡±
{Quest Log}
{Failures}: Death, Losing the pack, Gaining no kills
Kaine followed its gaze, the pack was surrounding the two escaping soldiers, almost herding them towards the rest. As more wolves rushed ahead of the pack, surrounding Kaine¡¯s allies and the Covenants engaging with them. ¡°Some of that prey, I need it alive.¡± Kaine then quickly said, and the wolf re-met his eyes. Narrowing said eyes, the wolf once more stared emptily into him. ¡°Very well, but you shall owe the pack for each kill denied.¡± It growled back, before howling forth a second time. Kaine nodded, ¡°Alright.¡±
{Quest Log}
{Failures}: Death, Losing the pack, Gaining no kills, Losing a party member
¡°Then show us your worth,¡± The wolf mused as it suddenly leapt into a run, ¡°The pack doesn¡¯t accept those who cannot provide.¡± It growled as it charged out of the Dim Lands, tendrils of shadow briefly flowing after it as it entered under the ravine¡¯s light. The Alpha re-joined its pack, immediately pouncing onto another Covenant as the halberdier struggled to avoid the lunging wolves. Another immediate take-down, as the wolf¡¯s weight and ravenous maw befell the soldier.
{Quest Log}
{Failures}: Death, Losing the pack, Gaining no kills, Losing a party member
And with the next quest update, Kaine knew what was at stake. The more kills, the better the reward. He thought to himself, as he retrieved two short swords, switching one into a back-hand hold. ¡°You would trust these creatures, over my mistress?¡± Nova then asked from around his neck. ¡°Maybe,¡± Kaine snapped at the demon, causing it to hiss in frustration as he focused onto the pack ahead. Taking a deep breath, he watched calmly as three wolves together brought down the third Covenant, grabbing the man by the limbs, the beasts proceeded to tearing him apart.
{Quest Log}
{Failures}: Death, Losing the pack, Gaining no kills, Losing a party member
Gritting his teeth, Kaine charged out as well, pushing himself to his statistical limits. Putting every point he had in agility to use. -
Moments earlier
- Jedd struggled for her life, as she swung her hammer left and right, bashing into shields with each hit and pushing the two Covenants off. Her beastial strength proving to mean little against their own power and equipment, each strike pushing them only a few feet back as they held her surrounded and at bay.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Quickly glancing about, her comrades weren¡¯t fairing much better either, as the Covenant¡¯s shields seemingly deflected off everything but Farvo¡¯s cannon, even Lara¡¯s flames seemed to dissipate on collision. As Farvo was given no chance to reload, a halberdier chasing the stubby dwarf about as he grumbled and swore, Farvo being surprisingly quicker on his legs than he seemingly should¡¯ve been. Sin and Dark also held their own, watching one another¡¯s backs as they lashed out with deadly attacks, turned only into injuries due to their foe¡¯s strong equipment. Swinging her hammer to the side, she threw the first shieldsman off-balance before suddenly turning to the second as they tried to approach her from behind. Clenching her weapon tightly, she silently activated one of her Martial Skills, having learned that she needed no chant for them. As the energy pulsed through her weapon, she swung it low, rising as it approached her target. Clashing with them, she sent her foe¡¯s arms upwards as had their shield, using that moment¡¯s opening to lunge forward and bash her hammer into the shield once more. Sending the Covenant more than off-balance, as the sheer force made the man stumble back and fall over. But she couldn¡¯t finish him off, as effective as her weapon was against their armour, she still had to quickly turn around to block the lunging sword of her second opponent. Swiping the weapon aside with her enlarged hand, the blade cut her as she did so, but also avoiding herself a possibly disabling blow to the leg. Jedd retreated from the two as one repositioned themselves and the other rose back up to their feet, taking the moment to breath, and quickly glance over at the Dim lands where she last saw Kaine disappear into. Now not seeing a single figure, not the smallest bit of movement from within the shade, hidden by the darkness beyond. Only the next few messages gave her hope.
[Jor Mungandr] assassinated {Covenant 3rd Squire} Elven Halberdier [Level 13] -50 {Elder¡¯s Coven} Reputation [The Elder¡¯s Coven] -40/2000 -50 {Covenant} Reputation [The Covenant] -40/2000 Increased Reputation with /Unknown/ faction Martial Experience gained 35/600
[Jor Mungandr] assassinated {Covenant 3rd Squire} Elven Shieldsman [Level 13] -50 {Elder¡¯s Coven} Reputation [The Elder¡¯s Coven] -90/2000 -50 {Covenant} Reputation [The Covenant] -90/2000 Increased Reputation with /Unknown/ faction Martial Experience gained 60/600
As they came in quick succession, yet still she saw no sign of movement. Refocusing on her own fight, Jedd prepared herself to clash with the two Covenants once more. Gritting her teeth, ¡°Well?! Come on then!¡± She exclaimed, taking a step forth herself. When a howl sounded off from the distance, pausing everyone in their steps, the sound sent a chill crawling up their spines. The Covenants immediately disengaged from the fighting, reforming into a singular formation, as half kept eyes on the adventurers and the other watched the Dim Lands. Unsure what was occurring, Jedd also rejoined her comrades and watched as two Covenants suddenly rushed out of the shade. Scrambling away from the shadows, as out of it burst out more than a dozen monstrous creatures. While most of the wolves rushed to surround them, the rest lagged back. As a second howl sounded out. Giving chase to the Covenants, the wolvine beasts bit and lunged at them as they ran, surrounding the two soldiers who swung their weapons wildly. Jedd watched as the beasts took down each with great ease, leaving the corpses behind before rejoining the pack.
Angler Wolf [Level 21]
Over twenty-six of the creatures prowled about them, growling silently, they watched them back with their empty white eyes. Circling them. Waiting¡­ ¡°Archers!¡± Then exclaimed Clayton from within the Covenant ranks, as most of the beasts seemed to focus on surrounding them. As out of nowhere a barrage of arrows befell onto the pack of wolves, scattering them and forcing Lara to send forth a burst of flame to block many a projectile from hitting them as well. ¡°Shit there¡¯s more!?¡± Dark exclaimed with a grimace. ¡°We¡¯re fucked¡­¡± Rey mused as she glanced back and forth. ¡°No, not yet!¡± Then spoke out a voice from within the wolves, as they reformed around the Covenants whilst many rushed out in search of the hidden archers. As Kaine leapt onto the back of one beast, weapons clenched he leapt off it as it snarled in annoyance at him, rising up into the air above the Covenants. Not noticing his descent, Kaine crashed down onto Clayton, using his weight and strength to sink one of his short swords into the soldier¡¯s back. The high-quality weapon pierced through the leathery part of his armour with ease and Clayton collapsed to the ground. Breathing blood, he slowly choked upon the crimson liquid as it filled his lungs. As Kaine quickly rose up, retrieving his new weapon from the soldier¡¯s back and immediately holding both weapons up, blocking two similar blades as they befell onto him. Deflecting the attacks, he watched as the pack of wolves began their assault upon his, lunging and grabbing at the Covenants, trying to drag any one of them away from the rest. Succeeding with a halberdier, as a beast gnawed at their weapon¡¯s pole and pulled, making the man stumble forward and into the jaws of two more. The rest of the Covenants watched horrified as the wolves pulled the screaming man into their ranks, before beginning to tear him asunder, more wolves moving in to take the place of those now busy three. Kaine took this chance as they lay distracted, slashing aside one swordsman¡¯s blade, he lunged in with both weapons after another. Knocking aside their shield with one, he plunged his second deep into the man¡¯s neck, sending a splatter of blood all over his own face before quickly retreating out and turning to face the next.
{Quest Log}
{Objective}: Hunt with the pack; 2/16{Failures}: Death, Losing the pack, Losing a party member
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqaNhYIxF0I
¡°Don¡¯t let up!¡± Kaine exclaimed, as his blades flashed forth, both deflected by a soldier¡¯s shield yet he did not stop. Second after second his weapons swung, a barrage of attacks, Kaine wasted not a breath as he pushed himself deeper into the fight. ¡°They¡¯re on our side! Fight!¡± Kaine said, snapping his comrades out of their daze, Dark and Sin reacted first as the notification hit them.
{Quest Log}
{Failures}: Death, Losing the pack, Losing a party member
Seeing their objective, backed up by the pack of beasts, and seeing the confused and distracted enemy. Dark wasted not another second as he too joined the fray, leaping into action, his enlarged form landed amidst two halberdiers. A crimson light flashed out of his weapon as he swung forth, marking both whilst they turned to him, each was too slow before his speed. As Dark¡¯s katana struck out all too fast to see, slashing and chopping up the soldier¡¯s halberds into pieces. And as the ruined weapons fell into piles on the ground, the two Covenants reached for their side-arms, grasping onto their sheathed swords as Dark pressed onto one. Sinking his weapon cleanly through the gap between chest plate and helmet, Dark¡¯s blade pierced into the man¡¯s neck with a resounding wet slice before slipping back out. Not even waiting to watch the soldier fall dead to the ground, Dark stepped aside and turned around, meeting the second¡¯s sword with his own. Deflected the wild slash, Dark spun his weapon expertly, leading his opponent¡¯s sword aside before suddenly lunging in. Driving his own katana into the woman¡¯s shoulder, he kicked her back as his weapon held her, knocking her to the ground. The soldier lost her weapon as she fell, opening her eyes then to find Dark standing above her, katana held with both hands and aim downwards. Before he stabbed down, executing the soldier where she lay.
{Quest Log}
{Failures}: Death, Losing the pack, Losing a party member
Sin and the rest charged in right then, as she dropped her pole-blade upon the last halberdier, hitting him over the head and dazing him, still her blade could not pierce the metal their helm was made of. Frustrated by this, Sin stored her Naginata into her inventory, then stepping back and picking up a nearby halberd. Glancing over at Kaine and at how easily the two swords he took from the Covenant pierced their armour, she smiled widely before returning to her chosen foe, as the man recovered from his daze. ¡°Take their loot! Use it against them!¡± Sin exclaimed, grinning widely, she pressed onto the halberdier with her own new weapon. Slashing down, the soldier met her with his own long weapon, stumbling back by the sudden strength of Sin¡¯s beast form. Sin did not give him a moment¡¯s breath to recover, immediately spinning around with her weapon and diving it back down onto him. Forcing him to reposition to block it once more, and once more Sin spun, forcing the man back another time. But this time, he was too slow in blocking, as he missed Sin¡¯s blade with his own. As Sin¡¯s axe blade felled through his own, and further onto his shoulder. The metal pauldron blocking most of the attack, yet the axe slid to the side and dug into the leather with ease, chopping a few centimetres into the man¡¯s shoulder. Retreating back further, the man lost use of his left arm and now broken weapon. Reaching for his sheathed sword, he watched with wild eyes as once more Sin spun, continuing her combination of attacks into one final cleave. As very accurately her weapon felled through man¡¯s right arm, chopping it straight at the centre and in between the gauntlet and arm-guard. Literally disarmed, the soldier stumbled back further, screaming in pain as he fell to a knee. His eyes rising to meet Sin¡¯s grin, as she stepped to stand a few feet before him. Halberd rising right before him, and knocking the helmet off his head, she then raised it back up with the helm still hanging off the axe¡¯s curved point. ¡°Thanks for the loot dear,¡± Sin mused, before dropping her blade down and hard, a loud squelch sounding off as the halberd cleaved the man¡¯s head into half.
{Quest Log}
{Failures}: Death, Losing the pack, Losing a party member
Five down and one still remaining, as the wolves had dragged away another poor victim into their grinder of fangs and claws. Kaine faced the last one, deflecting his every struggling lunge and shield bash, Kaine toyed with him as he stepped back and aside, tiring him out. The wolves watched and growled, filling the soldier with panic at the sight of the bloodied and further bloodthirsty beasts which surrounded him. Distracting him. A moment Kaine did not let pass him by, as he suddenly threw his right sword into the man¡¯s own weapon, confusing him further. Kaine lunged in, using his now free hand to slightly pull the man¡¯s shield aside even as it bashed into him, he then met the man¡¯s terrified eyes. As his sword now lay stabbing through his armour and deep within his side. Coughing out blood the soldier retreated back, taking a trained defensive stance even as Kaine¡¯s sword lay embedded into his side. His expression drowned with pain and fear, Kaine watched as the man stumbled and tried to remain standing. As more and more blood leaked out of his wound and mouth, even the wolves simply watched and waited now. The man then suddenly falling to his knees before collapsing onto the ground.
{Quest Log}
{Failures}: Death, Losing the pack, Losing a party member
Watching the soldier fall dead, each of the wolves then turned off and rushed out into a scattered formation of threes and fours, scouring their surroundings until a group of bow-wielding Covenants rushed out of the tall grass and began to run. But there was no escape, as one after the other, each archer was rundown, pounced upon or simply pushed into the floor before several other wolves came down upon them. Metal, leather and flesh filling their maws as the beasts tore each soldier into a mangled mess.
{Quest Log}
{Failures}: Death, Losing the pack, Losing a party member
{Quest Log}
Kaine took a deep breath of relief, squandered relief which was quickly taken away as the pack turned back to them. As the Alpha approached him. ¡°Well fought,¡± The beast mused as only he, Jedd, Sin and Dark could comprehend it. ¡°Six meals, three of which you took down yourself. If you were my pup, I¡¯d be proud, for rarely does one fang take out several.¡± ¡°The bodies are all yours,¡± Kaine quickly said, seeing no such thing as a meal out of the mangled elven corpses. ¡°Then the sticks and pelts are yours,¡± The Alpha responded with a grateful nod, ¡°You wished to know more of your blood? Then come, dark child, let us take this chat to a safer place.¡± Ch 25 - A Great Descent Having gathered all the still usable pieces of equipment from the many Covenant corpses, Kaine and the rest now followed the pack of Angler Wolves into the Dim Lands. Moving in an erratic manner, as if stepping around a very specific path they could not see, they walked for what seemed like hours. Most of the party could see fairly well even within these shadows, Kaine mostly with his affinity for it, but Lara was left blind and forced to hold onto Jedd as she led her. ¡°That damn coward¡­I swear I¡¯ll gut it!¡± Jedd groaned, having spent the past couple hours annoyed of having lost her worg companion. The little beast having run off to hide before each fight, to then never come back after the last one. ¡°Hey look at the bright side, you can find something better now.¡± Sin said with a chuckle, ¡°Dark tamed one of those things before, we ended up freeing it cause it never helped too.¡± ¡°I honestly hate the new familiar system¡­¡± Dark grumbled. ¡°New?¡± Kaine repeated. ¡°Yeah, haven¡¯t figured it out with your¡­snake? Bat?¡± Sin mused, glancing Nova over. ¡°The familiar won¡¯t respond well if you don¡¯t treat it well over your time with it.¡± ¡°Ugh, a pet simulator?¡± Rey groaned. ¡°You played tho-¡± Roy was about to say before Rey elbowed his side. ¡°N-Never mi-mind.¡± ¡°Treat them right¡­huh?¡± Kaine mused, glancing at the shrewd serpent laying around his neck as she continuously took in their surroundings anxiously. We¡¯ll see about that. He thought, narrowing his eyes as he looked away and at the wolves they had been carefully following. Jedd glancing back met his gaze as he dragged behind as usual, ¡°Can we really trust them?...¡± she asked. Kaine grimaced, ¡°That¡¯s up for debate, plus, they can hear you.¡± He mused, gesturing as one of the wolves paused to glance back at them before continuing on. ¡°If they wanted to kill us, all they had to do was wait for the Covenants to do so, then pounce on the remains. No, whatever it is our lives aren¡¯t at risk¡­Not by them at least.¡± He then said, looking about at the gloomy grasslands they now walked, an ominously silent and cold place. The short but damp grass only furthering the chill he felt as he crushed about it, drenching his pants and only being thankful for his new pair of boots, allowing him a better grip upon this slippery terrain. ¡°Where are we even going?¡± Nova then suddenly hissed, and Kaine for once agreed for as far as he saw within the Dim Lands, only grass and shadows existed. ¡°For us who live in between darkness and light, what you do not see well is what we thrive upon on. So careful one must be, as to not miss it, and everything else.¡± The Alpha mused from the front, leading them through the shadows for several feet more before the entire pack suddenly came to a pause. ¡°For us who live in the shadows,¡± As the lights of each wolf then pulsed in unison, ¡°Illusions, tricks and your very perceptions are our greatest weapons, and greatest walls.¡± As the shadows all around them suddenly dispersed, revealing the pit of black laying before them, once completely hidden by the grass and shadows even to Kaine¡¯s eyes. Kaine watched as the Alpha approached the large hole, ten times its own width, it leaned its frills forwards lighting up within. Stepping closer Kaine looked inside, seeing large roots growing from one side of the downwards tunnel to the other, but very little beyond the first few meters of depth and nothing at all beyond. ¡°Of course¡­Underground.¡± Kaine mused, remembering the place Lixiss had taken him to. ¡°Come, follow if you can.¡± The Alpha added, and a notification came into their view.
{Quest Log}
{Objective}: Follow the pack {Failures}: Death, Losing the pack
As suddenly in a flow of lights and fur, the entire pack began to descend down into the tunnel. Leaping from root to root in a flurry of multicoloured flashes of light, one by one the Angler wolves began to descend. Until only one remained, staring straight at them as it sat before the entrance, unlike the Alpha who was fully black this one¡¯s fur had a tinge of grey and white forming a crescent patch over its forehead. ¡°Go, I shall follow and light the way.¡± It said in a voice much softer than the Alpha¡¯s. Glancing at one another, the entire party seemed to pause at the challenge before them. All but Kaine, ¡°Come on, we don¡¯t have much elsewhere to go anyway.¡± He said, stepping to the edge as he did. ¡°I¡¯m also curious...¡± He added before suddenly leaping off, landing with ease onto the nearby root. ¡°Curiosity killed the cat mate,¡± Rey mused as she sighed but followed after him, as slowly did the rest. And as the wolves below plus the one following them lit the way down like a path of lamps, the adventurers delved down into the depths of darkness. Trying their best not to slip over the damp roots, not to trip over the smaller ones and fall to their doom, they descended as droplets of water fell all around them. The sound of them leaping from root to root being outpitched by the sound of dripping water, as Kaine briefly paused to look up, watching as the lagging wolf leapt. Drops of water showering off their pelt as it clashed into more, landing then with trained skill and grace, undeterred by the root¡¯s wetness as it dug its curved claws in helping it come to an almost immediate stop. Watching and waiting as they pushed forth, unlike the rest of the pack which kept that momentum to leap once more, glancing down Kaine saw the pack slowly getting far ahead of them. Yet the one¡¯s glow gave them still enough light to see where they were headed. But Kaine wasn¡¯t about to lose the pack ¡°We need to hurry our pace,¡± he then said, glancing back at the others paused behind and above him before suddenly leaping off his root. Taking out his bone knife and summoning a single long vine out of his inventory, Kaine landed onto the next big root, briefly stopping he then went to work. Tying the elastic vine around the kife¡¯s grip, he then tied the other end around his left wrist, making sure each side was well fastened before looking back down the pit. He knew from experience that the vine could take on his body weight with ease, he also knew that the root¡¯s surface was fairly hard and durable allowing the wolves to claw their way into a quick stop.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. What he didn¡¯t know, was whether the others could keep up. As they all came to a stop upon the root he was on, Kaine turned to them. ¡°Why hurry? We¡¯ve got one behind us¡­¡± Rey mused. Kaine then gestured to the side above them, ¡°Because, we don¡¯t know the way, and we don¡¯t know if that one does either.¡± He said, as the wolf above them landed nearby where Kaine was gesturing, briefly and barely another passage was revealed by their light. Taking out then four more pieces of vine, all he had left within his inventory, he forwarded two to Dark and two to Sin. ¡°We¡¯re the fastest, so we¡¯ll lead the way and keep the others from falling.¡± He said, as Sin nodded but Dark rolled his eyes in annoyance. ¡°I¡¯ve garnered some tools off the guard back there,¡± Farvo then said, pulling out a pickaxe and a hatchet from his inventory as he saw Kaine¡¯s tied up knife. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re following.¡± Kaine mused as he and Farvo quickly went to work, tying the vines onto the two tools. ¡°I¡¯ll go on alone, since my vision is the best, I¡¯ll keep track of the Anglers. Sin and Dark will be the anchors to the lot of you.¡± Kaine explained, as he and Farvo then went through and tied the vine from person to person, going from heaviest to lightest. Jedd was not happy to be directly behind Sin, as Rey and Lara stood behind her. Roy though didn¡¯t argue as Farvo was tied to his and Dark¡¯s line last. ¡°Way to make this a race,¡± Sin mused as she glanced at the two groups. Ignoring her comment, ¡°The vines are long enough that we can jump one by one, but now we can do it more safely as the ones behind us or ahead of us can act as anchors in case we fall.¡± Kaine added before turning around and glancing down, the pack was getting further ahead and the one wolf had come to a pause next to them. Watching them curiously, Kaine only glanced over it before taking a step towards the edge. ¡°What about you?¡± Jedd then asked, ¡°What¡¯s your anchor?¡± ¡°Myself.¡± Kaine replied, stepping off the edge then, he fell. Dropping down at an increasing rate, he glanced down and back up, keeping track of how far he was from the pack and his comrades. Watching as his vision¡¯s limit in the dark began to reach them, quickly he acted as he fell. Suddenly stabbing his knife into a nearby root, his descent stopped, yet sent a wave of pain through his arm. Telling him this wasn¡¯t the way to do it, still he knew it was the fastest if he needed to, and that it was possible. Pulling himself up to the root, he glanced up at the rest as they stared down at him with wide eyes and pale faces. ¡°You crazy son of a-Gah!¡± Dark grumbled, as he suddenly leapt off and onto the next big root, ¡°Come on damnit!¡± He shouted, urging Roy and Farvo forward. Their descent continued, as Kaine now lay far below but still within sight. Pulling his knife out of the root, Kaine then threw it off the side as hard as he could, sending the knife curving around the root as the vine kept it back from where he held it and coming back up the complete other side. Quickly grabbing the knife before he slashed himself, Kaine let go of the vine¡¯s full length, allowing it to hang several meters down below the root he lay on. Gripping the knife tightly with his right hand, he checked both ties, before stepping off the edge once again. Falling once more, as the drops of water seemed to slow down alongside his descent. He held on tightly to the knife as the vine¡¯s full length now was reached between him and the root, as his left arm was pulled up the moment it did, the vine then stretched down several meters further. Only half the fall he had reached without the vine, still he had descended far quicker than he would have from jumping. As he came to a slow landing upon one root, Kaine immediately let go of the knife, sending it soaring back upwards. He pulled on the vine with his left arm, allowing the knife to clatter and clash with many surfaces but ultimately come full circle back around the root and fall down towards him. Snatching the vine as it fell before him, Kaine retrieved his bone knife, before glancing up at the rest. All making their way down much faster now that they knew they¡¯d be safe even if they fell, still he briefly waited on them and watched. He watched as a beasted out Dark carefully pushed Roy and Farvo forward, whilst a beasted out Sin competitively led on a similarly enlarged Jedd, then Rey behind them. All the while the one wolf followed closely behind Lara, who lay at the very back. ¡°Watch your step dear,¡± Sin teased as Dark and his group lay ahead. ¡°You¡¯re talking,¡± Dark mused, watching too as Sin leapt forward all too quickly while Jedd lay more than one jump behind, pulling her with and off the edge as her body weight held Sin back. Both falling off too far from grabbing hold of the next root, they bumped into each other and came to a stop, hanging by the vines which held them. ¡°S-Sorry¡­¡±Sin mused as she and Jedd held onto one another for dear life. ¡°Be careful!¡± Kaine exclaimed from below, his voice carrying on into an echo. ¡°Yeah let¡¯s¡­slow it down a pace?¡± Jedd added and Sin nodded in agreement, both chuckling at one another before starting to pull themselves up, climbing the vine like a rope. Sighing in relief, Kaine glanced down, keeping track of both groups and the pack. He grimaced, as suddenly he noticed the pack pick up speed. Seriously?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72KbtAK4z0k
Kaine thought as his mind snapped into full throttle, ¡°They picked up the pace! I¡¯ll go ahead!¡± Kaine exclaimed as he quickly spun his dagger around the root beneath him and began his descent once more. ¡°Nova! Light up drag behind!¡± He ordered his familiar, and the serpent quickly launched off his neck. Soaring gracefully in between the roots and branches, whilst in comparison Kaine avoided what he could and crashed through the rest. Nova dragged behind as he told her to, gliding down at pace with him, her wings lit up afire as she did. A guiding light for the rest up above. Kaine though continued to follow the pack as well as he could, as they began to move from tunnel to tunnel, at times even dashing through a straight path and into another drop. As all around him the terrain began to change. From the dreary and damp tunnel riddled with large roots growing out of one side and into the other, to trees of iron-grey bark and dark crimson leaves hanging off the sides and replacing them, vines of fluorescent blue falling down from where the trees grew. As well as many a strange flower, from patches of hanging dandelions with long petals of orange ending in a fluorescent golden tip, to lone black roses twice Kaine¡¯s size growing out and hanging down dangerously with their prickly thorns. All surrounded by short grass similar to the fields above and within the Dimlands, yet down here it flourished far better. As its grey colour was joined with spots of fluorescent blue, out of which more blades grew continuing into a small shrub-like form. There were many, as they covered surfaces other plants did not, at the same time lightning up the tunnels ahead. Losing his sure footing that was the roots, Kaine had to tread carefully from here on, as the wolves ahead simply leapt from side to side of the shrinking tunnel. He was left with falling and using his knife alongside a shortened length of the vine to grab onto trees and their branches. As the tunnel now curved to one side, slowly turning from a drop to a ramping fall. Kaine retrieved his knife from one last branch, glancing down at the pack as it simply ran down the tunnel now, he let go of the tree to follow. Sliding down through the field of unorthodox plant-life, fluorescent particles rose all around him as he crashed through it. Covering his mouth with his shirt as not to breath them in, Kaine slid down through the damp mud beneath the beautiful flora. Until finally, Kaine slid to a stop as he came out of the tunnel¡¯s end. Pausing before the entire pack, Kaine took in his new surroundings. A vast cavern lay before him, with its ceiling and sides riddled with the greatest beauty nature could offer. But the cavern had no floor. No, while paths ran all around the cavern¡¯s sides to smaller caves and more tunnels. Kaine was upon one of those paths, watching briefly as the wolves dragged their kills off into one side cave, he walked over to the edge. Glancing down, his eyes widened at the sight. For it was another drop, but dark it was not as before Kaine the sky opened up, a fall not down a tunnel nor into any hole but out into the sky beneath the land he stood upon, as the planet¡¯s mainland lay far far below¡­A sight which filled him with wonder. ¡°Where is Luna?¡± The Alpha then growled from behind him, noticing one of his packmates gone. Glancing back at them, Kaine also realised that he had gone ahead of the rest, not even seeing Nova around. I lost them¡­ He thought, fear swelling within his chest at that moment. As suddenly Nova burst out of the tunnel¡¯s end, followed by Dark, Roy and Farvo, the latter two immediately collapsing to the ground, worn out. Kaine stared and stared beyond them, for several long moments as even they turned around, eyes widening. When suddenly a large mass of fur fell out of the tunnel, crashing through the flora and surrounded by fluorescent particles, the Angler Wolf which had dragged behind with them appeared and upon its back lay the girls. Rey and Sin holding on for dear life as Lara, on the other hand, stared about wide-eyed whilst Jedd simply laughed with joy as she handled the beast¡¯s fur akin to a rider. Coming off the wolf as the pack stared at them, the entire party approached Kaine and where he stood, relief filling him at the sight. As they all came to stand at the edge and glanced down into the boundless sky beneath. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not jumping down that hole!¡± Rey announced with wide eyes. Ch 26 - The Delve Some sights, simply awaken you to the reality of the moment and I¡¯ve¡­seen many things since coming here. But this¡­ Kaine thought as he gazed down at the sky and world below. This goes to show, that I really, truly¡­That without a single remaining doubt. Clenching his hands into fists as he watched several large winged creatures soar past below. I¡¯m stuck in a fucking game. Taking in a deep breath as he gazed down with wide bewildered eyes, Kaine closed them, embracing the feeling of unreality which filled him. Stretching his shoulders and moving about his toes within his boots, Kaine released the held breath. This is a game, just a game. These arms, hands, aren¡¯t mine. These legs, feet, I only control, I don¡¯t own them. He told himself, he forced himself to believe, crushing back down the feeling of wonder which the sight drove into him. Opening his eyes back he narrowed his gaze at the view before him, a feeling of cold emptiness he was all so familiar with, refilling him right then. And as the rest stared with both wonder and awe, Kaine turned around to face the pack of deadly beasts. As they watched with keen blank eyes, seemingly blind but obviously not.
{Quest Log} {Objective Complete}
¡°You kept up with us, and lost not your own. Well done pup.¡± The Alpha mused, then suddenly snarling at the wolf that had helped them, ¡°And you, daughter, how many times must I tell you?¡± It growled with great annoyance, but also moving onto a tone of great patience. ¡°Stay with the pack.¡± Luna whined as she lowered her head but moved not from where she stood, ¡°Yes¡­father.¡± Returning to them, the Alpha gazed straight at Kaine now. ¡°Come dark one, you wish to know of your blood¡­¡± Huffing back at Luna, ¡°This one will show you around.¡± ¡°Yes father.¡± As Luna¡¯s ears then perked up, very clearly interested in them. Releasing a long sigh, the Alpha turned away, ¡°I have other things to attend to, but if you wish to find me, simply ask any of the pack.¡± It mused as it walked off, the rest of the remaining wolves turning with it, following their Alpha. ¡°We will.¡± Kaine said, turning to Luna himself as the wolf approached Jedd. Head still down, ¡°I will take you then¡­¡± Luna said as she stood before Jedd. ¡°Lead the way, we¡¯ll follow.¡± Jedd responded warmly, and each of them then received a notification.
{Quest Log}
{New Objective!}
[Dark Origins] {Objective}: Follow Luna
And follow they did, as the wolf excitedly turned about and began showing them the way. Leading them through the path of stone which curved around the cavern¡¯s walls, breaking into more paths at several intervals, some going up, some going down and the third continuing on straight. As they followed Luna, ¡°This is¡­man-made?¡± Roy suddenly mused as he had been glancing about. ¡°The Delve was made by the Dark Ones.¡± Luna mused back. ¡°Dark Ones?¡± Kaine repeated and the wolf briefly paused to glance at him. ¡°By you, by others like you.¡± Luna said before prancing onwards, ¡°They built this, for themselves and for creatures like us.¡± She explained, pausing before another intersection, glancing at the strangely unnatural formation of stone. A style of construction that seemed to try its best to be natural, to fit in with the rest and it almost did. Other than the small inconsistencies like the obvious rhythm, the almost perfectly similar length of each path between each intersection. And the energy which Kaine could barely sense within, a fluctuation of magic that the rest of the ground and walls did not ooze. If it wasn¡¯t for those, which only Roy and Kaine noticed, nothing would have seemed out of place as the drop into the sky took in most of the attention off it. Keeping out a keener eye as they continued to follow Luna, Kaine inspected every aspect of his surroundings now. Noticing that, the higher he looked up the more things he saw standing out. That each level, below and above, were their own different habitat. From the short-grassed level riddled with trees, like woodlands, where they now stood to several others, each different in their own way. Kaine also noticed that the pack hanged around mainly this level and saw not a single one guarding or prowling about the others. ¡°Do others live¡­down here?¡± He decided to ask. ¡°Oh yes, The Delve is home to many!¡± Luna exclaimed, seemingly happy to. ¡°The pack lives here,¡± she said stomping her front left paw onto the ground, ¡°The flock lives below.¡± Pointing then her snout off the edge and at the lower levels. ¡°And the rest make home above.¡± ¡°The flock? The rest?¡± Jedd repeated in question. ¡°Oh, right.¡± Seemingly realising that she wasn¡¯t being a very good guide, Luna then hopped over to the edge and pointed down with her paw. ¡°They, are the flock.¡± She said as the adventurers walked over to follow her gesture.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Seeing before them the creatures they had briefly glimpsed soaring far down below.
Horned Watcher [Level 31]
Larger than the Angler Wolves even, the Horned Watchers had many owl-like characteristics, from their feathered body, head, feet and talons the creatures highly resembled a horned owl. But the resemblances ended there, as their elongating torsos were riddled with a plate-like armour, multicoloured just like their feathers. Their wings were feathered just like an owl, but more akin a bat¡¯s in form as their limbs gave way into a second set of talons at their end. Then the so-called ¡®horns¡¯, unlike the horned owl Kaine matched them with, these creatures actually had long white horns growing out of their foreheads and each set differed from one Watcher to the other. Each Watcher having their own different pattern of both colour and horn shape. And also, as suddenly each and every Watcher below turned their necks about unnaturally, as suddenly they all looked up to stare at them. Kaine clearly noticed several different eye colours within their gazes, as they shone eerily at him. ¡°The pack keep the tunnels safe, the flock keep the sky.¡± Luna explained before looking upward, everyone else following her gaze, ¡°The rest live.¡± ¡°An entire eco-system centred around our protection, and the Dark One¡¯s creations.¡± A deep voice then mused from below, as a massive set of talons suddenly rose from beneath the edge. Pulling itself up as the adventurers and Luna retreated back, its giant frame towered over each and one of them as it arched its back and sat down. A Horned Watcher of bright brownish colours, going from mostly white with patterns of beige and tawny for feathers into plates of walnut brown, accompanied by large forward spiralling horns. Kaine strained his neck to look up into the creature¡¯s face as it stood looming over them, meeting its large wide eyes of bright ember. ¡°Visitors, I see.¡± The Watcher mused, glancing not at any specific one of them, but staring deeply at the entire group as a whole. ¡°Watcher Kindle, a Dark One has-¡± Luna began to explain but was cut off by the creature. ¡°I can see that much,¡± Kindle mused pointedly, ¡°You are welcome to visit,¡± It said whilst stretching its long talons, ¡°But the rest are not welcome to stay.¡± ¡°We won¡¯t be staying long.¡± Kaine added, meeting the monster¡¯s eyes. ¡°No, you will not.¡± Kindle added, ¡°But for as long as you do, one must not forget to visit the Great Watcher.¡± Staring solely at Luna then. ¡°Y-Yes, Great Watcher Garroth shall be told¡­¡± Luna whined, less so in fear and more so in respect. Tilting its head briefly as it glanced at Kaine, Kindle turned about then, its large tail-feathers swooping over their heads as it did. Leaning up, Kindle then suddenly pushed itself with its wing-talons off the edge and into the air, opening them wide to glide off. It then suddenly closed up its wings, dropping down and disappearing out of view. Kaine and the rest breathed out in relief, entrapped and cornered as they abruptly were by the creature, their instincts had surged into caution. ¡°Apologies, for that.¡± Luna mused, turning to them. ¡°The flock does not like outsiders within The Delve, but please understand, they have their reasons to be wary.¡± ¡°Those reasons¡­being?¡± Sin asked as she and many others glanced off the edge, searching for the creature but unable to pinpoint it amongst its kind resting below. Narrowing her blank eyes, Luna also gazed off the edge, but stared not at the Watchers nesting beneath and instead at the sky far below. ¡°You may not, but we feel it. We sense the change coming. The sky, below, above and around is faltering.¡± Growling lightly as she stretched out her claws and folded back her ears, ¡°We sense the danger, and there are little we can trust.¡± She said, turning about then to stare directly at Kaine. ¡°Come, there is more.¡± Luna added, gesturing with her head for them to follow. As the wolf continued to lead them forth, all the way around to the other side of the Delve. The sky is faltering¡­ Kaine thought, glancing then at his quest log.
{Quest Log}
{[The Message]; A beast of the savanna has requested you to deliver an urgent message to the far elven city of Calen''Ris which lays deep within the living ravine downstream from here. Requirements; Total level: 4 or higher Race: Elf, or subcatagory of Elven Reward: Unknown Time limit: 24 days Possible results of failure include: -Death of player -Widespread deaths throughout the associated realm -Doom of the associated realm
Eight days, it¡¯s been eight days. Glancing off the edge, Kaine gazed at the sky beneath, seeing little difference from the sky above other than the land stretching out far far lower. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡± Luna suddenly said, pausing before one cave entrance, the rest stopped behind her. Larger than the other entrances of stone, this one was also very different, as blackened roots grew out of its edges and around its walls. ¡°Only the Dark One may enter.¡± Luna then said, ¡°I cannot guarantee others would come back out¡­¡± Adding then as she glanced back at Jedd and the rest. ¡°Is i-it dangerous in t-there?¡± Lara asked as she hid behind Jedd and Roy. ¡°For you, yes.¡± Luna warned, turning then to Kaine. ¡°For him, this place is him, it is them.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± Kaine replied, gazing deeply into the darkness within the tunnel before him, with his eyes he saw through it. Staring directly at two large doors of black crystal, carved into, a great pattern of runic inscriptions lay in both. I don¡¯t get it¡­ Kaine thought, but he felt it. He did not understand what it was, but he felt the pull within, it was magnetic. It called out to him, to something inside him. He didn¡¯t know what it was or why, but for some reason he felt like he needed to enter. He needed to open those doors. ¡°Master¡­I don¡¯t like this place.¡± Nova mused, her eyes blinking from crimson to a brief emerald, ¡°Don¡¯t enter there¡­¡± she warned before returning to normal. And Kaine recognised the second voice, for it was not Nova¡¯s. Well¡­Now I just gotta enter. He thought in amusement, his curiosity peaking. ¡°Wait here, I¡¯ll be back.¡± He told the rest. ¡°And what if you won¡¯t be?¡± Dark then asked with a smirk. ¡°Then go on without me.¡± Kaine replied coldly, ¡°You seem to have little issue with that.¡± He added, meeting Dark¡¯s glare briefly before stepping into the darkness. Feeling it envelope him, feeling his senses awaken to the lack of light, Kaine stepped to the large doors of black. Raising his hand towards their surface, Nova suddenly slithered about his arm, her head rising to face him as her eyes turned once more to a deep emerald green. ¡°You seek answers, and in there answers lay. But they are not the answers you want.¡± The demon warned, ¡°These people, once great, are not who you are.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know who I am either.¡± Kaine replied, ¡°I¡¯ll decide who I am.¡± He said, pressing his hand onto the door then. Kaine tried to push, but the door simply did not budge. Instead, the runes upon it flared alight, dark blue the inscriptions all lit up before him. And suddenly as he backed away, Kaine felt the doors stop him from retreating. As he now stood on the other side of them, surrounded by darkness. Glancing at his arm, Nova was also gone. He had entered, he was alone.
{Quest Log} {Objective Complete}
You have entered a {Dungeon}
Prepare yourself child, for {The Halls of Darkness} surround you.
{Quest Log}
{New Objective!}
[Dark Origins] {Objective}: Survive the onslaught
Ch 26.5 - The Halls of Darkness
{Quest Log}
{New Objective!}
[Dark Origins] {Objective}: Survive the onslaught
Kaine¡¯s eyes widened at the words. Onslaught. He thought, as the corridor before him now lit up with dark blues. Blazing alive like a lazy flame, the walls then suddenly rose aflame with blue, rushing down the corridor¡¯s vast length. Revealing what lay within the emptiness that stood before. As Kaine took cautious steps forward, he watched the images go by as he walked. Aflame one and all, the images told a story. A story of tranquillity, suddenly falling into tragedy. A story of loss, turning into despair, then hate. A story of hate turned into war. The walls as he walked the corridor told Kaine a story of war, of many battles, fought with all too much blood spilt. Of reasons now long forgotten, a betrayal nobody knows yet still cling to. And as the flames danced before him, giving out no heat at all, bringing forth only a cold chill to his skin. Kaine suddenly and without realising at first, found himself at the end of the corridor. Entering the small room, Kaine glanced from figure to figure, as carved into the walls whilst strange liquids flowed through said carvings, were the humanoid forms of many different individuals. Each one suddenly lighting up aflame as the blue blaze reached them through the canals in between each carving. Kaine gazed at the portraits of these people, their poses and demeanour, depicted as if beyond mortal¡­ But far from gods, as many bled, some even standing with missing limbs. Further they were though, from being heroes. As around each being Kaine recognised as Dark Elves, lay massacres and bloodbaths beyond his capability to imagine. Bright red stone being used to depict the blood as white and light brown paint was used to add in the bones and mangled remains that filled it. All lit up by this eerie dark blue flame. Kaine gazed at these artworks of both might and horror, awestruck by the powerful use of carving and ink to form these majestic yet also chilling portrayals. Almost forgetting to breath as he stared, he then noticed what lay at the centre of the room. Laying down with legs crossed and arms holding onto their thighs whilst its back stood straight, it was a skeleton. The corpse having long past its expiration date, nothing but bone, blackish vines and dust now made it up. As its head lay facing towards Kaine, towards where he had come from. Taking in a deep breath at first, Kaine approached the skeleton. Kneeling down before it, he inspected it more closely now and a notification popped up into view.
[Deceased] {Menuasa Vavalnim} Dark Elf Deathlord [Level 71]
Seeing the name, seeing the title and then gasping at the level. Kaine immediately stepped away, his eyes wide as suddenly the skull moved with him, staring directly at where he now stood. As it breathed out, a dreadful sound, less so a breath of something alive and more akin a dying gasp. ¡°Arrived finally has an awakened.¡± Words left the skeleton¡¯s lipless mouth, a hoarse voice spoke out. ¡°Home enters the dark child.¡± ¡°W-Who are you!?¡± Kaine exclaimed, stepping away several more steps, only to find himself backed to a solid wall. Glancing back behind himself, the corridor was suddenly gone, leaving him with nothing more than a chilling breeze soaring through the room. ¡°Watcher I am, guard and await your arrival I was proclaimed to do.¡± Menuasa said, ¡°Long have I awaited this moment, long have we awaited this era to return.¡± ¡°Awaited? Who¡¯s we?¡± Kaine asked, slowly reaching for his swords as he did. ¡°We¡­¡± Menuasa gasped out, ¡°Are the darkness which unfolds upon the light of life and day. The darkness which stalks under the shadows and reflections of the moon. We are simply darkness. But if a name this child wishes, then a name I shall give. For we are what was once bellowed with might to be, The Revenants of Darkness.¡± Menuasa exclaimed with a horrid shout, their body creaking and dropping dust as it tried to lean in closer. Its empty eye-sockets still staring dead at Kaine. ¡°And we, have awaited our kind to return¡­For one such as yourself, to take on the burden of many millions of fallen brethren.¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°What¡­burden?¡± Kaine dared ask. As suddenly the skeleton stood up, hovering in mid air as tendrils of black held it up, the blue flames also burst out to intertwine with them. Forming long robes and a hood of the darkest black as dark blue flames burned coldly along the hood¡¯s maw, sleeves and bottom. More flames then burst alive along the walls, catching Kaine¡¯s eye, he noticed that the scenery depicted within had completely changed. ¡°For we who once summoned forth the darkest of gods upon this world, to befall the worst of endings onto our fated foes.¡± Menuasa continued on, taking a step towards Kaine. ¡°Your burden now, as a Drow, as a Dark Elf¡­As Dal Fae!¡± The skeleton spoke out now with new life in his voice, a resounding boom of power exiting with his words. Dark blue globes of flame filled the skeleton¡¯s eyes-sockets then, staring deep into Kaine¡¯s as it continued to speak. ¡°Dark Born, will you continue¡­The End?¡± Menuasa asked, ¡°Dark Born, will you revive the legions? Play the battle drums and sound the war horns!?¡± Coming to stand mere inches from Kaine¡¯s face, the skeleton now whispered eerily into his ears. ¡°Is Darkness, your path?¡± Menuasa asked. Kaine felt trapped, cornered by the immense pressure this being before him oozed, a horrid feeling of terror filling his gut at the mere sound of their words.
{Quest Log}
{Choose Your Path}
[Dark Origins] {Objective}: Are you, Jor Mungandr, a Legionnaire to the Revenants of Darkness?
The choice was laid before him, and the skeletal being backed away, falling silent it watched him keenly. As Kaine¡¯s wide eyes watched it back, anxiety filling him, still he dared look away from the dark creature and at the window hovering before him. The Revenants of Darkness¡­It¡­It really is Aether Rifts Online! He breathed out, that one thought filling him with relief as he now at least had something to go on. The legions¡­They were destroyed during the first game, completely defeated by the joint armies we as players were ¡®summoned¡¯ to assist. They lost so¡­This¡­is what remains? Kaine thought long and hard, glancing about the room and at the new depictions which filled it. One word encompassed the entirety of what lay around him now, spoken of by Menuasa himself, Kaine saw the apocalypse. Death and destruction, followed by the aftermath of decay and emptiness, the vivid sights of agonized screaming faces were enough to make Kaine¡¯s stomach roll about. As he forced himself to turn and face the skeleton once again. ¡°And what will happen¡­if I accept?¡± Kaine asked tentatively, to which the skeleton¡¯s eyes burned more fiercely. ¡°You will be tested through the Legionnaire¡¯s Onslaught.¡± Menuasa explained, ¡°If you pass, and only if. The very legions themselves will be displayed before your feet. All the collected power, resources, information and weapons of mass destruction we Revenants have collected through our time of exile after the great defeat¡­Will be at your immediate disposal.¡± The skeleton whispered out, seemingly trying to smile but failing. ¡°And with my guidance, we shall lay waste to what remains of this shattered and divided world. All who would stand in our way, will either bend the knee, or be devoured by the Darkfire!¡± Menuasa exclaimed proudly, ¡°And finally¡­Finally this world will be Dal Fae.¡± ¡°Dal¡­Fae?¡± Kaine repeated, knowing it was another name for his race but not the actual meaning. ¡°Dal Fae,¡± Menuasa repeated, ¡°Dark to the core.¡± The skeleton translated. Words which, alongside the manifestations of nightmares that painted the room¡¯s walls, made Kaine¡¯s gut wrench and bones feel cold. A villainous path? Kaine thought, as his hands clenched into fists. As he met the skeleton¡¯s gaze. Narrowing his eyes, Kaine opened his mouth to speak, breathing out his contained breath instead. For several long moments Kaine stood there, eyes wide and baffled, had the game really presented him with this? A Deus Ex Machina?...An easy way out¡­ He thought, his mouth closing back up as he still continued to just think. Yet, when Kaine then responded, he did so with utmost surety. ¡°No,¡± he said, having fallen for not the slightest bit of temptation, although even now his mind raced. ¡°I do not accept this path.¡± Kaine answered, pondering circles around himself within his mind, as to why this was even presented to him. ¡°As you wish, if your choice is made¡­¡± Menuasa sighed, as a blade of the darkest black then suddenly pierce out of his palm. ¡°Then all there is left, is for you to die.¡± The skeleton said, its eyes dimming back to pitch black as the robes dissipated from around its body. Menuasa stepped forth, blade rising high above before descending down upon Kaine. Immediately unsheathing his two swords, Kaine tried to deflect the attack. Feeling the blade meet his, he watched awestruck as it shattered through them like nothing, pushing him into the wall and sending dozens of metal shards raining onto his body.
{ [Life]: 3/22 }
Horror filled both his heart and mind as he watched the simple damage from blocking the attack touch his life bar, even then leaving him with barely any life points at all. In those brief moments, Kaine¡¯s heart sank into the deepest depths of despair, as Deathlord Menuasa raised his blade up once more. Not even given the time to think, as the blade began to descend down upon him. Kaine could only watch, hopeless where he lay, as death once more knocked at his door. As the sound of the dark edge cleaving through the air whispered closer. So did the sound of hissing suddenly fill the room. As a black-green mist exploded out of the walls, taking the form of hundreds of serpents, the mist encompassed the Deathlord before suddenly sending him flying into the other end. Forming and rising tall before Kaine, a familiar sight took shape before him. As the head of a massive serpent hissed out at the recuperating skeleton, a voice thundered through. ¡°Thisss child belongsss to me.¡± The demon proclaimed, as its emerald eyes flashed out blindingly bright. Meeting the skeleton¡¯s dark gaze as it rose. As suddenly its bones began to turn to stone. Starting from its eye-sockets, then moving onto the rest of its body, the skeleton was petrified where it stood. Remaining on the floor where he had fallen, Kaine stared up at the serpent head¡¯s form which hovered protectively over him. ¡°Why?¡± Kaine asked, as the mist deformed before retaking shape, the demon now facing him. Eyes flashing briefly before turning into a dim emerald hue, the demon chuckled coldly at his words. ¡°Becaussse, you are my only ticket out of thisss hell.¡± The demon mused, ¡°A deal onccce sssealed, isss a deal I keep. For my word, isss the only property, I own.¡± It said, as slowly its form dissipated out into nothingness. Leaving Kaine alone in a dark destroyed room with a petrified skeleton standing on the opposite wall. Glancing about, he noticed that the corridor he had come from had also reappeared.
{Quest Log}
Find your path
Hah¡­well way to be fucking cryptic about it! Ch 27 - Nidhogg Kaine stepped to the closed dark doors, as a winged serpentine figure rose before it. Eyes glowing a dangerous greenish hue, Nova stared straight at him and he knew something else possessed her at this moment. ¡°You know, of what darkness stands for now.¡± The demon spoke with his familiar¡¯s mouth, ¡°You choose not that path, you denied it. Now you remain with only two, so which shall you choose, boy?¡± Kaine took in a deep breath, glancing back down the dark corridor he had just walked, he saw the petrified form of the skeletal warrior he¡¯d left behind. ¡°I don¡¯t know that yet.¡± Kaine responded. ¡°Good, a cynical mind is just what I was looking for but be not indecisive Dark Child, life rarely ever gives time to choose when hell comes forth knocking.¡± The demon said, hissing as Nova approached, ¡°Still I wonder, which shall you choose?¡± It mused, slithering up his legs and settling around his neck. ¡°When everything burns, when your every choice is locked away, and all your hopes seem too far. When the moment seems utterly impossible to defeat. What will you do?¡± Meeting his eyes once more, ¡°Will you choose my hellfires of demonic supremacy.¡± It said as a blaze of green lit up within Nova¡¯s eyes. ¡°Or¡­something else?¡± ¡°I guess you¡¯ll just have to wait and see.¡± Kaine added, watching as Nova¡¯s eyes returned to normal, the familiar resting itself onto his shoulder. ¡°I guess I shall wait, watch and see.¡± As suddenly before him, the door crumbled, falling into a pile of dust. -
- Jedd stood leaning onto the stone wall, gazing into the darkness of the tunnel, the barely visible doors within looming over them. It had been only a few moments since Kaine and his familiar dissipated into them, and the tension around her had already fallen to becoming¡­tense. As Sin stood on the walkway¡¯s edge staring down into the sky below, Dark stood behind her, gazing over Jedd and her group. Neither side had anything to say to the other, neither one but Jedd whose curiosity pushed her off the wall. Walking up to the two, she faced them as Sin turned to the sound of her approach. ¡°What is Mangoest?¡± She asked straight up, meeting Dark¡¯s amused eyes as he smirked back. ¡°It¡¯s Dutch for Mongoose, what about it?¡± He asked, knowing full well it wasn¡¯t the answer she was looking for. ¡°Jor reacted to that word unlike anything I¡¯d seen from him before, why?¡± Jedd pressed on. To that Dark chuckled, ¡°Yeah, which only furthers my theory.¡± He said in amusement. Raising a questioning brow to his words, Jedd was growing annoyed with his attitude. ¡°I am also curious, as to what this theory of yours might be, care to share?¡± Sin then asked, leaning in onto Dark¡¯s back, making him obviously uncomfortable. ¡°Ah, fine.¡± Dark grumbled, seemingly bothered but not moving away from Sin at all as she smiled cheekily back at Jedd.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°Well, I guess it¡¯s less of a theory and more so a confirmation.¡± Dark then mused, gazing off into the dark tunnel. ¡°Three years ago, our guild died. Well, Kaine killed it if I were to be more¡­accurate about it. Ah, Jor is Kaine.¡± He quickly mentioned, before continuing on. ¡°He¡­After what happened, he¡¯d changed. The annoyingly positive, overly chummy and unavoidable co-leader we had known, was dead. Gone and buried beneath what came back to us.¡± Narrowing his eyes, a flash of anger went through Dark¡¯s eyes, ¡°He led like a tyrant. He did not ask, he demanded. He did not help, he commanded. He was one hell of a beast to deal with and fought just like one too.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Sin chimed in, ¡°One by one, the guild crumbled, everyone grew frustrated with him until what remained¡­until we all just decided to resign and leave him behind.¡± ¡°The guild scattered, everyone going into their own path, be it another guild or in Kaine¡¯s case, another game.¡± Dark continued, ¡°But not until he made a name for himself back in Aether Rifts Online. The solo player everyone bloody hated. Ruthless, almost savage in how he fought, but otherwise inescapable. But, suddenly he quit. He stopped playing Aether Rifts and we did not see him log into the game at all.¡± ¡°Right but¡­we had him friended over the system¡¯s list too, he still got on here and then.¡± Sin added. ¡°He was on invisible though, couldn¡¯t see what he was doing. I figured he¡¯d switched games and didn¡¯t want us to know, though begs the question why he didn¡¯t unfriend us.¡± Dark then said. ¡°He did unfriend all of us later on.¡± Sin argued. ¡°Yeah but still, it was strange. Although I didn¡¯t pay much attention to it, until Sting and Kendo brought something to my attention.¡± Dark sighed, turning to gaze off at the cavern as a whole. ¡°Those PVP-maniacs had also switched games, from Aether Rifts Online the MMORPG to a new game by the same developer, Aether Rifts; Tides of War, the MOBA. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard of it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s basically one of the top 5 E-sports games of this decade, yeah who hasn¡¯t?¡± Farvo mused, the rest of the crows gathering in now. ¡°What did they find?¡± Jedd urged as to not derail the topic. Chuckling at her curiosity, ¡°Mangoest.¡± He said simply at first whilst turning to face her. ¡°It¡¯s¡­It was, a team who partook in the Final Rift, ToW¡¯s pro league. And amongst the team¡¯s player roster, Kendo noticed a familiar name.¡± Understanding now what Dark was getting at, ¡°Kaine¡¯s¡± Jedd said. And Dark nodded, ¡°Not Jormungandr, his usual name. Just Jor, what he usually names his alt character. And even that quickly changed after the first few matches, I don¡¯t know why, but he changed his name to Nidhogg. And call me crazy but, both Kaine¡¯s and his sister¡¯s character names came from ancient earth¡¯s Nordic mythology. I did my research, Jormungandr the world eater, Nidhogg the incarnation of evil¡­Coincidence?¡± ¡°What confirmed this¡­then?¡± Jedd asked. Dark¡¯s eyes narrowed once more, ¡°Nidhogg, he played like an animal. I had only heard rumors and second-hand recounts but when I actually saw Nidhogg¡¯s playstyle in a game with the exact same combat system as Aether Rifts online¡­Kaine¡¯s tactics, but it wasn¡¯t Kaine¡¯s playstyle, not the Kaine I knew. Gah, how do I explain this?¡± Dark groaned, grinding his teeth as words failed him. Finding himself gazing at the dark tunnel, ¡°The movements, the way he attacked in an evasive fashion, increasingly growing quicker as time went on. That, that is Kaine but¡­Nidhogg didn¡¯t just grow quicker with each attack, he evaded less, he took the hit just to land his own. Nidhogg was brash and aggressive whilst Kaine is quick and evasive.¡± Taking a moment to sigh, Dark shook his head before glancing over the crows. ¡°What I saw on that screen wasn¡¯t Kaine, and who I saw fighting earlier in that field wasn¡¯t either, but both are one and the same. Kaine is gone, and what we¡¯re left with, is Nidhogg.¡± Dark said, ¡°But this one here is faltering, whilst the Nidhogg I saw gave no two fucks about what came at him¡­Jor is distracted, tense and I dare say afraid of¡­something.¡± Afraid? Jedd thought, as suddenly the sound of something crumbling behind them caught all of their attention, each turning to see a figure walk out of the suddenly dust-ridden tunnel. ¡°Well, that was interesting to say the least¡­¡± Kaine groaned as he appeared out of the shadows, glancing over each of them as they all awkwardly stared at him, for several long awkward moments. ¡°What?¡± He asked with a raised brow, ¡°Something on my face?¡± ¡°More like something¡¯s up with the entire thing.¡± Dark mused with a smirk, as both then glared at one another. ¡°Think we should¡­get some rest.¡± Jedd offered, glancing over at Luna who lay waiting by the tunnel entrance. As she did the wolf rose, ¡°Accommodations can be provided, but the Great Watcher would be greatly insulted if we do not announce your presence first¡­¡± Luna warned. ¡°Then I guess we¡¯re off to meet this Great Watcher first.¡± Roy added, moving to stand in between Kaine and Dark, ¡°Shall we?¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Dark grumbled. ¡°Sure.¡± Kaine said. Ch 28 - The Great Horned Watcher As Kaine walked with them all, the Crows talked as if nothing had occurred, but within Kaine¡¯s mind memories crawled out from deep down. They might have thought he hadn¡¯t heard them, but Kaine¡¯s hearing was far keener than that. Having only caught the last bits of their conversation, still he knew what DarkHour had brought up. Nidhogg¡­ He thought, his hands clenching in annoyance at the very memory. His eyes widening as he remembered the feeling. Tension mixed in with a strangling pressure. Remembering himself stalking the shadows of that game, unseen by the enemy, yet millions watched him and he knew it. Knowing that the smallest mistake, the mildest fuck up he caused would rebound back at him several times over from each and every direction even after the match had long ended. A pressure that, strangely enough, Kaine back then enjoyed. As he remembered himself drunk from it, drowning in the feeling of importance, as he watched his team fight. Appearing out of nowhere himself and crashing into the enemy like a maddened tiger, rabid and savage, attacks he would¡¯ve usually evaded Kaine would take as he dealt his own counter attacks in unison. He remembered himself, completely lost in the moment of pumping adrenaline. He remembered himself, high on the rush it created inside him. High on the feeling that drowned out everything else but itself. ¡°Jor?¡± When suddenly Rey¡¯s voice snapped him out and brought him back down from the clouds. Worried eyes staring right at him, she had stopped by him as the rest walked on ahead. ¡°You alright? Did you see something back in the-¡± She was about to ask, but Kaine continued walking onwards as well. ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡± He said, pinching himself and refocusing on what lay before him. Gazing up at the cavern. Those were different days, a different place, another me. He thought, pushing it all back down deep below, Kaine restrained himself from sighing. Pushing the memories out of his mind, his eyes narrowed upon Dark and Sin. Briefly, guilt filled him, but he swatted that feeling away as well. Continuing to silently follow Luna along with the rest as Roy, Jedd, Larakrell and Farvo chatted away, Dark and Sin studied their surroundings, and Rey watched him closely. Kaine though spent the entire walk warding away memories, pushing the guilt and anger those memories resurfaced, out of his mind. As Luna led them lower and lower down the cavern¡¯s sides, Kaine and the rest stopped walking when they reached the bottom. Gazing at the opening in the stone that now lay before them, and the nest of branches and bones that lay within. They each stared at the mass of feathers inside the nest, as its three sets of gigantic wings unfolded open, far larger than any of the flock¡¯s as was the rest of its body. ¡°And what, might I ask, does this pup bring before me?¡± A grizzled voice asked, as the massive creature turned to them. Three long necks coming to three owl-heads, each with their own set of differently coloured eyes and horn shapes. The Great Watcher¡¯s eyes glanced over them as they stared up at it.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
{Titan} {The Great Horned Watcher} Trio [Level 34]
Trio¡¯s eyes narrowed as they gazed at Kaine, ¡°Ah, so the Dark Ones have indeed returned.¡± It mused, using its massive winged arms to fully turn its body towards them. ¡°Yet the Delve has not awakened, might I question as to why this is?¡± It asked, pointing its question directly at Kaine as it moved forth to loom over him. Holding his ground before this goliath of a bird, ¡°I said no to the legion.¡± Kaine announced, not one bit afraid of the beast. "Oh? The old masters must be dissappointed, long have they awaited their time of awakening!" Trio exclaimed in amusement, "But my problem that is not, for as long as the Delve retains its harmony is as long as they remain dissappointed." it emphesized, glaring over at Luna. "The Great Horned one is upset? The pack did not mean to bring danger or go against you..." Luna whined in apology. "Upset? No. But a prior warning would''ve been warranted." Trio sighed with one head, "The Dark One''s business is none of my own, but the tranquilty of our home would be disturbed greatly by their awakening." "Apologies Great One, but our hunting party encountered a group of Leaf Ears chasing this Dark One and their pack." Luna explained. "Ah, yes retreat would have been imperative then. Alfs, kill one and the entire lot appear." Trio mused, glancing at Rey and Roy, "Never would I have imagined two to journey alongside a Dark One though." Clearing her throat then, Jedd stepped into the conversation. "None of us are from the Elven city, we have instead journeyed far to reach it but..." "That plan might change." Roy cringed. ¡°No, it won¡¯t.¡± Kaine then added, the both of them turning to him. ¡°No? After those douchebags went at us out there?¡± Jedd argued. ¡°We have a quest to speak with someone there, and after all I doubt I¡¯m the only Dark Elf amongst us at this point.¡± Kaine mused, remembering how simple the requirements for his transformation were. Or were they? I don¡¯t really know, still have to figure a way to test that out¡­ He thought with a sigh, ¡°The Elves cannot capture and execute each and all of them, not without the rest of their people finding out and damn sure not without the rest of us knowing. Whether they like it or not, things are about to change in their society.¡± Kaine explained, ¡°Either way, nobody tells me where I can and can¡¯t go.¡± He grumbled out the last part. ¡°Ah¡­Hahah~¡± Causing Jedd to break out laughing, catching herself as she remembered what they stood before. ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you a stubborn one, Dark One.¡± Trio mused as all of its heads focused upon him, ¡°Interesting, a very interesting specimen you are. Even that being tied to your soul¡­¡± It said as Nova peaked out from behind his head, ¡°I will admit, your very presence here is a danger in of itself. The Alfs finding their way down here would mean the downfall of the Delve as a whole¡­but-¡± Opening its wings wide, Trio chuckled, ¡°I like you Dark One, I look forward to seeing how you grow!¡± It exclaimed enthusiastically, ¡°Pup.¡± It then said, turning to Luna. ¡°Y-Yes?¡± Luna answered. ¡°Tell your father to treat our guests well.¡± Trio told her, ¡°The Flock approves of your stay, adventurers, although I shall warn you to be wary of your step. There lay paths down here that take to places not even we dare tread. Go not where the pack doesn¡¯t take you, unless of course you seek the danger? Who knows? I expect a good view from here, Dark One, one who denied the very darkness yet stands unafraid of the Coven!¡± It exclaimed with great amusement. ¡°And I¡¯ll hope to disappoint you as well there then.¡± Kaine grumbled, not looking forward to whatever this beast regarded as entertaining. ¡°Buahahah!¡± Trio laughed at his words, a three-voiced bellow that shook the ground they stood upon, ¡°Truly you catch my intrigue! Well, if you ever wish to seek some¡­fun. I would personally suggest one of the other entrances to the Dark Legion¡¯s little dungeon. Have a hack at their minions once, maybe twice? Not even I know what you might stumble into within!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll¡­come back to you on that.¡± Kaine answered sheepishly, remembering the sheer strength that skeleton had pummeled into him. Fuck if I¡¯m fighting another level 71 mob! Kaine thought, paling at the memory. Seeing this, Trio laughed further, ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry, that foul minded Menuasa will be stuck in that new shell of his for a while longer. His minions I¡¯m sure are nowhere near his capabilities, most are too mindless to be. Although I won¡¯t say that I know what lays beyond them, my watchers have only dared scout the first few rooms.¡± ¡°How¡­¡± Kaine was about to ask when Trio¡¯s eyes narrowed upon him. ¡°Oh my boy, I know of everything that happens around my fellow neighbors.¡± Trio mused with a chuckle, ¡°Let¡¯s just say I like to keep an¡­eye, on him just as well.¡± It said as the left head¡¯s eyes flashed a brief blue glow. ¡°But you all seem so weary, please, take time to rest. There is no fun in watching a short struggle.¡± ¡°Right¡­¡± Sin mumbled out, each of them leaning away as the creature loomed closer. ¡°Pup, show our guests to your finest cave.¡± Trio ordered the wolf, ¡°I am sure that we shall speak again very soon, adventurers.¡± It then told them, turning to give them its back once more. ¡°A-As you wish, Great Horned One.¡± Luna mused, pulling lightly on Jedd¡¯s pants with her mouth, ¡°This way.¡± She said, and everyone turned to follow. Kaine paused briefly though to glance back at the nest. ¡°Rest well, you especially, Dark One.¡± Trio said as he did, peering at Kaine with one eye before closing them all. Narrowing his eyes at the creature, Kaine took a deep breath before turning away to follow the rest. Luna now leading them back up the Delve. Ch 29 - A Puzzle to solve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nDiPVoPN8E
The personification of a crowd surrounding the battlefield cheered, a roaring bellow of excitement as two teams faced one another. Rising behind them was one team¡¯s main base, a construct of blue crystal and metal mechanisms, defended by a group of five warriors. Rising tall as they awaited together, knights, mages, archers and rogues amongst them. As approaching them was the enemy team, rushing through a path of destruction they previously left, there were only four visible at first. The blue team¡¯s mages stepped forth to cast their magic, their fighters charging ahead also to meet the red team¡¯s advance in kind. Five on four, the numbers were clearly on the blue team¡¯s side, as the clash began. Fire and ice filled the area as the mages encompassed it with their power, whilst in between the fighters met, blade and hammer, shield and knuckles, weapons met amidst the rage of magic. But the red team was being pushed back, outnumbered as the enemy team¡¯s rogue suddenly appeared behind their sole mage. The red mage turning to meet the rogue¡¯s lunge, smiled widely at the cloaked figure as he deflected the ambush well enough to survive. As the blue rogue then realized his mistake. As a shadow soared above them all, and the crowd cheered louder. The ground quaking as he landed before the two blue mages and sole ranger. A dark rogue class¡¯s cloak with linings of blood red, but unlike the blue rogue no daggers or knives were in sight upon his person. As this red rogue slashed forth his sole weapon, grinning widely as he did, the massive weapon slashed right through the two mages sending them soaring backward. The blue ranger though evaded the attack, leaping back she fired several arrows down upon the assailant. Landing none, as this red rogue deflected all with his wide blade. Holding it before himself like a shield, and with a single hand, the weapon was larger than even his character¡¯s body. An unorthodox mixture of class and weapon style, but for this player, it worked. For this player thrived.
{Hybrid/Rogue} Nidhogg {MG} {Level 17}
¡°Let¡¯s get the show started then shall we?!¡± Nidhogg exclaimed enthusiastically, a wicked smirk plastering his face as he suddenly rushed forth, a single step and his form burst into shadow. Reappearing suddenly before the two injured mages, as one summoned forth a wall of stone to stop him. Stop him it did not, as this Nidhogg smashed right into the wall, bursting back into shadow and disappearing once more. ¡°A fake!¡± The blue ranger warned, but it was too late. As the massive blade pierced into one blue mage¡¯s back and through their entire body, cleaving them in half. The second mage turned to face the killer, summoning upon him a blaze of red-hot fire. The ranger in turn took aim, charging up his class¡¯s snipe ability, he expected the assailant to evade and charge at him instead.Stolen story; please report. Yet, Nidhogg at first stood his ground, as the flames engulfed him. The ranger lost sight of him, all but a puff of black smoke being the last thing he saw. The mage on the other hand, the last thing he saw was a blade and its maniac wielder appearing out of the blaze his staff spewed and charging straight at him. A magical barrier of black smoke surrounded Nidhogg as he charged forwards, deflecting some of the flames, still the spell damaged him severely. Even as he stopped before the caster, his weapon cleaving the man into two, Nidhogg¡¯s body was badly burned. But Nidhogg did not care, two kills at the cost of some damage, to him it was all worth. As he turned to face the ranger who upon seeing the blaze dissipate, fired his charged-up skill. ¡°Hah, always the show-off.¡± Mused a voice, as a large goliath of a red knight suddenly stepped into the ranger¡¯s line of fire, heaving forth a great shield, the knight blocked the blue ranger¡¯s attack. Ignoring his ally¡¯s comment, Nidhogg took the opportunity, leaping onto his massive back and then off again. He rose into the air, weapon held high, as the ranger was distracted by the sight of his entire team lying dead nearby. ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± Nidhogg said, descending upon the blue ranger, his weapon bashing down upon him with great force. Pummelling the player into the ground, still he somehow survived with some health remaining, immediately pulling himself up and dashing out of melee range, he turned tail to return to his team¡¯s spawn point. The blue ranger ran, as fast as he could and being the fastest class he was sure they couldn¡¯t catch up with him. That is until, a massive sword landed into his path, piercing into the ground and embedding itself there, the ranger had no choice but to slow down and deviate to the side. That¡¯s when he felt it, he felt a hand grasping the back of his head as wisps of shadow flew out from behind himself. Feeling the hand push him down, the ranger was bashed face first into the ground. Struggling, he reached for his short sword and pushed away his assailant, turning over to take a stab at them. He found nobody, nothing standing over him but wisps of black smoke. As the sound of earth shifting sounded off from nearby, he knew he was done for. Turning to follow the sound, he saw then as Nidhogg charged at him, his massive weapon retrieved. Rising to his feet, the ranger called upon his own magic, sending forth several vines to rise from the ground and grab at the charging beast of a player. Seeing this Nidhogg slowed down his charge, coming to a jogging stop as he raised his massive sword backward, taking aim as the vines entangled first around his feet. The ranger¡¯s eyes opened wide, turning to evade the attack as the blade soared towards him. Side-stepping the massive weapon by the smallest inch, still it caught him slightly on his left arm. Hearing then the sound of his magic dispelling, the blue ranger turned to face Nidhogg once more. Finding him now standing before himself, fist clenched and grin wickedly wide, shadows engulfed Nidhogg¡¯s entire arm as he burst into shadows. Appearing at first several feet away, before returning to shadow and reappearing before the blue ranger once again. His fist smashing into the blue player¡¯s face, Nidhogg chuckled as he threw them tumbling back and crashing into their own core structure. ¡°I said,¡± Nidhogg mused as his team came to stand behind him, the large knight handing him back his massive weapon as they all stood now before the dead ranger, and their victory objective. Nidhogg raised his weapon high, as shadows engulfed its wide edge. ¡°Game over.¡± ¡­ The dream then warped and changed, as several scenes rushed by. The sound of the crowd cheering, suddenly changed to a unified gasp of surprise, to then utter silence. His view, Kaine¡¯s view, warped from the objective laying before him. To it laying across the entire map from him. With nothing defending it. With the rest of his and the entire enemy teams laying wiped out. He stood alone, with an easy path ahead to victory. Kaine though did not step forward. Instead, Nidhogg raised his weapon forth before himself. ¡°I resign.¡± He said, dropping his weapon to the ground then. To this the silence changed once more, to a consistent bellow of booing. As any and every insult imaginable was thrown at him from the crowd, as his own team¡¯s voices shouted into his ears, just as confused and frustrated. Kaine though did not respond, he couldn¡¯t respond. As the dream ended there. Opening his eyes, Kaine took a deep breath, his body relaxing from the nightmare. Glancing around, he found himself laying on a pelt of fur in the corner of a dimly lit cave. Sighing in relief as he saw his companions asleep nearby, he stood up from where he lay. Stretching out his body, then retrieving his weapons, Kaine once more took a long deep breath. Glancing over their sleeping faces again, Kaine did not ponder over waking them up. Instead he turned for the exit, walking out of the cave alone, Kaine left. But unknown to him was that not all of them were asleep. As Rey¡¯s eyes peaked open once he had left, turning over and away from kicking her brother¡¯s face with her foot, she rose into sitting. Gazing off at the cave¡¯s exit. Eyes narrowing with curiosity and worry, she suddenly slapped both cheeks with both palms, nodding to herself Rey had made up her mind. I¡¯m putting the puzzle that is Jor together, piece by piece, I¡¯ll figure this weirdo out! Ch 30 - Level 10 ¡°So, this is it?¡± Kaine asked the wolf as he followed it up to one cave entrance, hidden away in a dark corner of the highest path within the Delve. ¡°One of them, there lay some more, but this should be the safest.¡± The wolf answered, beginning to turn away, ¡°Good luck, Dark One.¡± It said as it left. ¡°Yeah, I won¡¯t be needing that.¡± Kaine mused, gripping his two short-swords he then stepped into the cave. Darkness engulfing him as he did, still he saw clearly through it for several meters ahead. Finding a long tunnel of natural stone before him. ¡°Tell me, demon, is your mistress always watching?¡± Kaine asked. ¡°Yes, mistress never takes her eyes off you, master.¡± Nova replied, ¡°Why do you ask?¡± ¡°Because, I wanna make something very clear.¡± Kaine began to explain, as he also began walking down the tunnel. ¡°That it¡¯ll know, when I need help.¡± ¡°Oh? Will I now?¡± A familiar voice then mused out from Nova¡¯s mouth. ¡°You¡¯ll know, when I can¡¯t go on anymore.¡± Kaine said. ¡°And what if you cannot?¡± The greater demon chuckled as it asked, as Kaine found the end of the tunnel. Walking through a destroyed set of stone doors, he found himself standing within a large hall of stone bricks with large black pillars rising all ahead of him, barely able to see the end of it¡­He saw another set of the same stone doors standing closed there. Kaine stepped in further, ¡°If I cannot¡­¡± He repeated, grimacing all the while. As all around him parts of the floor shifted, opening up and releasing out skeletal undead. All the same, wearing no armour other than the long black swords they wielded, Kaine counted dozens rising out of the floor around him.
{Minion} {Revenants of Darkness} Skeletal Undead [Level 11]
Their levels varied from 9 to 10 and 11, but all had the same exact equipment, with the make-up of their bodies being the only visible differentiation otherwise. As some skeletons stood whole, while others were damaged here and there, some even missing important limbs that slowed them down or forced them to wield their weapon single handed. ¡°Hah¡­If I cannot, I¡¯ll tell you when I cannot.¡± Kaine answered, unsheathing both of his weapons then. ¡°So stay the fuck out of this.¡± He warned it. ¡°Oh? Oh oh ohoho?¡± The demon mused with another chuckle, ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll simply watch.¡± It then said, as Nova soared off his shoulders and disappeared into the darkness of the hall¡¯s ceiling. ¡°Maybe if you shut your trap too, that¡¯d be helpful.¡± Kaine then added, as he glanced at the slow moving horde of enemies moving to surround him. ¡°Keke, now that is unnegotiable.¡± The demon replied, ¡°Let us see then, when you cannot go on anymore.¡± ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s see.¡± Kaine said with finality, as he then suddenly chanted, ¡°The very sound of me chills you to the bone!¡± He exclaimed, feeling his mana bursting outwards with his voice. Nothing, not a visible change in the skeletons¡¯ movements could be seen in reaction to his spell, telling Kaine exactly what he¡¯d already figured. As he bit his lip in annoyance, he knew, his magic would be ineffective here. Then suddenly several of the skeletons hissed, rushing up to him in rabid anger, the undead minions began their attack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y88LVU7MAe4
Blocking and deflecting the first lunges of their black weapons, Kaine followed up with his own counter attack. Kicking aside one, he turned to the other two, immediately turning his weapon and disarming another before befalling the third with a double swipe.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
You killed {Minion} {Revenants of Darkness} Skeletal Undead [Level 11] Martial Experience gained 345/600
Side stepping then the fourth and rolling out of the way of the fifth, Kaine rose to meet two more, deflecting their weapons with his own before suddenly pushing in. Slashing aside his weapons, Kaine entered a frenzy, slicing and dicing as he moved through the skeletons ahead of him. With each step his weapons hit, with each move he made something broke. Hit after hit, Kaine controlled his speed, holding it back as to have openings where to evade when he needed to. As he moved, as he danced amongst the undead, not one skeleton stood a chance before his speed, rhythm and mastery of this world¡¯s movement. Not a single skeleton, but far more than one lay around him now. Pushing him to his limits, as the monsters surrounded him, groups of them enclosing on him all at once. Kaine barely had the space of time to breath, as each consecutive clash was almost immediately followed up by another. As with each kill he gained another skeletal body rushed in to take its place. Sweat flew off of Kaine¡¯s body as he moved, back and forth without pause, his entire body was in constant motion as he attacked, defended, evaded and repositioned with purpose. Until, suddenly he paused. Finding himself standing alone, with several dozen broken skeletal bodies laying motionless all around him. Kaine then took a deep worn out breath. As Nova hissed in amusement from the ceiling, ¡°Well done master, not a single survivor, not a single hit taken.¡± The serpent mused. ¡°Or, well¡­¡± ¡°Not quite.¡± The demon then said in Nova¡¯s place, as a streak of blood flowed down his left arm. Shaking off the minor injury, Kaine sheathed his weapons.
Level up! Martial Level 7 reached! +1 to all Martial stats. 3 Neutral Martial Points available for distribution!
Total level 10 milestone reached! Guild creation is now available through the {Guild} menu! First {Racial} passive upgrade now available through the {Skills Scroll} window!
As the winged serpent flowed down and back onto his shoulders and neck, licking off some of the blood, ¡°You are strong, I never undermined that, Dark Child. But, deep below this, lies something stronger. Do not hide it from me, you cannot hide it from me.¡± ¡°Hah¡­You noticed?¡± Kaine chuckled with melancholy, opening his skills menu to check out this new ¡®upgrade¡¯.
{Skills Scroll}
Note; Specialization will be locked until the next milestone, where you will receive both an upgrade and the ability to change paths.
¡°Why hold it back?¡± The demon asked, rising to block his view from the window, it stared straight into his eyes. ¡°So much potential, held captive behind a breaking point. You deny your kind, you deny me, you even deny your¡­self. Tell me Dark Child, if you truly desire power, tell me why? Why is it that you desire power for?¡± As suddenly Kaine gripped the demonic serpent and pulled it off from around his neck, throwing it to the side, Nova opened her wings up and glided down to safety. ¡°Do you ever, after you get going, shut the fuck up?¡± Kaine spat back, turning away from the familiar, he continued on towards the closed set of stone doors. ¡°Where is master going?¡± Nova then asked, returning to herself. ¡°To find more shit to kill.¡± Kaine answered simply, as he focused on each of his choices, activating the [Inspect] skill and gaining himself further information on each.
{Darkness} Lord of the Dark, you see all, and they see naught. Mastery over the control of negative energies. The capability of wide range magical prowess alongside vile and disruptive curses. Behold the primal strength of Darkness.
{Shadow} Adopted to the path of shadow, you are as silent as death and unseen as beneath a veil of darkness. Nothing escapes your grasp, nothing hides from your sight. Become the Shadow as your enemies can only guess at your position, as each attack sent your way is a mere possibility of landing.
{Demonic} Destructive forces course through your veins as you make your very body your weapon. Unstoppable before the physical, no wall or shield shall withstand your monstrous blows. With the ability to imbue the Demonic into materials and objects, its power upon you is also two-fold the effect.
{Undeath} ???
The last choice is a huge no no, but as for the other three¡­Well, for now I guess I just have to pick¡­that. Ch 31 - Communities Sitting upon the make-shift carriage, Howard looked onwards at the beasts of burden pulling his and many others ahead.
Jade Ela¡¯dree¡¯s {Tamed} Dawn [Level 14]
Goldebeests, pulling half a dozen carriages made of worked wood and metal through the dry savannah grass, as about a hundred adventurers either rid them or walked with the convoy. ¡°How much further?¡± Howard asked the Elf at the head of his carriage. ¡°Bah, a little bit more, how many more times you gonna ask?¡± Jade snapped back at him, weary of his persistent musings. Sighing at her tone and personality, Howard turned to glance back at what followed the convoy. Larger than any of the carriages, another followed suit with six Goldebeests pulling it as it held a large monster of a corpse upon itself. Armoured with thick plates of almost metal-like hide, the monster had been a danger looming over their heads for a while now, and finally they had been mobilized to take it down. ¡°How many more of these will we have to take care of, is my question.¡± Mused Sting as he walked by Jade¡¯s carriage, ¡°That¡¯s the fourth already.¡± ¡°Who knows, they give good materials though, can¡¯t say I mind.¡± Chuckled Kendo coldly as he caught up with them. Just then one of the other adventurers turned to them, ¡°A hundred of us were sent to fight these¡­things¡­Each time, we lost more than 10 people!¡± the mage exclaimed. ¡°And each time we lose less and less, hell we only lost 12 this ti-¡± Kendo began to say as Sting suddenly elbowed him in the side. ¡°Do you have any sense of sensibility?¡± Sting whispered back as both he and Howard looked at the mage apologetically, who only groaned before turning away and continuing off. Kendo glanced at the both of them, shrugging, ¡°What¡¯d I do?¡± he asked. ¡°More like what you said¡­¡± Sting groaned, holding his own face as he did. Again, Howard sighed, then glancing back at the corpse he inspected it as Sting and Kendo bickered.
{Deceased} {Elite} Wicked of Blood [Level 25]
Still, these things don¡¯t look like something you¡¯d find around here. Howard thought, then looking back at himself, at his hands as his shield made of the creature¡¯s parts lay before himself. Howard gazed into his hands, one bare and the other surrounded by a gauntlet of similar make. Looking away then from himself, he turned to Kendo and Sting, who as usual after finishing with their bickering the two brothers now moved on to joking about. Looking only a little alike, with Sting being the older brother, they had done their best to make their characters look different. As Sting was a Human with short-cut ginger hair and blue eyes, Kendo was an Elf with long dark brown hair and greenish-brown eyes. Having known both for a very long time, now as he looked at their status, something just looked off.
Sting {-AOD-} {The Stylish} [Level 19]
Kendo {-AOD-} {The Savage} [Level 20]
Angels of Death¡­Hah¡­Right.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Realising what looked strange was the guild tag their status held, and then smiling with melancholy when he glanced at his own.
[21] Howard Clawfort - [M]Level:11 - [A]Level:5 - [C]Level:5 { [Life]: 67/67 } { [Breath]: 387/387 } { [Arcana]: 80/80 } {-SURGE-} {The Resilient}
¡°You know, it¡¯s been a long time but, maybe¡­¡± Howard dragged on as Sting and Kendo then paused their joking around to turn to him. ¡°Maybe what?¡± Sting asked. ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s up brotha?¡± Kendo added. ¡°Maybe we should revive the guild.¡± Howard tentatively mused, and the three of them briefly went silent. ¡°Ya know, I¡¯m here too¡­¡± Jade then said with a cough.
Jade Ela¡¯dree {-SURGE-} {The Unseen} [Level 16]
¡°Hahah¡­right, sorry.¡± Howard said after clearing his throat. Retrieving his shield he then hopped off the carriage to walk by the two brothers. ¡°Are you for real?¡± Kendo asked with wide eyes. Howard nodded, ¡°I know it¡¯s been a while, but we cannot deny that sticking together is the best way to survive this shitfest.¡± ¡°True, whilst divided we can span our capabilities throughout the entire community, together we¡¯re quite the tough egg to crack.¡± Sting mused. ¡°The current guilds are doing fine¡­but you saw how it is out there.¡± Howard then began as he gestured at the large monstrous corpse, ¡°The monsters we¡¯re already facing are brutal. Hundreds have died already for us all to just¡­get where we are, to the state that we are.¡± Returning to them then with stoic eyes. ¡°What do you two think?¡± ¡°Well¡­I¡¯ll be the one to say it I guess.¡± Kendo groaned, ¡°The guilds here are holding us back man, yeah there I said it! They¡¯re too scared and too cautious. Worse even are the non-combatants, those fuckers who¡¯re too terrified to step foot outside the camp.¡± Sting sighed, ¡°Not to mention¡­can we even do this?...Without them?¡± he asked, his gaze rising to meet Howard¡¯s. ¡°Without Hel?¡± Howard mused. ¡°Without Hel, and Jor.¡± Sting added, the both of them grimacing at the last name. ¡°We¡¯d also have to get that moron of a woman Beatrice and the master of stubbornness Dhorn, in on this.¡± Kendo groaned, ¡°Oh, and the lovebirds, where the fuck did Sin and Dark go?¡± ¡°No bloody clue.¡± Sting replied, glad of the change of subject. ¡°They both left in the direction that woman with the bear headed a few hours after we all gathered to move the opposite way.¡± Howard explained, ¡°But if it¡¯s just us three, with Beatrice and Dhorn, I think we¡¯re good to go.¡± ¡°That makes five, maybe fit in¡­just one more?¡± Sting then mused with a smirk. ¡°Oh, and who might that be?¡± Kendo said jokingly, elbowing him once again. ¡°Oi oi, he¡¯s just a friend!¡± Sting said with a chuckle. ¡°Uhuh, big bro here thinks he can hide shit from lil bro.¡± Kendo mused dramatically, ¡°Can you believe this shit?¡± Howard cleared his throat, ¡°Anyway, yeah pass him by me and we can talk about it.¡± He told Sting who nodded back, ¡°First though¡­Who should we start with?¡± he asked as the land before them suddenly turned into a descent. Coming to a brief stop whilst the convoy moved onwards, Howard gazed at the valley before them. A river flowed through the crater-like terrain as all around it, having been rising higher and vaster with each passing day, was a town. A town Howard had called home for the past three days it had been up, as previously it lay as only a meager camp, now they could properly call it as such. ¡°Still I have to say, whether we leave or stay¡­¡± Sting mused as he also gazed off at the buildings made of stone and wood, a make-shift wall of spiked tree trunks, gravel roads and even looming Gaizedons spread out through the town powering key craftsmanship areas with heat. ¡°This place is something.¡± Howard couldn¡¯t agree more, as he watched thousands of players roam the streets below, using tamed Goldebeests as transportation and beasts of burden, outside the walls packs of tamed Gryphahs also guarded the town¡¯s outskirts alongside their masters. ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll come by here again, someday.¡± Howard added. ¡°Mhm, good ole¡¯ Camp Town,¡± Kendo then said as he watched a building suddenly collapse out of nowhere as at the same time, somewhere and somehow, an explosion of multicolored smoke occurred. ¡°Yeah no, can¡¯t say I¡¯ll miss this shit hole.¡± ¡°Yeap.¡± Sting agreed. ¡°Nope.¡± Howard agreed. Ch 32 - The Support The sound of a hammer striking anvil filled their ears as the three approached the Gaizedon powered blacksmith, stepping inside then, Howard was met with the store manager sitting at a desk to his left. ¡°How might we help you Clawfort?¡± Asked the large Orc. ¡°Ah, Connor, I¡¯m looking for that anvil head, Dhorn. Is he in?¡± Howard asked. ¡°When is he ever out?¡± Connor joked before stepping around his desk, the Orc walked over to the other side of the weapon-filled store, peaking his head through a doorway¡¯s curtain before shouting. ¡°Oi Dhorn! Ya got visitors ya bastard!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be right with ye!¡± A high-pitched male voice shouted back from within, causing Kendo to chuckle. ¡°Oh, Oh I missed this.¡± Kendo mused, gaining himself an elbow from both Howard and Sting. ¡°Dhorn! It¡¯s us!¡± Sting then exclaimed, and the sound of hammering paused. ¡°Sting eh? Your twat of a brother with ye too!?¡± Dhorn shouted back as heavy footsteps began approaching them from where Connor stood out of the way. ¡°Oh no.¡± Kendo then mused out loud, his eyes widening as if remembering something. ¡°What¡­did you do now?¡± Sting asked, groaning as he held his face. ¡°I¡­kinda sorta maybe somewhat¡­borrowed his hammer.¡± Kendo admitted with a guilty smile. ¡°You¡­did what?¡± Howard repeated in surprise, just as a dwarven form pulled the curtain out of his way.
Dhorn {-INGOT-} {The Ruthless} [Level 24]
Thin for a dwarf, Dhorn had a wide bushy grey beard and hair with burnt endings, ember eyes and currently maniacal eyes. As he suddenly entered a dash, grasping the closest weapons with both hands, Dhorn charged right at them. ¡°You little fucking shit head!¡± Dhorn exclaimed in anger, to which Kendo quickly turned tail and rushed out of the store. Howard and Sting only watched in confusion as the both of them ran out, following after them briefly after, they came upon the sight of Dhorn smashing his hammer and sword into Kendo¡¯s evading form. As Kendo side-stepped each and every attack, Dhorn was red-faced as he uselessly continued to wildly swing. ¡°You fucking moronic son of a bitch! Why? Why my best hammer? Why¡¯d you have to go and take that eh?! WHY¡¯D YOU HAVE TO GO AND FUCKING LOSE IT TOO!?¡± Dhorn shouted in fury, tripping over then as Kendo couldn¡¯t help himself from chuckling at his voice, Dhorn immediately stood back up and continued swinging helplessly. When suddenly Howard appeared in his way, blocking the sword with his shield and grasping Dhorn¡¯s hammer arm with his gauntlet, he held the Dwarf still where he stood. ¡°Oi Oi, Dhorny boy come on, I¡¯m sure Kendo didn¡¯t mean to lose it!¡± ¡°Fuck him, fuck you, fuck what he meant or didn¡¯t mean to do! Actually, just fuck the lot of you!¡± Dhorn spat back. ¡°Hey hey, what¡¯d I do?¡± Howard asked, feeling insulted. ¡°Fuck you that¡¯s what!¡± Dhorn instantly replied. ¡°The fuck? Fuck you man, I didn¡¯t do anything to you!¡± Howard answered in kind. ¡°Fuck what? Fuck you right back! The fuck you even fucking doing here you fuck!?¡± Dhorn then exclaimed, pulling away from Howard and lowering his weapons. ¡°Sorry but, Fuck, was the only word I understood in that entire sentence¡­¡± Kendo then mused from over Howard¡¯s shoulder. Dhorn then suddenly threw his hammer, forcing Howard to block with his shield as Kendo ducked down behind him. ¡°Fuck outta here you fucking thief!¡± Dhorn burst out.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ¡°Hey you fuck, you almost hit me!¡± Howard then exclaimed, also rising in anger. ¡°Yeah you almost hit him!¡± Kendo mused, ¡°Go at him Howard! Show that mean, child voiced, dwarf who¡¯s boss!¡± then whispering out with great amusement. ¡°What the fuck you say to me you little shit!?¡± Dhorn asked, taking a furious step forward. ¡°Ookkkaayyyy!¡± Sting then voiced out, coming to stand in between them with arms stretched out. ¡°Let¡¯s¡­all calm down!¡± ¡°You fucking calm down!¡± Dhorn shouted back, waving his sword about. ¡°Okay seriously, chill.¡± Howard then groaned, tentatively lowering his shield. ¡°Kendo, can you find his damn hammer?¡± ¡°Uhh, about that.¡± Kendo then whispered out from behind him, as a large iron-almost golden hammer appeared in his hands. ¡°I kinda sorta maybe never actually lost it?...¡± ¡°You¡­Why¡­¡± Howard just sighed, ¡°Just¡­give it.¡± He said, snatching the tool out of Kendo¡¯s hands and turning back to Dhorn. ¡°Here,¡± He said, tossing the hammer over. Dhorn dropped everything to catch it, holding it to his chest like an adored baby, ¡°How-Wha-Holy fuck¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, so, care to listen to why we¡¯re here?¡± Sting then asked. ¡°Nope, fuck off.¡± Dhorn then said, turning about, he began walking back into the weapon shop. And as Sting watched on stumped, Howard stepped forth. ¡°We¡¯re reviving the guild.¡± He said, and Dhorn paused in his tracks. ¡°You¡¯ve gotta be shitting me.¡± Dhorn mused out, chuckling melancholically as he glanced back at Howard, ¡°After everything we¡¯ve been through? You want us to just¡­get back together?¡± ¡°Woah I didn¡¯t know you guys were like tha-¡± Kendo began to joke about, but was cut off as Howard elbowed him in the gut. ¡°No, how I see it is, we should at least try after everything we¡¯ve all been through together. More so now, that our very lives are at stake.¡± Howard responded as Kendo lay groaning on the floor, clutching his chest. Again Dhorn laughed, ¡°And who¡¯ll be the oh so great leader this time? You? No offence mate but, you¡¯ve always been second best at everything. Now I don¡¯t like blowing my own whistle but-¡± ¡°S-Sure you d-don¡¯t-¡± Kendo joked amidst the painful groaning, gaining himself a kick from Sting as he moved to stand by Howard. ¡°But,¡± Dhorn continued on after a brief grimace, ¡°You can¡¯t craft better than me. You can¡¯t fight better than Dark or Beatrice. You can¡¯t strategize better than Sin or Jor, the old Jor. But above all, none of us can lead better than Hel could, not even you. So tell me, who¡¯s gonna hold us all together if she¡¯s not around?¡± ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Howard sighed, ¡°Hel was the glue that kept the bunch of delinquents and misfits we were, together as a guild. I cannot match her charisma, I can never match her¡­Not her. But for her, because I know she would¡¯ve at least wanted us to try¡­For her, so we do not lose anybody else¡­I want to try.¡± Howard explained sternly, his gaze focusing into Dhorn¡¯s analytical stare. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Dhorn then said with a sigh, ¡°I know how much she meant to you.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Howard briefly added, his gaze growing a bit darker then. Groaning as he scratched his chin, Dhorn fully turned to face them then, ¡°Who else is here?¡± he asked. ¡°Beatrice is in town too, Sin and Dark roamed off somewhere and¡­¡± Howard sighed, ¡°Dark said he saw Jor.¡± At those words, not only Dhorn¡¯s eyes widened, but Sting and Kendo¡¯s too. ¡°Jor is here?¡± Kendo asked, pulling himself up from the ground, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you mention that?¡± ¡°Cause, I was afraid the two of you wouldn¡¯t want to help me, if you knew.¡± Howard answered, glancing at the both of them as they both looked away, ¡°You can¡¯t deny it, I know¡­I know how you all feel about him.¡± Even Dhorn¡¯s stare fell at Howard¡¯s words, ¡°You at least tried to make him see reason.¡± Dhorn added, ¡°We¡­We just ditched, we hopped ride¡­we left him to rot.¡± ¡°No, we all tried for a while, we all suffered under him. But I won¡¯t deny it, we all failed him¡­¡± Howard smiled coldly. We all failed Hel by abandoning him. He thought, guilt filling him as he did, as it filled the others as well. Once more Dhorn sighed, glancing over at Connor then, ¡°Fetch me my adventuring bags if you can.¡± ¡°Ah, you heading out for a trip?¡± Connor asked with a wide grin. ¡°Yeah,¡± Dhorn mused, turning to face his old comrades, ¡°A long trip down through hell and back.¡± ¡°I gotcha,¡± Connor said, walking back inside the store. ¡°So,¡± Dhorn then began as he popped his shoulders, ¡°Where¡¯s that crazy ass bitch at?¡± ¡°Beatrice? She works down at the magic market area, some enchantment workshop?¡± Sting mused. ¡°Seriously?¡± Dhorn asked. ¡°Seriously.¡± Howard answered. ¡°That battle-crazed, blood thirsty, wack mad-woman works¡­behind a desk? Willingly? No torture or blackmail involved?¡± Dhorn asked in disbelief. ¡°Hey, we¡¯ve all changed over the years brah.¡± Kendo responded. ¡°Apparently not all of us though¡­¡± Sting coughed out. As then Connor returned from rummaging around the store, a large rucksack filled to the brim with tools hanging off the sides in one hand and a sack of leather in the other. ¡°Here ya go boss, what should I tell the others?¡± He then asked with a raised brow. ¡°Tell the boys Kenzen is in charge now,¡± Dhorn replied, heaving the rucksack over his back before taking the leather bag from Connor¡¯s hands too. ¡°Ah, never thought I¡¯d get to use these beauties!¡± He then exclaimed, taking out a round shield and a heavy spiked mace. Connor nodded and stepped away, ¡°Righto.¡± ¡°So, that mean you coming with?¡± Howard asked. ¡°Hah,¡± Dhorn chuckled, turning to fully face them as a glimmer of bright blue energy surged through his entire body. ¡°Who the fuck else gonna keep you fuckers alive other than this fucking cleric right here eh?¡± Kendo feigned tripping right then, ¡°Help! Cleric! Support! Medic!¡± He shouted dramatically. Howard and Sting just groaned. ¡°Boy,¡± Dhorn grumbled, ¡°I will kill you.¡± Ch 33 - The Sorceress Dungeon of the Revenants of Darkness Legion
Walking out of the corridor separating each room within the dungeon, Kaine gazed on at the small army of undead rising from the floor and walls. More than just skeletons faced him now, as the rotting walking corpses of zombies and ethereal shadows that were shades also greeted him. Each turning to face him as he walked into the dimly lit hall. ¡°Creatures that crawl, creatures that slither. Beings that fly, beings that whisper. Imbue my weapon with your very essence, imbue my hand with your name.¡± Kaine chanted, as he suddenly stopped before the approaching horde, raising both weapons to his sides as a dark green energy surrounded the blades. ¡°Demonic Path; Weapon Imbue; Type Hell. I call forth your minions, demon, answer my call.¡± He finished his chant, and Nova¡¯s eyes glimmered a bright green then. ¡°Your request, I accept.¡± The demon¡¯s voice spoke through, ¡°Telaquitzl, Orotovos.¡± It said. Kaine repeated the names, ¡°Telaquitzl.¡± He spoke out, and his left sword turned bright emerald as greenish winds whirled around the blade. ¡°Orotovos.¡± He then spoke out once more, and his right sword burned a dark teal colour. With one sword engulfed in raging demonic wind and the other ablaze with the fires of hell, Kaine dashed into the horde, trailing green-blue flames behind himself. Then suddenly he stopped, as had the monsters, each of the undead creatures had stopped moving before suddenly turning into a black mist. ¡°What just¡­¡± Kaine mused as he watched the mist dissipate, and the doors at the opposite end of the hall open up bare. ¡°Keke,¡± Nova chuckled, ¡°It seems as if someone has realised that throwing this constant trash at you, is only making you stronger, and that this is your goal for entering in the first place master.¡± ¡°Hmph, so that¡¯s supposed to be an invitation to them then?¡± Kaine asked, narrowing his eyes as he carefully approached the doorway. ¡°Maybe,¡± Nova mused. ¡°Probably a trap though,¡± The still unnamed demon then said through Nova¡¯s body, ¡°That or it has something stronger in reserve, awaiting us ahead.¡± ¡°I guess then we¡¯ll just have to find out.¡± Kaine sighed, dispelling his imbued weapons back to common swords before stepping forth and into the doorway. Finding himself walking through the same short corridor he had the past four rooms before reaching another set of closed doors. Coming to stand before them, he did just as the demon had instructed him to do the past several doorways. Putting both weapons back into their sheaths, Kaine then placed his palm onto where the two doors met, before pushing as hard as he could. ¡°Dispel protection!¡± Kaine chanted, and as he did the doors glowed a bright blue, runes lit up all along the double doors as lightning-like sparks clashed with his hand. All the while a dark green energy Kaine knew as his own mana flowed out of his palm and into the runes.
Dispel unsuccessful, your total combat level is insufficient to continue onto the next room.
A notification came into his view then, as the runes exploded outwards and bashed into him, throwing Kaine flying backwards and sliding along the floor all the way back into the last hall. Groaning as he pulled himself up, Kaine watched with great annoyance as the first set of doors closed up. ¡°Well, it seems this is as far as you go alone.¡± The demon mused. ¡°No matter, I¡¯ll just try the other paths we went past back there.¡± Kaine said with a sigh, rising to his feet and turning about to leave, when suddenly the sight of movement back the way he had come from caught his full attention. Although, at first, he did not make it clear that it had.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. As he walked off to the open set of doors, suddenly when he reached the middle of the room Kaine pulled out a small dagger he had looted off his previous kills and threw it clean at where the movement had come from. The dagger flew true, embedding itself into a stone statue¡¯s shield that stood by a pillar. Right then he realised what the movement had been, as heard and watched Rey yelp in surprise before falling back onto her ass into full view of him. Glancing over at him, back at the dagger, and then back at him, Rey smiled awkwardly. ¡°Uhm, hi?¡± Both Nova and Kaine rolled their eyes.
Elsewhere Camp Town
¡°So, where¡¯s it at?¡± Dhorn asked as he followed Howard. Sting and Kendo having temporarily broken off from them to find Sting¡¯s friend. ¡°Just down this alley,¡± Howard pointed down the eerie side-street, turning from away from the main path to it, Dhorn tentatively followed just as the sound of something crashing and falling sounded off behind them. Ignoring the sound, now used to the shenanigans of other players, the both of them continued down the alleyway. Going past several shady stores and doors hanging half-open with not a single sign in sight. ¡°Here it is,¡± Howard mused as they came out on the other side of the alleyway, finding themselves surrounded no longer by buildings but instead an entire campground of large tents. As players moved in and out of several tents, Howard began approaching one of the smaller dark green ones. Just then a rather annoyed adventurer rushed out of the tent, holding a bow which glowed a murky violet-brown, ¡°Screw your bloody enchantments! The mark spell on my bow?! I already have that damn skill!¡± they shouted angrily back into the tent. ¡°No refunds, Next.¡± A seemingly bored voice spoke out after them, low in tone but still louder than the Elf¡¯s, as said adventurer then stormed off grumbling under his breath. ¡°Well, not exactly running the business well isn¡¯t she?¡± Dhorn mused at the sight. ¡°Yeah¡­More of a con-woman.¡± Howard sighed as they came to stand before the tent¡¯s entrance. ¡°And who the hell-¡± began to say a rough female voice from within as they entered, ¡°You calling a con?¡± Finding the Orc sitting upon a large stone within, three tables before her full of herbs, animal parts alongside a mortar and pestle set.
Beatrice {Explossiioonnn!} [Level 19]
Large just like most Orcs, Beatrice was two entire heads taller than Howard, and taller than Dhorn even as she lay sitting down. With a light greenish skin tone, two bright green eyes and a brownish-green hair cut short, two small tusks also protruded out from the sides of her mouth. ¡°So, the numbskull is back, bringing with him the rock-hugger.¡± She mused with a sigh, glancing around behind them, ¡°Nobody else? Eh, strange enough to see you two together these days. What are you unhappy with your shield enchantment too? Brought ole¡¯ Dhorny here to give me a rant on how to craft? Sorry no refunds, enchantments don¡¯t exactly detach off babe.¡± ¡°Ahh, no no, the shield¡¯s fine.¡± Howard quickly reassured. To which Beatrice¡¯s eyes narrowed, ¡°Then, why you both here? At the same time?¡± ¡°Well it ain¡¯t no damn coincidence I¡¯ll tell ye that much.¡± Dhorn grumbled, as Beatrice then noticed the rucksack, mace and shield he wielded. Her eyes opening wide, ¡°Wait, where ya off to this time? And hell no I¡¯m not coming with you to capture another god damn Gaizedon for Kenzen!...Unless we¡¯re talking triple pay¡­of course.¡± She then said with a wide toothy grin. Dhorn groaned at that, shaking his head as he held his face. ¡°No Bae we¡¯re here for other reasons, personal ones.¡± Howard explained. ¡°Oh? Not business? Well you know where the exit is.¡± Beatrice then mused, turning to the side and picking up a small sack full of red dust. ¡°Ugh, we¡¯re bringing the gang back together ye money-lover!¡± Dhorn then exclaimed, fully regaining her attention. ¡°Bringing back? Gang? Like, the guild?¡± Beatrice asked with even wider eyes. ¡°Yeah,¡± Howard nodded, ¡°We¡¯re reviving the guild and going off on our own from this town¡± He said and at those words Beatrice suddenly rose up into standing, knocking over two of her tables she stared at them whilst Howard continued on, ¡°Kendo and Sting are in on it too plus Sting is gathering up a sixth player to fill our party. We¡¯re off to find Dark and Sin first though, since they went off days ago just the two of them.¡± Without saying another word, Beatrice rushed to the side of her tent where a closet lay, slamming its doors open, she quickly pulled out a rather eerie looking bladed-staff and an embroidered crimson robe. ¡°Oh god,¡± Howard coughed out as he looked away, just as Beatrice suddenly stripped naked from her common clothes and began putting on the mage robe. Dhorn just watched, seemingly enjoying the sight. Done from changing, Beatrice turned to the both of them with a wide grin, clutching her staff with glee, ¡°Aight, when we leaving?¡± She asked with great enthusiasm. ¡°Uh, I mean we gotta go meet up with Sting¡¯s group at the main market, stock up on resources and tools, then we¡¯re off?¡± Howard mused, sheepishly glancing over at her to make sure she wasn¡¯t skin-bare any more, he tried his best to forget the horrifying sight as he met her excited gaze. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go.¡± Beatrice quickly said then, storing her staff over her back, she grabbed both of their arms and stormed out of the tent pulling them with¡­Pulling Howard with as Dhorn, on the other hand, hung off her raised arm like an agitated fish. ¡°Oi! Oi! Oi! Get ye mits off me!¡± Dhorn grumbled out as she carried him, whilst Howard tried his best not to trip over as she dragged him. ¡°Ah, sorry.¡± She then realised, slowing down to human pace, she let go of Howard¡¯s arm but kept holding the dwarf up. ¡°Market, right?¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Howard chuckled, ¡°To the market.¡± Continuing on down the street, now walking normally. ¡°Oi ye still holding me up!¡± Dhorn then exclaimed. ¡°We¡¯re actually walking faster like this though.¡± Howard mused. ¡°Yeah, why do you think I haven¡¯t let him down?¡± Beatrice joked. ¡°Blasted¡­damn¡­¡± He struggled against her Orcish strength for a bit, but after several moments of flopping about, ¡°Fuck.¡± He gave up. Ch 34 - The Returners Howard roamed the market streets carrying two large rucksacks filled to the brim with tools, food and other resources, following after Beatrice and Dhorn as they stepped into the center of town. Nothing really special lay before them, just an open square where adventurers met to go elsewhere. Just as he had planned with Kendo and Sting, ¡°Anybody see them?¡± He asked through the mountain of stuff, and with much lighter pockets than he had been a few hours earlier. ¡°Yeah, I see em.¡± Dhorn replied, gesturing over to their left where Sting and Kendo sat at a food stand, joined by another player whom they didn''t know. The group of three turned to their comrades, watching with some disgust as Kendo devoured an entire platter of whitish-meat. Coming up to them then, Howard unloaded everything onto the nearest chair, making Kendo jump in surprise. ¡°Ooof! Don¡¯t sneak up on a guy as he eats brah!¡± Kendo spat out as sauce went everywhere from his mouth. ¡°Ugh, you call that eating? Did you even get any of it inside?¡± Beatrice mused with a raised brow. Kendo glanced from her to his dish and then back at her, ¡°I think so?¡± ¡°Hah, more of your friends Sting?¡± Asked the new face as all but Kendo stood up, he continued stuffing himself. Howard looked Sting¡¯s friend up and down as he turned to them, human yet taller than even Sting¡¯s elven form, if Beatrice wasn¡¯t around he was sure to be the tallest amongst them. Not just tall but buff too, the man was almost an entire shoulder wider than Howard and full muscle.
Schaal {Iron Wall} [Level 19]
¡°Name¡¯s Schaal,¡± He introduced himself with his thick central European accent, forwarding his hand to Howard for a shake. Glancing him over once more, average short brown hair and eyes, other than his giant¡¯s body the man looked quite friendly with his wide smile. ¡°Howard,¡± Introducing himself just as well, Howard took the man¡¯s massive hand for a shake, ¡°Same level as Bae, our mage, I''m guessing by that big hunk of metal you¡¯re carrying around that you¡¯re more of the tank type?¡± He asked, glancing over at the huge plate of metal shaped like a shield, yet looking more like a small door than anything. ¡°That would be a correct guess, yes.¡± Schaal responded, heaving up his shield with one hand and seemingly no extra effort, he also tapped the sheathed longsword at his side. ¡°I like the base meta best.¡± ¡°No harm in that,¡± Dhorn mused, stuck on staring at the shield, ¡°Our boy Howard here prefers a more custom style, with that big ole¡¯ gauntlet he carries around, loves to grab and strangle things, slam em about and whatnot.¡± Laughing more so at Dhorn¡¯s sudden voice than what he had said, Schaal then did his best to hold it back, ¡°Thank you for letting me join in on this expedition, I¡¯ve been thinking of heading off myself for a while now, just couldn¡¯t find the right people to join.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome, just don¡¯t hold us back.¡± Beatrice then mused out, sitting down by Kendo she ordered herself a drink. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t even Bae, what specific levels you running right now?¡± Kendo then asked as Beatrice did her best to avoid his splashing of sauce.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Ugh, 4 Martial, 11 Arcana and 5 crafting¡­¡± She replied in disgust, wiping her face clean with a nearby cloth before moving onto her robes. ¡°Bah! This guy here¡¯s rolling 5 Arcana and 14 Martial already!¡± Kendo exclaimed. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not much for crafting, rather leave that to those that are good at it ya know?¡± Schaal said with a chuckle. ¡°Well you¡¯re more than welcome to do your thing,¡± Howard added, ¡°Party composition wise we¡¯re fairly well set, I¡¯m running off-tank fighter while Dhorn here runs off-tank healer, then there¡¯s Sting for our back-line support dps, Kendo our front-line dps and Bae as our magic CC and dps.¡± ¡°Speaking of which!¡± Kendo then hopped up from his chair and grabbed a massive object covered in cloth, setting it on the stand he then quickly unraveled the beast within. ¡°Look at what I made!¡± He then announced enthusiastically, as before them now lay a massive great-sword ending in a trident-like set of three forked sword points. ¡°So that¡¯s what you¡¯ve been working on all this time.¡± Sting mused, smiling with great amusement at Dhorn¡¯s expression to this atrocity of a weapon. ¡°By the gods why did you bring that¡­that¡­Thing! Back to life!?¡± Dhorn exclaimed horrified. ¡°Come on man, you know how much I love this thing! It¡¯s my signature weapon!¡± Kendo whined, ¡°Plus Hel came up with it for me!...I mean, of course I wanted one.¡± He then said, causing each of them to sigh but not say anything further. Feeling the awkwardness that had risen, ¡°How exactly did¡­you come up with this shape?¡± Schaal tried to break the ice. ¡°Hah, knucklehead here loves to swing big swords around but ever since Jor taught him how to use the war-trident he just couldn¡¯t go back. So Hel made him¡­that.¡± Sting explained. ¡°Hel and Jor huh? I¡¯ve been hearing a lot about these two from you,¡± Schaal mused, ¡°Are they the other two members you¡¯re off to search for?¡± Then feeling the awkwardness double as he finished his sentence. ¡°No, we¡¯re off to look for Sin and Dark, two other members. Those two¡­aren¡¯t-¡± Beatrice began to say when Howard cut her off. ¡°We¡¯re looking for Jor as well, alongside Sin and Dark.¡± Howard said, at which point Beatrice¡¯s wooden mug of ale shattered into dozens of pieces. The air around them grew cold as mana oozed out of the sorceress, who had visibly grown annoyed and with each passing second it was turning into fury. ¡°Ah, let¡¯s go make sure you all got everything¡­¡± Kendo then added, pulling Sting and Schaal off from the stand, Dhorn also awkwardly moved to follow. ¡°Uhm, did I say something wrong?¡± Schaal asked as he allowed the smaller human to guide him off. ¡°Nah big guy¡­it¡¯s just personal shit.¡± Kendo assured, now hurrying his pace as he watched Beatrice rise from her seat. Howard expected this reaction, watching Beatrice closely as she stood giving him her back. Her fists clenched tightly, she took long deep breaths, keeping herself in check. ¡°You failed to¡­mention that last part.¡± She said, turning to face Howard, Beatrice glared down at him with cold harsh eyes. ¡°Sorry, I just postponed mentioning it, till now.¡± Howard replied. ¡°Hah¡­I should¡¯ve known, it¡¯s always like this with you!¡± Beatrice shouted out, rage filling her tone, ¡°Mr.Second in Command my big green ass. You always gave Jor everything he wanted, you just let him be...like¡­t-that. You never said anything not till¡­not¡­¡± Taking in a long breath, Beatrice let it out in an agitated and scattered manner. Howard simply watched calmly, yet a tinge of guilt could still be seen upon his expression. ¡°Yeah, I did. I could never correct him¡­Not until it was too late. I¡¯m sorry Ba-Patricia, I¡¯m sorry for what he made you go through. If you want no part in this expedition, I understand, and so will the othe-¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m coming.¡± Beatrice then said, ¡°What happened is in the past, I¡¯ve long gotten over it now. I¡¯m not how I used to be, the shy and awkward me died that day.¡± She added, grabbing hold of one rucksack and heaving it onto her back before taking her staff into both hands. Turning to face him, Beatrice¡¯s anger had drained away, in its stead lay a wide grin full of madness. ¡°Actually, I¡¯d love to find Jor, now.¡± She said, twirling her bladed staff about as red and blue trails of energy flowed with it, ¡°Show him a thing or two, of what I¡¯ve become, thanks to him.¡± Howard chuckled, more so in relief, ¡°Yeah, maybe you will.¡± Pulling the other rucksack onto his own back alongside his shield, he turned to the others who stood nearby, but far enough to be outside a mage¡¯s distance. ¡°Let¡¯s set off then.¡± ¡°Yeah, this should be good fun anyway, I¡¯ve been horribly bored.¡± Beatrice mused. ¡°Hah, when is it ever not fun, with this group?¡± Howard joked, as both of them stepped towards the others. ¡°I guess it¡¯s official then,¡± Howard added, ¡°We¡¯re back, Yggdrasil is back.¡± Ch 35 - A flash of light Earlier That Day --- Kaine sat within the dim corridor facing Rey whom sat opposite of him, both of them laying quiet as he inspected his new skills.
{Daemon (1/10)}; All demonic magic that would increase your stats have their effects on you increased by 10% while all demonic magic that effect you negatively have their effects reduced by 10%.
{Fiend (1/10)}; Physical attacks deal 5% less damage on you while holy based magical attacks deal an increased 10% damage.
{Weapon Imbue; Hell [2/4]}; Summon up your {Demonic Patron} whose servants shall be imbued into your weapon of choice, adding their secondary element to its damage alongside a specific ability from said demon¡¯s capabilities. Imbue limit; 2.
¡°So¡­¡± Rey began to say, as she awkwardly smiled back at him. Looking away from his windows, making them fade away, Kaine met her gaze. ¡°Why¡¯re you following me?¡± He asked her sternly. Pouting in annoyance at his question, ¡°Cause you¡¯re slipping and sneaking off on your own to fight and grind.¡± She answered with a raised brow. Making Kaine¡¯s shoulders slump down as he sighed, ¡°Fine, touch¨¦.¡± ¡°What¡¯re you even thinking roaming off on your own anyway!?¡± Rey then asked back, ¡°You could¡¯ve¡­well I thought at first¡­Gahhhh!¡± Ruffling her own hair in frustration, Rey then suddenly leaned forward and quickly crawled up to lay in his face. ¡°Why were you hiding your real capabilities from us!?¡± To those words, Kaine¡¯s gaze then turned away. Only frustrating Rey further, ¡°Oi, don¡¯t you look away!¡± she said, grabbing him by both cheeks and forcing him to look back at her with his now surprised wide eyes. ¡°Back there! You were much faster than when we fought the monsters in the ravine! You didn¡¯t freeze up or go crazy in the middle of it either!...W-What¡¯s up with that?¡± She asked sheepishly then, releasing his cheeks. Kaine at first did not respond, remaining quiet, he gazed off at one of his swords. ¡°Oi!¡± Rey then grumbled, ¡°You either let the cat out of the bag or I¡¯ma show you what annoying REALLY means!¡± she warned him with a wicked grin. ¡°I have three different conflicting personalities,¡± Kaine then said with a sarcastic tone, chuckling coldly as he then met her now steely gaze. Once more Kaine sighed, ¡°Nobody was watching.¡± He responded in a whisper. ¡°Huh?¡± Something Rey barely heard due to his low tone. ¡°I wasn¡¯t being watched, that is why none of that happened back there¡­¡± Kaine repeated. ¡°I don¡¯t¡­understand?¡± Rey mused, both brows now rising in confusion. Groaning, Kaine rolled his head to stare down the corridor, ¡°I can¡¯t¡­perform fully when others are watching me fight. It¡¯s¡­kind of like stage fright? If the odds are against me, I freeze up. Otherwise if the odds are in my favour I¡­lose myself in the frenzy.¡± ¡°Huh, so¡­stage fright¡­huh.¡± Rey then mumbled out, seemingly understanding yet also still somewhat confused. ¡°That¡¯s how my therapist once put it anyhow,¡± Kaine then mused. ¡°Thera¡­pist?¡± Rey repeated awkwardly. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m off my damn rocker, is that what you want to hear?¡± Kaine grumbled, ¡°Not far off anyway.¡± ¡°So back with the Goldebeest¡­and the-¡± Rey began to count out each time she¡¯d witnessed it, ¡°What about the Worgs?¡± ¡°I left most of the fighting to you all for that same reason, I didn¡¯t want to freeze up or lose myself and cause issues.¡± Kaine answered now with clear melancholy in his tone. ¡°And the Worgoll? You froze up there too?¡± Rey then asked, remembering how he had seemingly disappeared in the midst of the fight. ¡°Something¡­like that.¡± Kaine lied, clearly remembering that he had indeed frozen up, but much further pertained to that story than just his mental health. ¡°Oh, is that why you snuck off and came here alone?¡± Continuing her barrage of questions, Rey now at least sat back down in front of him. ¡°So, you wouldn¡¯t be watched?¡± ¡°To scout out the dungeon, to level a bit away from prying eyes¡­¡± Kaine answered as he glanced over at Nova, ¡°And to get some privacy.¡± ¡°Ahh, sorry¡­¡± Rey then apologized realizing her mistake, then lightly bumping her fist into her own head and stuck out her tongue in a silly manner. ¡°Why¡¯d you turn back though? Dead end?¡± ¡°I cannot progress further alone, it seems like this dungeon was made with the intent of the first few rooms being only a taste of what lays beyond.¡± Kaine explained, ¡°It¡¯s also not uncommon for dungeons back in the previous game to ask solo players to be a higher level before they¡¯re able to progress.¡± ¡°Sounds like,¡± then mused a familiar voice from down the corridor, ¡°You need a party?¡± Jedd said with a wide grin as she was followed up by Roy, Farvo and Lara. ¡°Hah¡­you guys too?¡± Kaine groaned. ¡°I¡¯ll give it to you, you¡¯re good at sneaking, my sister? Not so much so, although you aren¡¯t sneaking up on her that¡¯s for sure.¡± Roy said with a chuckle. Kaine then glanced over at Jedd, ¡°I know-¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t tell us because you were afraid we¡¯d abandon you due to your dangerous flaw.¡± Jedd then cut him off with a shrug, ¡°But you failed to realise, we ain¡¯t those kinda people.¡± She said with a wide smirk. Kaine simply nodded, unsure how to reply to those words, still relief filled him. As Jedd and the rest walked past them, Rey stood up to follow, ¡°Well, what you waiting for? The exp awaits!¡± Jedd then exclaimed, raising her weapon onwards as excitement filled her expression. ¡°Hah, yeah.¡± Kaine chuckled, also rising to his feet he briefly watched them walk onwards into the room he had already cleared. ¡°Stage fright¡­¡± He then whispered to himself, an amused smile quickly appearing on his distracted visage before just as quickly disappearing back into his usual cold and grim gaze. Grasping the handles of his swords, Kaine took a deep breath before following after them. ¡°Let¡¯s see what¡¯s behind that door then.¡± He mused, as once they reached the very start of the next corridor, the sound of a door creaking open echoed in. Before them, the doors that had denied Kaine access were now turning wide open and through the unlit darkness Kaine spied several dozen eye sockets glowing with a wicked blue hue, staring right back at him. ¡°So, what should we look forward to facing?¡± Roy asked as he prepared his bow and arrow. ¡°Skeletons, Zombies, Shades, Wraiths and maybe Dreadknights.¡± Kaine responded nonchalantly. ¡°Can we take them?¡± Jedd asked, her form rising and morphing. Kaine shrugged, ¡°Probably.¡± And the rest of the party turned to look at him with surprised eyes. ¡°Yeah¡­Yeah we can take them.¡± He then said with a chuckle. Unsheathing both of his swords, Kaine popped his shoulders before willing mana down into his hands. Walking forth and to the forefront of the party alongside Jedd, the both of them then stepped through the doorway and into the dark hall. ¡°Creatures that crawl, creatures that slither. Beings that fly, beings that whisper. Imbue my weapon with your very essence, imbue my hand with your name.¡± Kaine then chanted, ¡°Demonic Path; Weapon Imbue; Type Hell. I call forth your minions, demon, answer my call.¡± He said, and a whisper only he heard replied back. ¡°Your request I hear, your request I accept.¡± It was a certain demon¡¯s voice, ¡°Telaquitzl, Orotovos.¡± Kaine¡¯s blades surged alit with greenish energies, demonic winds and hellish flames in hand, he lit up the hall for several feet all around him.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Ohoho, got some new toys there?¡± Jedd mused, seeing his new power. ¡°Alrighty then, let¡¯s get this party started!¡± Rey exclaimed in excitement, both arm crossbows readied, she watched Farvo and Lara¡¯s backs as the three of them took the very back of their formation whilst Roy alone stood in the centre, arrow nocked and ready to loose. ¡°We¡¯ll fight on the move,¡± Jedd then said in a commanding tone, ¡°Pick a target, slay, move on, stay with the group. Let¡¯s not get surrounded.¡± ¡°Aye aye!¡± ¡°Sure,¡± ¡°Roger,¡± ¡°Y-Ye-Yes!¡± Smiling to himself at the pre-action roll call, ¡°Yeah,¡± Kaine mused, ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± As they walked further into the hall, suddenly movement entered their line of sight and Kaine wasted not another moment, he rushed into action. Slashing aside the charging zombie¡¯s club, quickly he then stabbed his other blade through the undying creature¡¯s head, the demonic winds about it slashing skin and flesh aside for the blade to cleanly stab through the bone that remained. Holding the immediately defeated undead hanging by his weapons for a few moments, Kaine resisted the temptation, as combat raged all around him Kaine slowly released his blades of the now inanimate corpse. Glancing around, he watched Jedd rush from side to side, bashing her hammer into anything that made it too close to the others, as all the while Roy, Farvo and Lara blasted anything that stepped within their sight. Rey on the other hand waited and watched, giving Jedd whatever supportive fire she required. As arrows and bolts flew off alongside blasts of flame and fist sized cannon balls, Kaine watched Jedd dive headfirst into the enemy. As their group moved slowly through the hall, his and Lara¡¯s flames lighting the way, Kaine couldn¡¯t help but observe how well they all fought together. Jedd attracting most of the monsters her way, she acted as the party¡¯s tank and warrior all at once. Using her size and speed to train the undead after her, her strength was more than enough to kill each within one or two blows. Rey then watched her back with her quickfiring hand-crossbows, accurate and quick to reload, she was the party¡¯s true ranger. Nothing got past her sight either, even as she covered Jedd¡¯s back Rey would occasionally turn about to assault enemies getting past Jedd and too close to the others. Unlike her brother Roy, who was more of the party¡¯s rogue, roaming off from the main dps Roy walked in Jedd¡¯s shadow. Arrow after arrow soaring off his bow, Roy cleaned up after Jedd¡¯s rampage, Farvo¡¯s barrage and Lara¡¯s blaze, killing what survived and slowing down what he could as they came into his sight. Then there was Farvo with his dwarven construct, highly effective at one-hitting but not so much with accuracy and ammo consumption, forcing the dwarf to only take sure-shots to conserve ammo. Having the highest hitting weapon though, Farvo ignored the small-fry and targeted the tougher monsters, allowing the others to take care of the base skeletons, zombies and shades that came their way. He instead looked for armour, he searched for the bulky monsters and sent a searing hot sphere of highly accelerating metal their way. Finally, Lara was not only the main dps of the party but also the healer and CC support all at once. Sending forth a volley of blazing spheres into the undead monsters, her flames albeit not effecting the skeletons very much still decimated both zombie and shade alike. Cleaning those two up from her sights, she¡¯d use her vines to root down any survivors, allowing Rey and Roy to take those down while also focusing her vines upon any large and armoured monster she¡¯d see. Making it an easier shot for Farvo. All the while, Lara healed Jedd as she absorbed all the damage, sustaining the party. Seeing all this, Kaine was overcome with nostalgia. Gripping his weapons tightly, ¡°Nova, go.¡± He told his familiar. ¡°Yes master.¡± The demonic serpent replied, soaring off his shoulders and into the darkness above, briefly she disappeared from sight. As Kaine then turned to an approaching monster, twice the height of a zombie but rotting much further, almost halfway to skeletal. The large creature was also armoured from head to toe in pitch black plate.
{Minion} {Revenants of Darkness} Lesser Dreadknight [Level 14]
Wielding a massive serrated blade with both hands, the Dreadknight dragged the slab of metal behind itself, stopping several feet away from Kaine before sluggishly heaving it up. ¡°Watch out!¡± Lara shouted, seeing as the Dreadknight albeit its slow movements suddenly slammed down the weapon onto where he stood. Sending the ground quaking around it with the impact and raising a cloud of dust, it groaned and moaned incomprehensibly as its empty gaze then moved on to Jedd. ¡°Oi, worms for brains, I¡¯m still here.¡± Kaine said as the cloud of dust cleared, revealing him standing mere centimetres from where the blade landed. Immediately the Dreadknight¡¯s head returned to him, filling his ears with the sound of shifting bone and giving him an annoyed gruesome grimace full of blood and rot. Kaine simply grinned back, stepping away from the blade as the monster raised it out of the ground, rising to loom over him before suddenly bellowing out in horrid rage. Its lower jaw dethatching from the upper one as it did, expanding its jaws much wider than should have been possible. ¡°Hah, that¡¯s a feisty one!¡± Farvo exclaimed as he decimated one armoured skeleton off to the side. ¡°Give it your all Jor! Show us what you really got!¡± Rey then shouted, jumping out of her skin as Jedd bashed a zombie into paste merely three feet away. I really shouldn¡¯t¡­ ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve got your back, I won¡¯t lie I¡¯ve been wanting to see you go all out too!¡± Jedd mused with a wide grin. No but if I do¡­ Kaine thought, as suddenly an arrow flew past his left ear, embedding itself into a skeletal knight that was approaching him from behind. ¡°Hah, now I¡¯m curious.¡± Roy mused, nocking another arrow onto his bowstring, ¡°What do you got?¡± He asked in amusement. What I got? Kaine glanced up at the goliath that stood before him, raising his massive sword up to swing it back down once more. I''ll show you- Clenching the grips of his swords, Kaine suddenly rushed under the creature¡¯s swing, evading the attack and appearing to stand by its right leg. ¡°I see what does not, in turn, see me.¡± He chanted, and as he did the flame on his right sword snuffed out, leaving only Lara¡¯s flames to give them light. The Dreadknight being still barely visible to the rest of the party, Kaine though had disappeared from sight. And as the Dreadknight itself swung about, ferociously yet seemingly in confusion, not even it knew where Kaine had disappeared to. When suddenly a bright bout of hellish flames burst out of the Dreadknight¡¯s left leg, lighting up the area around it, Kaine stood behind it and stabbing his hell imbued sword through the monster¡¯s armour and deep inside its foot. The Dreadknight bellowed with fury and swung its blade towards Kaine as he drove his weapon deeper into the monster''s bone. Stay...calm... Kaine told himself.
{ [Life]: 24/30 }
As the monster''s weapon collided with him and sent Kaine soaring back into the darkness far beyond Lara¡¯s light. Yet as the rest of the party could tell, the Dreadknight could still see him, turning to stare into the darkness. Its eyes flared up a dark blue before it suddenly stomped forwards, step after step, faltering every other step, the Dreadknight approached Kaine¡¯s location. As he pulled himself up from the ground, groaning from the blow, he pulled himself together and faced the approaching goliath. ¡°Orotovos!¡± Kaine called out, and his right sword lit up aflame once more, lighting up the area around him and revealing a few zombies and skeletons slowly making their way to surround him. Yet Kaine¡¯s gaze was not upon them, as he stared straight at the Dreadknight, Kaine grinned widely. Taking a long stride forwards, Kaine quickly came to a running stop and sent his ablaze sword flying forth. The weapon soared, trailing flames behind itself as it flew true towards the Dreadknight. The goliath raised its great weapon to block the attack, deflecting the weapon itself and sending it spiralling off into the shadows yet flames themselves had burst forward on contact. Engulfing the Dreadknight in flames and briefly blinding it. ¡°Nova!¡± Kaine then exclaimed, and out of the darkness above descended a light. Shining brighter and brighter as it fell, the serpent opened up its wings and lit afire, a clear hiss leaving its maw as it came down towards the distracted monster. ¡°Finally master calls!¡± The serpent exclaimed in excitement, and a notification came into Kaine¡¯s view then.
All requirements have been met. Familiar [Nova] answers your call to action. Magic, surges through them, coursing forth into a brand-new skill.
Nova¡¯s flames then suddenly dimmed out, basking the Dreadknight in darkness, only briefly so. As then a bright flash of light blinded the entire hall, bursts of wind rushed past them as if a great explosion had taken part ahead. Dimming back down to reveal a charred Dreadknight engulfed in dozens of burns and small flames.
Your [Nova] has learned {Lesser Hellnova}!
Nova herself lay coiled up over the Dreadknight¡¯s helm, as beneath her the creature crumbled.
Your [Nova] has over-cooked { Lesser Dreadknight [Level 14]} Arcane experience gained 345/300
Level up! Arcane level 4 reached! +1 to all Arcane stats. 3 Neutral Arcane Points available for distribution!
Falling into a pile of armour and dust beneath her then, Nova rose to hover above it, pleased with herself as she looked on at Kaine seemingly¡­in expectation. As he stared back in surprise, surprise the rest of his part shared. ¡°How did I do master?~¡± The serpent asked in anticipation. ¡°Good¡­you did¡­really good?¡± Kaine responded, surprised he might have been, but it was a pleasant one nonetheless. Hah¡­saved by the demon. He thought in relief. Flying over to coil around his neck and rest onto his shoulder, ¡°Nova is here to serve, master.¡± The familiar added, snuggling into his chin. Her wings, flashing bright and giving him light all around him. ¡°And it seems, that master might need the help.¡± She mused as her light now revealed more than just skeletons and zombies approaching their position. Glancing around himself, Kaine counted them. Or¡­not.
{Minion} {Revenants of Darkness} Lesser Dreadknight [Level 14]
{Minion} {Revenants of Darkness} Lesser Dreadknight [Level 14]
{Minion} {Revenants of Darkness} Lesser Dreadknight [Level 14]
{Minion} {Revenants of Darkness} Lesser Dreadknight [Level 14]
{Elite} {Revenants of Darkness} Dreadknight [Level 18]
Five in total, they slowly took a unified step towards him, as one stood an entire foot taller than the rest. ¡°Hah¡­Yeah, it sure looks like it.¡± Kaine mused, gripping his sole remaining sword with both hands, ¡°Telaquitzl!¡± he spoke out in chant and a demonic green wind surged alive about its blade. ¡°Let¡¯s light them up, master!¡± Nova exclaimed, rising to span both sets of wings wide open and ablaze, she hissed in anticipation. Aha¡­This is gonna hurt. Ch 36 - Youve met me, now meet ME! ¡°I think¡­I THINK¡­we bit off more than we can chew!¡± Farvo shouted out as the party stood in a circle, watching each other¡¯s backs as the goliaths surrounded them. ¡°Think your snake can do that trick again Jor?!¡± Jedd asked, to which Nova hissed in annoyance. ¡°Demon, and no, I must recharge.¡± Nova hissed back. ¡°Well just great! This is just great!¡± Rey laughed out anxiously. As the elite Dreadknight raised its massive sword forth towards them, to which the other four bellowed out ferociously. ¡°Uh-Uh, ar-are we going t-to die?¡± Lara squeaked out. ¡°Not if we have anything to do with it!¡± Jedd snapped back, ¡°Farvo, Rey, Lara disruptive fire on the smaller four! Roy cover us!¡± She shouted out as her form grew into a half-beast. ¡°Jor, with me!¡± Seeing as she charged in towards the elite, Kaine had no qualms about following, rushing in after her and with Nova soaring behind them both. ¡°We may not be able to kill them! But we can break through!¡± Jedd exclaimed as they reached half-way to the Dreadknight. ¡°Let¡¯s lead it off!¡± She said. And Kaine nodded back, catching on to her plan he quickly assigned his arcane points and poured mana into his right hand where Telaquitzl infested his blade with demonic winds. ¡°Nova blind it!¡± Kaine ordered and the serpent flapped its wings hard, soaring forth suddenly at thrice the speed and trailing a crimson blaze behind her, Nova appeared into the Dreadknight¡¯s face out of nowhere. Pausing and hovering before its eyes, Nova opened her wings wide and flashed them at maximum brightness, briefly blinding both Jedd and Kaine behind her but so close to the Dreadknight she was that the creature stumbled back from surprise. Causing it to be unable to witness as Jedd¡¯s hammer rose up towards it, bashing into its chin and stumbling back even further, where Kaine appeared with sword in hand. Dashing into the out of balance creature, he drove his blade deep into the monster¡¯s back. Both Jedd¡¯s {Leaping Strike} and Kaine¡¯s {Assassinate} hitting the Dreadknight all at once, yet still the monster regained its balance, stomping down its massive foot and quaking the ground about it, the Dreadknight huffed as it opened its eyes wide. Staring straight into Jedd as she fell before it. ¡°Oh shi-¡± Jedd was cut off mid-swear as the Dreadknight¡¯s free hand slammed into her from the side, sending her soaring off and rolling to a rough stop. ¡°Jedd!¡± Kaine exclaimed, holding on tight to the monster¡¯s back, he watched as she lay unmoving. ¡°Bastard¡­¡± He mused, turning to look up at the goliath he held onto¡­ As the Dreadknight¡¯s head suddenly turned, 180 degrees it turned to look straight down at him. ¡°Well that can¡¯t be healthy.¡± Nova mused from hovering nearby, evading as the Dreadknight¡¯s great blade slashed up at it. ¡°I-I¡¯m fine!¡± Jedd groaned right then, shakily pulling herself up, ¡°But I don¡¯t think I can take many more of those hits!¡± ¡°We¡¯re way in over our heads!¡± Roy shouted out from the other side, as the rest lay grouped up and slowly retreating towards them, the other four lesser dreadknights continuing to advance and close in on them. ¡°Oh, not good.¡± Kaine then mused as the Dreadknight he hung onto leaned forward whilst wearing a wide wicked smirk. Leaping off the creature¡¯s back just in time, Kaine came to a rolling stop nearby to see the monster slam its own back into the floor, cracking the paving and stone below it also drove Kaine¡¯s sword deeper into its back. ¡°Oh, master¡¯s not getting that one back.¡± Nova pointed out as the creature turned its head back to normal, its eyes focusing on Nova now as it began to stand back up. ¡°Jeddd! We need a leasher!¡± Farvo exclaimed in shaky panic, as before them three of the lesser dreadknights where coming all too close whilst one lay single-legged and crawling way behind those. Retrieving her hammer, Jedd rose to glance in between Kaine and her party, seemingly unsure as what to do. ¡°Go help them! I¡¯ll keep this one at bay!¡± Kaine shouted, noticing her indecision. ¡°But¡­you can¡¯t take it on alone!¡± Jedd shouted back. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine!¡± Kaine added, evading to the side as the Dreadknight¡¯s sword came crashing down onto his form, he came to standing by its foot where it rose to stomp down on him. Evading once again all too fast for the goliath, Kaine put some distance in between them now. ¡°Weaponless only means I got nothing weighing me down!¡± He said, ¡°Go!¡± As he stared up at the looming monster, ¡°Plus, look around.¡± He then mused, and Jedd glanced all about their surroundings. ¡°We might as well be standing in an armoury of low rate equipment!¡± He announced at the piles of fallen undead minions and their old rusty weapons. ¡°Fine, don¡¯t you die on us now!¡± She warned him back, taking a deep breath, ¡°We¡¯ll be right with you!¡± She added before suddenly taking off into a dash towards the rest of the party. Seeing as Lara¡¯s vines hold the Dreadknights back, and just as the spell was broken through.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKBstPFnyMY
¡°Twins! On me!¡± Jedd exclaimed, leaping into the fight and crashing onto the nearest lesser dreadknight, her strength and weight pushed the monster off-balance and forcing it to fall over. Crushing underneath itself two unsuspecting skeletons. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am!¡± Rey answered her leader¡¯s call, as she and her brother let out a barrage of projectiles onto the fallen lesser dreadknight, hitting the creature just as Jedd leaped out of the way. ¡°Aye! Krell focus those vines on the left-most two! I¡¯ll pick em boys off!¡± Farvo exclaimed as he reloaded his cannon. ¡°Y-Yes!¡± Lara replied with a nod, raising her right palm ahead as she held her grimoire open within her left, ¡°Entangle!¡± She chanted out, and the ground before her rumbled and crumbled as vines burrowed forth. Rushing through the ground and suddenly exploding out from underneath the two lesser dreaknight¡¯s feet, the vines entangled all the way up to their waist. ¡°Ohohoh, hold them still now! Been saving this shot and it packs a punch!¡± Farvo warned, chuckling with both anxiety and amusement, as he took aim right in between the two monsters¡¯ feet. Lighting up the back of his weapon, the short string quickly burned through and was followed by an explosion. Sending forth the projectile he had loaded up, it slammed down into the ground right in between the two lesser dreadknights. Metal unlike his usual rocky projectiles, the short stubby cylinder sparked alit as it landed, a second string hanging off the side was quickly burning away. ¡°Duck!¡± Farvo shouted, as he, Lara, Rey and Roy quickly fell to the floor, Jedd took cover behind the slowly rising lesser dreadknight she had previously tipped over. Moments later, the flame burned through to the end of the string, reaching into the smoking cylinder. As the projectile suddenly exploded, bursting forth a flurry of fire, force and metal. The metal container and more blasting outwards into a scattering of metallic shards, trailing flames as it expanded and engulfed the two lesser dreadknights.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Your party has shredded { Lesser Dreadknight [Level 14] } Martial Experience gained 50/700
Your party has shredded { Lesser Dreadknight [Level 14] } Martial Experience gained 100/700
¡°Wooohoooo!~¡± Farvo shouted out with joy ¡°Thank Tsarra for that one! Haha!¡± ¡°We¡¯re not done yet!¡± Jedd exclaimed, stepping aside as the third goliath stumbled back from the explosion but stood its ground. ¡°Lara!¡± ¡°H-Here!¡± Lara answered, turning to the monster and summoning forth another wave of vines, ¡°That w-was my l-last! I¡¯m out!¡± She exclaimed, seeing her now empty mana bar. Just as the vines slithered up the creature¡¯s lower body and tightened, restricting its movement, yet as it pulled and thrashed Jedd knew they wouldn¡¯t last long. ¡°Twins get its arms!¡± Jedd ordered, and the two of them took aim. ¡°Count on it!¡± Rey answered back. ¡°What arms!?¡± Roy also replied, as the both of them grinned. As a flurry of crossbow bolts began to barrage the monster¡¯s arms, most deflecting off the plated armour, yet some stuck through the cracks and into its zombified body. Following the white feathered bolts, Roy let loose his first arrow, aiming not just at the monster but at the bolts that had hit. As the arrow flew true and pierced through the bolt, digging deep into the rotten flesh. Growling in annoyance, the lesser dreadknight continued to struggle, yet this time raised its sword two-handed before itself as a shield from the ranged assault. Seeing her moment, Jedd grasped it. Taking the opportunity to rush at the monster and leap up into the air with her beastial athletic ability. She landed upon the lesser dreadknight¡¯s right arm, hammer previously held back behind her it now slammed onwards and into the creature¡¯s helm. Sending it a ringing like a bell, the dreadknight¡¯s eyes rolled back into its head, stunned and disoriented from the powerful slam. It lowered its arms beside itself, its heavy sword crashing down onto the floor as well. ¡°Outta the way!¡± Farvo then exclaimed, loaded and ready, he lay kneeling on one leg as he aimed his cannon. Heeding his warning, Jedd leapt out of the line of fire just as the lesser dreadknight¡¯s eyes rolled back into place, just as it began to recover from being stunned. The last thing it saw was a smoky explosion coming from a short stubby dwarf, and then darkness, as the rock bashed through the metal helm and dug itself inside its forehead. ¡°Boom! Headshot baby!¡± Farvo mused with glee.
Your party has sniped { Lesser Dreadknight [Level 14] } Martial Experience gained 150/700
¡°Nice shot!¡± Jedd cheered, watching the goliath fall dead with a ground shuddering crash. ¡°Watch it!¡± Rey then exclaimed. Jedd saw the horrified expressions of all her companions just as a massive hand enclosed around her legs, raising her off the ground and up into the air. She glanced at what was now above her, as the last lesser dreadknight held her upside down with its right hand. ¡°Krell!¡± Farvo shouted out, immediately beginning to reload as the Twins wasted no time to shower the monster¡¯s head and shoulders with projectiles either. ¡°Almost!¡± Lara exclaimed, watching anxiously as her mana bar very slowly regenerated, ¡°J-Just a f-fe-few moments!¡± ¡°Lara!¡± Jedd shouted, as she swung her hammer back and forth, yet the monster was out of her reach and its strength all too much for her legs to overcome. ¡°Anyone!¡± She exclaimed, and suddenly the lesser dreadknight slammed her down into the ground. Pushing her into the cracking pavement and earth below, Jedd struggled against its hand as it slowly crushed her. As it growled and roared out horridly, Jedd could only watch her own health points drop.
{ [Life]: 11/24}
{ [Life]: 9/24}
When a flash of flame then burst alive before her eyes, Jedd watched as Nova dive bombed down into the lesser dreadknight¡¯s left eye. Burning through the flesh, the serpent seared through and dug deep.
Your party has wormed-out { Lesser Dreadknight [Level 14] } Martial Experience gained 200/700
Feeling the pressure upon her cease, Jedd quickly pushed the dead monster¡¯s hand off herself. ¡°That! Was close!¡± She exclaimed, feeling as Lara¡¯s healing magic then filled her, Jedd turned to the serpent as she crawled out of the monster¡¯s eye-socket drenched in brain-juices. ¡°Nice flying snak-¡± She was about to say but was cut off. ¡°Quickly pup! Master! Master is in trouble!¡± Nova exclaimed frantically, and each of them turned to where they had left Kaine. Jedd following the serpent¡¯s gaze to see the elite dreadknight looming over a frozen Jor, unmoving and staring off into the creature¡¯s weapon. As the Dreadknight lay covered in cuts and surrounded by many a shattered weapon, it stopped to stand before him, slowly raising its great sword higher. Jedd watched as Kaine¡¯s hands lay in fists, as his body shivered, as if struggling to move. Many things went through Jedd¡¯s mind then. That maybe she could reach him before the monster dealt its blow. Maybe, Lara had regained enough mana to quickly cast her entangle. Or that maybe Farvo could reload quick enough to stop it. But she knew none of those could work, they were too far for both her and the twins to reach in time. Lara was out of mana from healing her and Farvo took all too long to reload his weapon. Realising then that, ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do¡­¡± she said, her eyes widening with dread as she watched the monster¡¯s blade stop from rising. As the Dreadknight growled out, ¡°Die!¡± in a rough and hoarse voice. -
Moments Earlier
- Kaine evaded left and right, picking up swords, daggers and spears before finding his way around the Dreadknight¡¯s attacks and driving them into its body. Yet all failed, each weapon snapped or shattered, all too weak to even scratch the plate armour the monster wore. Grimacing as the monster¡¯s metal boot crashed into his body, sending him tumbling back several feet, Kaine groaned in agony as he pushed himself to stumble up into standing. ¡°Weak!¡± The elite growled, chuckling monstrously as it approached him once more, ¡°Bug! Squash!¡± it hissed out, charging up to him as fast as its massive body allowed before smashing its fist down onto where he lay. Kaine evaded with all his might, rolling to the side and just barely coming out from being punched into pulp. ¡°Intruder! Fool! Flee flea!¡± The monster growled out in annoyance, rising to loom over Kaine. As his previously agitated breathing came to a calm, soft, sigh. Kaine¡¯s eyes changed from frantic to dead cold, as he stared up at the monster. No¡­No I won¡¯t¡­ He told himself, as briefly a greenish sword hilt flickered into his view, but just as quickly it disappeared. Not here¡­Not in front of¡­ In its stead, his memory took over, the sight of a man¡¯s eyes staring up at him. Eyes full of desperation, eyes full of hate. Not¡­not again¡­ Kaine swore to himself, over and over. Not again! As the sight of the mercenary changed to many he had seen before, game character after game character flashed before his eyes. Players he had defeated in both the old world of Aether Rifts and its arena. Yet none matched the sight of that mercenary, none equalled the hatred Kaine had seen in those eyes. None of their demises matched the sound that bullet had made. ¡°Die!¡± ¡°Jor!¡± ¡°Hell!¡± ¡°Watch it!¡± ¡°No!¡± Several voices blurred through his mind then, and he recognized each of them. He recognised the monster¡¯s amused bellow, as he knew its blade was now descending onto him. He recognised Jedd¡¯s voice calling his character name. I can¡¯t¡­ He recognised Farvo swearing out. You don¡¯t understand¡­ He recognised Roy¡¯s voice warning him. I can¡¯t let it out¡­ He recognised Lara¡¯s horrified scream. I¡¯d rather¡­die- ¡°Kaine! Don¡¯t die!¡± Then he recognised Rey¡¯s voice, calling out his name. His name, his real name, not this persona he put up. Not Jor, not Jormungandr. Not any of the characters he played, not even Nidhogg. He heard Kaine. Ahah¡­Fine. His vision then returned, Kaine watched as the Dreadknight¡¯s sword descended on him. You asked for it. ¡°Die? Good luck with that.¡± Kaine then hissed out, sidestepping the monster¡¯s weapon. ¡°I see what does not, in turn, see me!¡± He then chanted, disappearing from sight. ¡°Hah, you¡¯re gonna have to try a lot harder than that!¡± Kaine announced as he now stood several feet away. ¡°Flea! You just flee!¡± The Dreadknight bellowed out in response, rising back up it began to charge at him. ¡°Flee? Maybe he did, but not me.¡± Kaine then said, wearing a smile as wide as his face could manage, Kaine wickedly grinned as he kneeled down to grasp the first lesser dreadknight¡¯s sword. As the elite came down upon him, bashing down his gauntlet into where Kaine stood, it growled out in surprise as Kaine raised the sword and deflected the attack to the side. Backing off and away, Kaine dragged the great sword behind him, all too heavy for him to wield properly. Still he smiled, as he rasied the blade to lay on his shoulder, he held it up only with his right hand as he raised his left forward. ¡°You¡¯ve met Jor, you¡¯ve even met the scaredy-cat, so come on doofus.¡± Kaine mocked, waving the monster forth as it bellowed in ferocious fury. Kaine''s eyes were wide, his smile still just as, yet he shook. Kaine trembled, but not with fear, and neither with struggling to restrain himself. No, not this time. ¡°So come, and meet Nidhogg.¡± He was shaking with excitement. Ch 37 - Turn up the M.A.D ¡°You¡¯ve met me, now come on you big buffoon!¡± He exclaimed as the Dreadknight charged at him, quickly opening his windows and switching around his stats, ¡°Meet¡­ME!¡± Nidhogg exclaimed as the Dreadknight¡¯s sword descended upon him, raising his own effortlessly into its way, the two massive blades clashed and sparks flashed forth. ¡°Flea¡­No?¡± The Dreadknight then mused, backing away from his opponent, it briefly sniffed the air before refocusing on him. ¡°You not Flea! You¡­You!¡± The bellowed, as blue magic flared alive within its eyes. ¡°Demon!¡± It exclaimed. ¡°Haha! Demon! I sure like the sound of that!¡± Nidhogg announced in amusement, spinning his massive sword about with both hands before bringing it back up to point forth as he took a readied stance, ¡°Now shut your blabbering trap, and fucking entertain me! Cause where ya like it or not!...¡± He chuckled, as his grin widened fully. Licking his upper teeth, he chuckled wickedly. ¡°I¡¯m about to turn up the mad!¡±
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mphsZckE8g4
Stomping forth, Nidhogg then suddenly leapt.
Martial Skills Unlocked!
A notification said, gone unseen by him as he lay amidst combat. As more, then followed.
Your {Patron} imbues your martial prowess!
Martial Art {Familiar Weapon}
Martial Art {Demonic Will}
Martial Art {Demonize}
Master Art unlock in progress: {???}; 0%
As he soared, a flash of light zoomed into his path, Nova hovered in his way wings spread wide open and ablaze. ¡°Familiar Weapon! Infuse!¡± He exclaimed, and Nova¡¯s form suddenly burst into sparks, lights which quickly engulfed his wielded weapon. Entering the metal. Binding, with the sword. As the metal itself changed and shrunk down, missing from colliding with the Dreadknight¡¯s sword once more. Quickly the weapon changed, as within Nidhogg¡¯s hands now appeared the serpentine dagger, its blade not made of anything physical but instead a steady beam of greenish arcane energy with blackness churning at the centre.
Master Art unlock in progress: {???}; 20%
As he spun forwards, landing with his feet onto the monster¡¯s wide chest, Nidhogg pushed with both and quickly kicked upwards with his right. Nailing the monster¡¯s helmet and suddenly knocking it off the Dreadknight¡¯s head. Continuing into a backroll, Nidhogg landed before the confused Dreadknight perfectly on both feet, before suddenly retreating several leaps back. Leaving the elite completely disoriented as they rushed to focus back on his now still form. ¡°A dagger? Oh you¡¯ve just gotta be kidding me!¡± Nidhogg groaned in annoyance, waving the dagger about his fingers like a parlour trick. ¡°Does this form displease master?¡± Nova¡¯s voice asked from within the weapon, as the serpentine eyes flashed green with each word.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Hah, it¡¯s more Jor¡¯s style, but I¡¯ll make due!¡± Nidhogg answered back, gripping the dagger tightly with his right hand then. As the Dreadknight stomped forth towards him before suddenly breaking into another charge. ¡°Aha, NPCs, so damn predictable.¡± He mused, readying himself for the monster as it barrelled forth. Waiting for it to reach a few feet from him and attack, Nidhogg bent back and beneath the creature¡¯s slicing blade. Doing a hand-stand backwards using solely his left hand, as he kept his right hand behind his back, Nidhogg spun back around to face the Dreadknight once more. Smirking as the elite continued its attack upwards, before bringing it down on him. The ground quaked as Nidhogg wielded the dagger two-handed now, raising it up and parrying the massive blade, greenish energy burst out into a smoky cloud where they collided. ¡°Master! Use your new abilities!¡± The weapon said. ¡°Oh? Ohoho¡­Hahahah!¡± Nidhogg laughed out, just now noticing the rest of the unlocks. ¡°Hell yeah! Demonic Will!¡± He chanted out, and hellish energies then suddenly poured out from within the dagger, meeting with his own mana at the touch of his skin.
Master Art unlock in progress: {???}; 40%
Hell itself entered him, flooding into his body and filling his mind with a rush. Reaching deep within him, yet suddenly pausing, as something inside kept it from going any further. ¡°Bah, party pooper, fine.¡± Nidhogg then mused, knowing what it was. He suddenly ended the power struggle and deflected the Dreadknight¡¯s blade aside, his physical strength having suddenly risen, the elite stumbled back. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll just have to¡­hold back a little! Just a bit!¡± Nidhogg exclaimed, eyes widening, ¡°Just a tad!¡± He shouted out once more, a maddened expression filling his face as he took a step forth. ¡°I¡¯ll hold back just a blood drop away~¡± Smiling widely with insane glee, a dark aura then suddenly burst out of him, crashing down upon the Dreadknight.
Spell {Dreadful Sight} has reached maximum level!
Spell {Dreadful Sight} has evolved into {Dreadful Aura}!
Chuckling at the upgrade, Nidhogg looked up at the now stunned monster. ¡°Oh, how sinister a skill, me likey!¡± He exclaimed, suddenly dashing into the Dreadknight¡¯s legs. Diving his dagger into the monster¡¯s left leg, before quickly pulling it out, spinning left to right, Nidhogg entered a stabbing spree. Chuckling and smirking, eyes filled with insanity all the while. Then evading backwards just as the Dreadknight¡¯s sword crashed into the ground where he once danced, Nidhogg took in a deep breath, watching as that same Dreadknight then collapsed onto its knees. Growling and hissing, the monster did its best to try and pull itself back up, but it was no use as even for an undead its legs were utterly ruined. ¡°Aww, ya out of juice already?¡± Nidhogg asked, spinning the dagger about his fingers, playing around with his demonic weapon. He slowly approached the undead. ¡°Come on, we can¡¯t stop just yet!¡± He said, coming within striking distance, he side-stepped just as the Dreadknight¡¯s fist pummelled forth. Stabbing his dagger deep into the arm several times before the monster could react, it then quickly pulled its hand back, but it was far too late as it also fell limp beside itself. ¡°Oh, oh, you¡¯re an elite but you¡¯re still a minion right?! Come on, if you can¡¯t fight then where is it? Where¡¯s your master!?¡± Nidhogg exclaimed, coming to stand in the monster¡¯s face, the elite suddenly reared back and away seemingly in confusion. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what, I¡¯ll cut you deal!¡± Nidhogg exclaimed, suddenly cutting off what remained of the elite¡¯s right ear. Causing the monster to rear back further and stumble onto its bony ass, ¡°So listen closely now!¡± He chuckled as he said so, leaping forth into the monster, Nidhogg slammed his feet into the elite and forced it back. Slamming it down into the ground and coming to stand over its chest. Nidhogg chuckled wickedly as he kneeled down, looming over the creature¡¯s rotting face. ¡°Listen listen now!¡± He said, laughing after he did, ¡°Tell me where your master is! And I¡¯ll stop playing around with you! I¡¯ll just kill you right now and end your pitiful suffering! You can¡¯t hope to beat me anyway!¡± He exclaimed. To which the Dreadknight growled, ¡°Demon, you will never reach the centre!¡± it hissed in reply. And Nidhogg¡¯s smile widened, ¡°Oh, really? Well thank you for the information!¡± he mused, as suddenly the monster¡¯s remaining fist rose at him. Raising his own right hand, palm wide open, Nidhogg bare-handedly stopped the monster¡¯s fist albeit the shudder than surged through his body, causing him to shake his shoulders and head. ¡°Ohohohoho! Now that¡¯s a punch!¡± He exclaimed with glee, ¡°I guess I should keep my side of the bargain! Right? Right! Right!?¡± Suddenly rising and pushing the monster¡¯s fist aside as it watched with great horror, Nidhogg drove the dagger into the elite¡¯s forehead.
You have destroyed { {Elite} Dreadknight [Level 18] } Martial Experience gained 320/900 Arcane Experience gained 245/400
Taking in a long deep breath, Nidhogg rose to standing over the now inanimate corpse¡¯s chest. Letting go of the dagger, it fell half way before bursting into flame and turning back into Nova. He took several nauseated steps back, stopping himself before stumbling off, he held his face and rubbed his eyes several times. Then let the breath out, reopening his eyes and glancing over to where the rest of his party watched with hanging open mouths and dumbfounded expressions. ¡°So¡­¡± He coughed to clear his throat, ¡°Who wants loot?...¡± Kaine asked awkwardly. Ch 38 - Crazy is the new norm ¡°So¡­Who wants loot?¡± Kaine asked, stumbling back onto his ass, he sat down exhausted upon the massive monster¡¯s chest. ¡°Wha-What was¡­¡± Jedd began to ask, as she and the rest were still several meters away from him, watching then as Kaine suddenly grabbed hold of his own head. Nonononono! Ya just gave me control! Hell if I¡¯m being pushed back down so soon bossman! Nidhogg bellowed within Kaine¡¯s mind, as he then felt the change he had grown so used to at this point, something only he and very few others knew he was afflicted by. As the personality of Kaine dropped under the surface, Nidhogg rose back up in control. A wide wicked grin alongside the eyes of a madman, he pulled himself back up into standing, ¡°Sup.¡± He stated simply, glancing over the rest of the party. ¡°Didn¡¯t get to introduce myself, sorry but, these two have no manners¡­Hahaha!¡± Laughing out suddenly he leaped off the corpse, landing onto the crumbled floor Nidhogg faced them with wide open arms. ¡°Took the Tides of War scene by storm! All eyes on me! Hahaha! The spotlight itself, life of the party! Ladies and gentlemen,¡± Giving an overly dramatic bow, stumbling two feet forward as he did and coming to a standing stop, ¡°I, am Nidhogg, and yes I do give autographs!¡± He exclaimed. Ugh¡­Please, stop, you¡¯re killing me. ¡°Oh but If you died then so would we!¡± Nidhogg then hissed out under his breath, yet still fully audible to the rest. ¡°And no, not stopping!¡± He then said with a playful tone that told of someone who absolutely did not care one bit for the response. If I could, I¡¯d hurt you. ¡°Uhhh, what in the bloody hell are you talking about kid?¡± Farvo mused out of the flabbergasted crows. Roy elbowed his sister, ¡°I think he¡¯s actually lost it.¡± He whispered to Rey. ¡°You think!?¡± Nidhogg then exclaimed, still smiling widely he began approaching them casually, ¡°Oh I lost it long, long, long, loooonngggg ago!¡± Let, me, do, the god damn explaining! ¡°Oh shut it, this is too fun!¡± Nidhogg whispered to himself once more. ¡°So, where should I start¡­hhhmmmmmm~¡± He hummed on for a dreadfully long time. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Jedd raised her finger forward as if she was about to ask something. ¡°Ahh right, right? Right!¡± Nidhogg then shouted out, cutting her off, ¡°I should start by saying that I am indeed absolutely fucking bonkers and that I¡¯m okay with it!¡± I¡¯m not okay with it! ¡°We¡¯re not? Oh, we¡¯re not¡­¡± Nidhogg mused seemingly in realization, as suddenly the same aura that had previously stunned the Dreadknight burst out of his body and filled his surroundings, ¡°But of course I¡¯m not fucking okay with it you dim-witted half-assed excuse of a true neutral personality! Why the fuck would I be okay with being stuck in our god damn head for over a fucking year! Seriously do YOU know how bloody dreadful that guy in there is!? Not to mention watching you move everything AND knowing that THAT THING is in there WITH ME!¡± To the rest at this point, it became very apparent that Kaine had gone, if he hadn¡¯t already been, absolutely insane. Oh lord, what have I done? ¡°WE!¡± Nidhogg then shouted out, coughing to clear his throat before turning to face the crows once again, as If nothing had just occurred. Each of the crows had upgraded from flabbergasted to now utterly speechless with shock. ¡°Aight so, I¡¯ll put it as simply as I can, okay, okay? OKAY!?¡± He finally shouted. Causing Lara to snap at attention, ghostly pale, ¡°O-O-O-Okay!¡± she was terrified. ¡°Aight, aight, now picture this.¡± Nidhogg began to explain, ¡°I¡¯m, they¡­WE! Are like a, ya know what a Hydra is right? Yeah, yeah? Of course you do! We¡¯re a fucking Hydra, just, nothing of the multiple heads thingamajig. Several brains in¡­wait no that doesn¡¯t make any fucking sense but then again none of this makes any fucking sense from the god damn condition to each of our personalities to this entire bloody situation but in that same way the world doesn¡¯t make sense no, no, no life doesn¡¯t make any fuck-¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Again, Nidhogg trailed off. Focus! ¡°Shit, right, anyway we have D.I.D.¡± Nidhogg then said with a friendly smile, a very toothy one. ¡°Did?¡± Rey mused in further confusion. ¡°Dissociative Identity Disorder¡­¡± Roy mumbled out in realization, looking back at who he knew as Jor or Kaine but now as Nidhogg, ¡°I mean¡­how many of you are in there?¡± ¡°Ehh, up to two at the best of times, I¡¯m usually being strangled by two and the other¡­we don¡¯t talk about that thing.¡± Nidhogg casually answered with a shrug. I mean¡­okay, not the worst answer. ¡°Strangled?¡± Rey asked with a twitching brow. ¡°Thing?...¡± Farvo mused. ¡°So, four¡­?¡± Roy continued. ¡°Eh, sure, let¡¯s say that.¡± Nidhogg replied, ¡°Annyyywayy,¡± He then waved his hands over to the large corpse laying behind him, ¡°Loot?¡± he said motioning with his head also. Someone within Nidhogg¡¯s mind mentally facepalmed. ¡°C-Can we talk with¡­Kaine?¡± Jedd then asked, gaining herself a dead-cold glare from him. ¡°Oh yeah sure, everyone wants to talk to that guy but too bad he never wants to talk to anybody, I mean it¡¯s not like one would think a guy would at least speak a single fucking word to you after spending an entire bloody year stuck in utter oblivion with him but noooo fucker doesn¡¯t say jack god damn squat all year and then suddenly this other jack ass decides to block me from having any fun WHAT SO GOD DA-¡± As Nidhogg was emotionally exploding he then suddenly stumbled about, seemingly dizzy as he held his face and tried his best not to fall over. Coming to a still stop, he took a deep breath before shakily looking up at them, ¡°Sorry¡­for that.¡± He told them. ¡°Which¡­are you now?¡± Jedd asked as she held Lara behind herself, as the mage now lay trembling from fear. ¡°Ah¡­Where do I start?¡± He chuckled before sighing, ¡°I guess I¡¯m who you know as Jor, but you¡¯ve also met Kaine.¡± He tried to explain. ¡°The dynamite moron back there was¡­regrettably, Nidhogg.¡± ¡°Wait so you actually weren¡¯t joking when you said you have multiple¡­¡± Rey began to ask but forgot what exactly he had said. ¡°Three different conflicting personalities,¡± Kaine corrected, ¡°This, is Kaine right now, for the record.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡± Roy then asked, brimming with curiosity. ¡°These days not much of a difference between us two,¡± Jor answered this time, ¡°We¡¯ve learned to be alike one another since we¡¯re the prevailing personalities, as to fit in with less¡­insane people. And yeah we¡¯ve basically surrendered ourselves that we actually are fucking insane.¡± He ended with an awkward chuckle. ¡°To be precise, me, Kaine and Jor are capable of switching between ourselves on a whim. I, am the more precise and logical of the two while he is¡­¡± Kaine began explaining, ¡°I, Jor, am less of an entitled asshole and somewhat more understanding of what being human is compared to being a robot. You¡¯ve mostly spoken with me since, he prefers to take the back seat and think, I like to just act on whims.¡± ¡°And I am!-¡± Suddenly Kaine slapped himself, ¡°Sorry¡­he¡¯ll be a pain to keep down since I let him out recently¡­¡± He awkwardly explained, rubbing his now reddened cheek. ¡°This is crazy.¡± Rey said with wide, astonished eyes. ¡°Can¡¯t deny that I ain¡¯t.¡± Jor said with a shrug and a smile. ¡°But hey, bloody relieving not having to hide it anymore I tell you what¡­¡± He then sighed, ¡°Least now I can let Nidhogg out without having to bullshit my way through what happens after¡­¡± ¡°Wait so¡­if Jor and Kaine can switch about on a whim, how does it work for the crazy one?...Crazier one, sorry.¡± Roy then asked, his curious nature unraveling. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Kaine groaned, ¡°That one is a pompous, show-off catastrophe just waiting to happen.¡± Glancing over to Rey then, ¡°Jor didn¡¯t lie earlier, we just kept some of the truth out. Nidhogg only tries to come out when he has an¡­audience.¡± ¡°This is actually completely insane, you¡¯re for real right?¡± Farvo asked, also just as confused and surprised as the rest, other than Roy who at this point was lost entirely on the nerdy details. ¡°Aha, yeah, I don¡¯t blame you if¡­you know you don¡¯t want anything to do with m-¡± Jor began to say. ¡°Hah¡­¡± When suddenly Jedd bent over forward, tears streaming down her eyes as she laughed her heart out, she fell kneeling down to the floor as she did. ¡°So you really are crazy!¡± She exclaimed, wiping the tears off before glancing up at him, ¡°Ah¡­Don¡¯t get me wrong, I didn¡¯t expect this development at all! I thought you were just too traumatized to see blood, feel a rush or something along those lines! But this? Oh, oh this is golden!¡± she exclaimed. Suddenly standing up then, Jedd¡¯s form shrunk down to her more human one. Taking Kaine¡¯s hands into her own, his cheeks burned red at this, as she stared him straight in the eye. ¡°I can¡¯t let this opportunity pass me by! You¡¯re just what we¡¯ve been looking for!¡± ¡°We?¡± Kaine paused on that word, possibly having been expecting a different one. Hah, cockblocked! ¡°We have?...¡± Farvo questioned the entire sentence. ¡°A loose cannon! Every good party needs one!¡± Jedd explained, ¡°Good thing I snatched you up into the Crimson Crows before you decided to head back with those two!¡± ¡°Honestly I¡¯d have rather gone off solo¡­¡± Jor groaned, ¡°But¡­so¡­you¡¯re not going to chain me up, knock me out and walk away forgetting I exist?...¡± Oh shit, you were actually listening when I said that!? Jedd simply looked at him with her confusion returning. ¡°Ahaha¡­Kaine was joking¡­he¡¯s not good at that.¡± Jor lied to save himself, ¡°For the record, that was a lie.¡± Kaine then added. Returning to a Jor who didn¡¯t know what else to say. ¡°This¡­will take some getting used to.¡± Jedd mused, letting go of his hands. ¡°You¡¯re telling me¡­¡± Jor groaned, rubbing his eyelids as he once more sighed deeply. ¡°Important question though¡­what should we even call you?¡± Jedd then asked, ¡°I mean, if we can¡¯t tell from you know, Jor and Kaine?¡± ¡°Can you tell Nidhogg apart?¡± Kaine then asked. ¡°Yeap.¡± Jedd simply replied. ¡°No question about that mate.¡± Farvo chuckled. ¡°Good god yes.¡± Rey also added with several nods. ¡°Well then¡­just Kaine, will do fine.¡± He said, ¡°I¡­we really don¡¯t mind.¡± ¡°Then Kaine it is.¡± Jedd announced. ¡°Soo¡­about that loot.¡± Rey then mused, glancing over at the large corpse still laying before them. Yes! The god damn loot! Nidhogg mentally and maniacally laughed with joy. Ch 39 - Heading Back...? Kaine dug his hand deep inside the corpse¡¯s chest, stripped from its armour, caved in and carved up, he held his nostrils shut with one hand and fished around inside with the other. ¡°Oh, Oh I¡¯m gonna¡­¡± Lara groaned out, hearing the squishing and sploshing as he reached in, she suddenly leaned over then and let her stomach loose as Jedd held her up. ¡°I...don¡¯t think Lara can take it any longer¡­¡± Jedd mused. ¡°We¡¯ve pretty much gathered everything useful out of the minions.¡± Roy also added. ¡°Almost!¡± Kaine groaned back, having finally grasped something familiar, he pulled with all his might. ¡°Ah, got it.¡± Rising away from the rotting flesh-hole his arm had just been inside, as that arm¡¯s same hand now held a violet cloth sack wrapped in pitch black rope. ¡°So, how exactly will this work now?¡± Rey then asked, ¡°I mean, we didn¡¯t really take part in killing this one.¡± ¡°This is a dungeon, and this elite here was standing as a miniboss, I¡­Nidhogg might have taken down the boss but you all took care of its minions.¡± Kaine explained, leaping off the corpse and landing amongst them, he lay the sack down and began untying the rope. ¡°I do wonder though, this one is an elite yet its threshold ability never activated.¡± ¡°Kaine?¡± Roy then said, pointing at him. ¡°Yes¡­¡± Kaine answered with a groan, Roy had been playing this guessing game ever since, trying to guess which of his personalities were speaking at what time. ¡°Anyhow, let¡¯s see what it¡¯s got for us.¡± ¡°Jor, right?¡± Roy then mused once more, gaining himself an annoyed glare from the entire party. ¡°Ah¡­sorry.¡± Opening the sack wide, Kaine stepped away, ¡°Go ahead.¡± He gestured them forward, and Jedd needed nothing further to step to first. Kneeling down before the blackhole that lay within the sack, she reached down into the depths of darkness, grasping something before pulling it out. Eyy! More swag! Shut it. Kaine watched as each of his party pulled out their reward. A dark-metal full helm for Jedd, crafting materials for Farvo, a belt of knives for Roy, unnaturally soft red gloves brimming with energy for Lara and lastly a gleaming dark-metal dagger for Rey. ¡°You¡¯re next mate,¡± Farvo then said, watching as Kaine faltered from approaching the bag. ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Kaine whispered out, still reminded of the last game-given equipment he received, he stepped to the loot bag. Kneeling down before it, he drove his right hand down into the unknown. Feeling about the darkness until his skin connected with something¡­It was soft to the touch but sturdy as he grasped onto it, Kaine pulled out his reward. Dangling it in front of himself, he inspected it.
[Dark Knight¡¯s Cape] Make: Arcane Creator: Revenants of Darkness Material: Wraith Skin, Troll Fur, Dread Spider Silk, Hobgoblin Claws, Dark-Iron Durability: 100% {Dark Volatility}; Whichever stat from [Strength] or [Dexterity] is higher, the following effects apply- [Troll¡¯s Strength]: If [Strength] is higher than [Dexterity], + 10% to [Strength] [Wraith¡¯s Dexterity]: If [Dexterity] is higher than [Strength], + 10% to [Dexterity] [Darkness]: If both [Dexterity] and [Strength] are equal, - 80% to both and + 50% to [Intelligence] These effects are applied post other stat bonuses.
It was a dark cape with dark grey fur about the top and dangling blue strings ending in pitch-black claws. ¡°Well, this would have been so much more useful if¡­¡± Kaine sighed as donned the cape onto his back, he then opened his character window.
{Jor Mungandr}
{Character} Race: Dark Elf Total Level: 13 Martial Level: 9 Arcana Level: 4 Crafting Level: 0 Main Faction: None Reputation: {Mixed} Guild: None Title: {The Merciless} Racial Title: {First of the Dark Born}
{Equipment} [Elven Civilian Shirt] [Elven Vest] [Elven Shoulder Guards] [Dark Knight¡¯s Cape]If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. [Elven Knee Guards] [Elven Helmet] [Bandage Gloves] [Vine Belt] {Nova} [Elven Civilian Pants] [Elven Boots]
{Arts} [Martial Arts]; 9 {0} Neutral Points -Strength / 19 (23.75) - -Agility / 13 - -Dexterity / 9 (11.25)- -Vitality / 14- -Perception / 14 (14)- [Arcane Arts]; 4 {0} Neutral Points -Intelligence / 7- -Spirit / 7- -Expertise / 4- -Sense / 7- -Aura / 4- [Crafting Arts]; 0 -Brightsmithing / 0- -Enchanting / 0- -Handicraft / 0- -Leatherworking / 0- -Blacksmithing / 0- -Tinkering / 0- -Alchemy / 0- -Ritualcraft / 0- -Herbalism / 0- -Gathering / 0- -Mining / 0- -Woodchopping / 0- -Hunting / 0- -Cooking / 0- -Minstrelcraft / 0- -Sigilcraft / 0-
¡°If someone hadn¡¯t fucked up our entire build¡­¡± He groaned. Bah, it¡¯s better this way anyway! ¡°I can and will hurt you¡­us¡­¡± Kaine then whispered under his breath as he held his face in annoyance. ¡°What do you mean? That looks awesome!¡± Rey exclaimed, playing about with her new dagger by picking her teeth with its very shiny pointed end. ¡°You do realise that¡­¡± Kaine was about to say but then just watched as she fell face first onto the floor, paralysed.
[Dread Edge Fang] Make: Arcane Creator: Revenants of Darkness Material: Troll Hide, Undead Bone, Dread Spider Fang, Dread Spider Venom Durability: 100% {Dreadful Touch}; The first hit dealt to a biological creature within combat paralyses them for 1min (-20 seconds for each consecutive use on each unique target). Creatures will remain paralysed until the effect runs out, until they are damaged beyond 25% of their maximum life, or the venom is counteracted.
¡°Well, you live you learn, I guess?¡± Roy said with a chuckle, kneeling down by his sister he proceeded to poking her with a femur bone nearby. Rey couldn¡¯t argue, she couldn¡¯t move nor respond at all. ¡°I guess we can all agree what monsters to expect moving onwards,¡± Jedd mused, equipping her own new helmet as its T shaped visor left only her eyes, nose and some of her mouth visible. ¡°More Undead, Trolls and whatever a Dread Spider is.¡± ¡°Something we¡¯re not strong enough to fight.¡± Kaine then said, ¡°Not if they keep coming at us in these large hordes.¡± He sighed, glancing over at the other end of the room, he could barely make it out in the darkness. Looking away from the shadows, he focused his eyes on Nova who fluttered nearby, suddenly grasping the little demon Kaine stumbled back in surprise as its form changed back to the dagger Nidhogg had wielded. ¡°So¡­you¡¯ve managed to get me to use it, now what?¡± Kaine asked, inspecting the blade-less weapon.
[{Nova}] Make: Shapeshifter Creator: Underworld {Arcane Weapon}; Wielding this weapon drains your [Arcana]. {Familiar Weapon}; Your demonic bond links you and your familiar, summon up your hellish beastie into a wieldable weapon through your [Under-Martial] skill {Familiar Weapon}! This weapon will grow in strength and abilities as you and your familiar do, changing in shape and use as you also change your familiar!
Releasing the serpent from his grasp then, Kaine watched as the weapon burst into flames, out of which reformed Nova. ¡°Now nothing master¡­Master thinks we demons are out to trick and fool you, yet we simply do not reveal our true natures to others. It is up to master to decide how to use Nova, how to make use of mistress¡¯s gifts. And whether to accept them.¡± Nova explained with a hiss. ¡°Sure¡­¡± Kaine replied, still distrustful of the demon and her patron, he let it go for now. ¡°About that actually¡­¡± Lara then said, still not looking away from her shiny new gloves, ¡°That d-dreadknight b-back there i-¡± ¡°It called you a Demon.¡± Roy cut her off as he himself remembered. ¡°Y-Yeah, and I don¡¯t think it w-was talking about your¡­s-snake.¡± Lara mused. ¡°The undead one sensed the one inside master.¡± Nova then added, and the entire party turned to her then. Kaine¡¯s cold eyes befalling solely on the little demon, as his aura of malice followed. ¡°What¡­do you mean¡­inside me!?¡± Kaine exclaimed, grabbing Nova once more yet this time she was too stunned by the fear effect to react and shapeshift. Slamming the winged serpent into the rotting corpse that was the dead elite, Kaine¡¯s eyes were focused into thin slits as he glared into her own. ¡°M-master doesn-doesn¡¯t know?...¡± Nova asked cautiously. ¡°Enlighten me.¡± Kaine hissed back, ¡°Or I swear I¡¯ll dissect you alive, and find out exactly how you tick.¡± ¡°M-Mistress sensed demons inside master¡­It is why master was c-chosen!¡± Nova quickly explained. ¡°What are you-¡± Kaine was about to ask. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s your D.I.D?¡± Roy then offered, ¡°I mean, Nidhogg is not far from the description of a pit fiend?...¡± ¡°You¡¯re joking right?¡± Kaine then asked, ¡°Does my brain sound like a joke?¡± ¡°It¡¯s t-the-¡± Lara then stuttered out, but her quiet voice couldn¡¯t match Roy and Kaine¡¯s. ¡°No no, I mean, maybe it¡¯s what the NPCs see?¡± Roy offered. ¡°Hah¡­and I¡¯m crazy?¡± Kaine then mused with a groan. ¡°It¡¯s th-the game!¡± Lara then suddenly exclaimed to be heard, gaining herself everyone¡¯s sudden attention, she couldn¡¯t help but turn bright red from it. ¡°The game?¡± Farvo repeated, ¡°What ye mean Krell?¡± ¡°T-The system, if it¡¯s out of c-co-control like the NPCs t-then¡­¡± Lara began to sheepishly explain, ¡°It would explain things l-like¡­your s-sister¡¯s weapon a-and this?¡± ¡°So, what you¡¯re basically saying is, that the system is deciding not just what it¡¯s supposed to like loot, encounters and story but¡­us as well?¡± Roy mumbled out, ¡°It¡¯s¡­deciding our story? How?¡± ¡°It knows everything we know.¡± Kaine then said, his expression falling solemn as he let go of Nova, ¡°Maybe¡­just maybe, it¡¯s reading our very thoughts and memories?...¡± ¡°Okay, that, now THAT is absolutely bonkers!¡± Rey then exclaimed, breathing in heavily as she regained her movement, carefully she then stowed away the apparently very dangerous dagger. ¡°Reading our minds!? Sure, it can read our body¡¯s motor controls, but brain? Fully? Hell no!¡± ¡°It¡¯s n-not that far f-fetched¡­¡± Lara added, ¡°To b-block others on t-the outside from f-forcefully logging us o-out¡­The s-system took over our g-gear too.¡± ¡°So¡­it¡¯s in our¡­c-computers?...¡± Rey then mused, her expression going absolutely pale at the very thought. ¡°Enough, there¡¯s no point in debating these things.¡± Jedd then stated with a steady tone, ¡°We¡¯re here now, we have no control over what is happening out there, but that doesn¡¯t mean that there¡¯s nothing we can do. Here is where we should put our focus, in surviving this damn death game.¡± Farvo nodded in agreement, ¡°I¡¯m sure experts are being driven hard to sort this shit out, sure this game¡¯s closed beta launch hasn¡¯t exactly destroyed any rankings but there are still hundreds of thousands of people trapped in here.¡± ¡°Play the game in front of you, before the war within,¡± Kaine then mused, ¡°It¡¯s something she¡­my sister, would say.¡± ¡°Y-Yeah¡­Sorry.¡± Rey apologised, calming herself down. ¡°Alright, we can¡¯t go forward, so let¡¯s head back.¡± Jedd told them all, ¡°This place¡­gives me the creeps anyway.¡± Turning back to the exit, the rest followed her back. Kaine too did so, giving Nova one last glaring glance before he walked off after them. Nova, as the obedient familiar that she was, flew after her master. Making sure to pick up one of the lesser dreadknight¡¯s massive swords on his way out, Kaine continued after his party. Reaching the open doors, a cold breeze blew past his left ear right then, sending a chill crawling down his spine. ¡°Leaving so soon?¡± Kaine stopped in his tracks and looked back into the dark hall, seeing nothing but the mayhem he and his companions had left behind, he swore he had heard a voice. ¡°Jo-Kaine? Everything alright?¡± Rey called back, noticing that he had stopped. ¡°Yeah¡­it¡¯s nothing?¡± Kaine mused, trying to make out the other end of the hall yet his eyes could not see that far into pitch-black darkness, turning back once more he continued after them. Gone unseen by any of them, a figure watched them leave from the opposite end of this hall¡­ Grey, almost white long hair falling into wisps of smoke, wearing a pitch-black set of tattered robes also with wispy endings. The being hovered a foot above the ground as he watched with his hollow- blue eye-sockets amongst a dried-up husk of a complexion.
{Lair Boss} {Krakt} Lich Lord [Level 53]
¡°No matter¡­you¡¯ll be back for more¡­fun, soon.¡± Ch 40 - A Disastrous Escape A quake shuddered the ground. As the sound of clashing metal and flesh filled the air. It all happened so fast that they barely had enough time to process it. As Kaine and the rest stepped out of the dungeon entrance and back into the Delve which spanned before them. They were greeted by the sight of Luna crushing an armoured Elf ¡®s head within her jaws, as the rest of the scene played out before them like a sick joke. Exiting the cavern to find themselves faced with a battlefield. ¡°What in the world¡­¡± Jedd mused as she watched the nearest Watcher dive bomb down into a squadron of Elven Covenants, blasting them aside with its massive wingspan before quickly leaping onto two halberdiers, tearing them asunder. ¡°The kingdom found us!¡± Luna exclaimed, rushing to their side as she noticed them. ¡°You must leave! They are after you!¡± ¡°After us? All the way down here!?¡± Roy said in surprise. ¡°Fucking persistent aren¡¯t they!?¡± Rey grumbled. ¡°Where¡¯s Dark and Sin?¡± Kaine asked the wolf. ¡°Apologies, your two comrades cannot be found anywhere! The pack thinks they were captured first as they left the Delve!¡± Luna explained frantically, sniffing the air as she kept eyes in each and every direction possible. ¡°They were leaving?...¡± Kaine mused, ¡°Hah, of course they were.¡± He sighed as his Dark Elf appearance quickly faded into his Elven disguise. ¡°W-What shou-should we do!?¡± Lara asked in a panic. ¡°Escape obviously.¡± Nova muttered but was overtaken by Jedd. ¡°We can¡¯t just let the Covenant leave with them, Luna, what¡¯s going on exactly?¡± She asked. ¡°They came all too suddenly miss, too many for the Pack to keep out so the Watchers took into battle as well! But-¡± Luna began to explain when suddenly an aura of malice filled the air. Out of the deepest cliffside of the Delve it rose, the Titan monster of this place, it flew up and loomed over the battlefield of clashing Elves and beasts. ¡°You¡­you dare attack this uncharted place? You dare, assault our home, our Delve.¡± Trio growled as each wingbeat sent the air shuddering all around it, sending down bursts of wind that even the party had to withstand. Kaine¡¯s stomach flopped as a second aura of power joined Trio¡¯s right then, this one far heavier and more terrifying than the Titan¡¯s. Watching with his keen eyes as the largest of the Covenant¡¯s platoons approached the edge on the complete other side of the Delve¡¯s mid-level. A white robed figure walked at the front of them, with an unfortunately familiar face. Donning the ornate robes of a mage, Elder Squire Dheron Tallow led the raid, wielding a long wooden staff ending in an emerald spike. ¡°You harbour fugitives, sir monster.¡± Dheron explained condescendingly as Kaine then noticed shadowy movements in the cliffs higher up. Noticing several dozens of bow-wielding Covenants taking aim at Trio and his Watchers. Raising his staff up, ¡°I am Dheron Tallow, Squire of the Elder¡¯s Coven. I command you, bring forth our quarry and we shall leave this place only mildly¡­scarred.¡± He said with a mocking grin. To which, Trio laughed. A resounding monstrous laughter which shook the entire Delve. ¡°Escape with your friends, Dark One,¡± Trio exclaimed, glancing over to Kaine with one of its three heads, ¡°Your story, tickles my curiosity. So go, entertain this old being. I will hold these fools at bay for as long as I can.¡± Kaine and the rest watched in awe as the Titan¡¯s wings then opened up further than they already were, doubling in wing-span, its feathers then seemingly hardened into a glistening metal. ¡°We monsters swore, to stay out of the kingdom¡¯s way, we swore no conflict for as long as the kingdom stays out of our homes!¡± Trio bellowed out, ¡°Over the past generations, the kingdom has grown lax on that promise¡­And now¡­Now you¡¯ve broken trust.¡± A dark shadowy energy then oozed out of Trio¡¯s feathers, as each of its eyes glowed fiercely. To which Dheron smashed down his staff, slamming its butt into the ground and signalling his archers, each platoon let loose upon the Titan. As a rain of arrows submerged Trio, the mass of projectiles only dissipated into its shadowy aura, having apparently no effect. Followed up by a second wave of monstrous laughter, ¡°I believe it is due time, that the overworld is reminded of what horrors delve below. Of why, the kingdom past, agreed to a pact of non-aggression!¡± Trio announced, suddenly beating each of his wings in unison, a blast of pitch black blades of wind burst out of them in each and every direction. Entire cliff-sides were destroyed and shattered to rubble by the attack, sending the Delve quaking twice as roughly as it had before. Kaine glanced over the cliffs twice, but saw not a single survivor, not a single archer that had loosed upon Trio was still visibly standing. Only the soldiers roaming below and the platoon behind Dheron had survived, as the Elder Squire himself grimaced at the sight. His eyes moving off Trio briefly, they set upon Kaine and his party opposing them. ¡°Bring me our new friends.¡± Dheron whispered to the Covenant officer behind him who stood in utter shock, staring up at the monster that was Trio. Who at this point had begun re-oozing more of that dark destructive aura. ¡°Sir but the Titan class is-¡± The soldier argued. ¡°Second Paladin Falco, that, was an order.¡± Dheron chided, ¡°I shall deal with this vile bird.¡± ¡°Y-Yes, sir.¡± Falco agreed, falling at attention immediately at Dheron¡¯s tone. Turning to his retinue, Falco waved his sword forth and towards the party of adventurers. ¡°Seize them.¡± He ordered his men. ¡°Over, our, dead, corpses.¡± Then growled out a voice, as massive wolvine forms surrounded the soldiers. ¡°This is our home, twig.¡± The Alpha growled, ¡°Get out.¡± It warned as the entire pack lit up brightly, each growling and snarling with ferocity. As all this went down, on the other side of the Delve Luna turned to the party, ¡°You must leave,¡± she told them before suddenly rushing away. ¡°W-Wait!¡± Rey called after the wolf but it was far too late, each watching as Luna crashed through a set of Covenants before continuing onwards. ¡°She¡¯s rejoining her pack,¡± Jedd said, ¡°and we have other things to put our attention on!¡± she exclaimed, pointing out the two squads of Covenants heading their way from both sides. ¡°Fuck! Why won¡¯t they just leave us alone!?¡± Rey shouted in frustration. ¡°We¡¯ll have plenty of time figuring that out once we¡¯re out of their grasp, or plenty of time to ask once they¡¯ve caught us.¡± Kaine added, ¡°Right now, we really should fucking move!¡± pointing out as the two squads of six merged into other roaming allies on the way. With over twenty Covenants moving to capture them only one third of the way across and an entire platoon being stalled behind them, the party had no choice but to choose quickly. ¡°We¡¯ll go up higher!¡± Jedd then said, pointing towards the nearest way up, ¡°We¡¯ll have to quickly break through ten of them but if we make it through then we just might be able to make it around the big group while the wolves keep them at bay!¡± She explained as everyone got ready to move out. All but Kaine, ¡°No, look.¡± He said gesturing towards the Watchers, as they picked up other creatures from above and dove down into the sky beyond the Delve. ¡°They¡¯re clearing out the inhabitants, Trio won¡¯t give us long enough to fight all the way through the Delve, neither will the Pack. Not to mention who knows what waits for us on the way out and at the exit itself. If they found us this quickly and this easily, we can¡¯t take anything for granted like an unguarded escape!¡± ¡°What do you suggest then?¡± Farvo asked, loading up his cannon and getting ready to fire away. Kaine turned to the cave they had just came out of, ¡°Dungeons take a full hour to reset once you leave it still in a party, it automatically resets once the party is fully dissolved.¡± ¡°So, we have three full halls with big strong doors to hold our ground at!¡± Roy realised what Kaine was threading on. ¡°We can stall one group somehow and engage the other, picking our battlefield!¡± ¡°But then we¡¯ll be cornered!¡± Farvo mused. ¡°Better cornered by a flow of enemies than surrounded by the entire platoon!¡± Jedd added, turning to also face the entrance, ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± She said nodding at Kaine. Who nodded back, ¡°Farvo, you still got one of those timed explosives right?¡± ¡°Aye, enough powder and string to make a second given time!¡± Farvo quickly answered, taking aim upon the left group of Covenants that had just reached ear-shot. ¡°Then what are we waiting for?¡± Roy announced, pulling his sister and the dwarf off, ¡°They¡¯re coming!¡± ¡°Inside! Quickly!¡± Jedd told them all, pulling a stunned Lara by the hand.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. As each of them rushed back inside the dungeon, darkness briefly surrounding them until the dim lights of blue torches gave them some clarity to the first corridor. ¡°Farvo hand me that bomb!¡± Kaine asked, slowing down to the dwarf¡¯s hopping pace. ¡°What you using it for!?¡± Farvo asked, fishing the projectile out of his inventory before handing it over. ¡°Keep going and watch!¡± Kaine told him back as they entered the first hall, Kaine suddenly stopping in his tracks. He turned to face the corridor behind them, ¡°Can you hit it from afar?¡± Kaine spoke to the serpent, as the little demon rose up from around his neck. ¡°Of course.¡± Nova mused as her forked tongue slithering out onto his right cheek. ¡°Then here goes¡­something,¡± Kaine said, kneeling down by the left side of the doorway, he set the make-shift explosive down and placed both palms wide open over it. ¡°It sees what does not, in turn, see it. For it is partly light, but it embraces this darkness first!¡± Kaine chanted and mana flowed into his hands, bursting out as a veil of shadows upon the bomb. Taking his hands away, Kaine watched with relief, as suddenly the bomb faded from his sight. ¡°Hah, magic rules still apply!¡± He mused to himself, quickly rising as he heard the first sound of metal boots stomping down the corridor. Kaine turned tail, rushing after the rest that had gone ahead, he ran at full speed but couldn¡¯t easily catch up since Nidhogg had messed with his stats. Glancing back as he ran, he waited for the opportune moment, ¡°Nova! Blast it!¡± he then exclaimed as the first Covenant reached the wide-open doors. Raising her head back, Nova¡¯s jaws stretched out wide then as a crimson hot light shone out of her maw. ¡°Burn!¡± The demon exclaimed and out of her mouth she shot a pebble sized sphere of searing hot hellfire. Nailing the spot Kaine had hid the bomb at and immediately it blew up, sending forth a wave of shredding metal shards followed by a pounding wave of force which crushed the dungeon¡¯s wall inwards and collapsed both the door and the ceiling down upon the first group of Covenants. ¡°Fuck yeah!¡± Farvo whistled after shouting out in elation, ¡°How long you reckon that will hold them?¡± He asked as everyone had paused to wait up on Kaine, the party having almost reached the next corridor over. ¡°Hopefully long enough! Get started on the next one!¡± Kaine then said gesturing at the next doorway, ¡°They won¡¯t fall for the same trap so this time put it at the entrance to the corridor, we¡¯ll let one group in and use the fallen rubble to delay the rest.¡± ¡°On it!¡± Farvo exclaimed, pulling at Rey and Roy¡¯s sleeves, ¡°You two gimmie a hand!¡± ¡°R-Right.¡± Rey agreed as she and her brother followed after him. ¡°What¡¯s the plan after we¡¯re out of explosives and space?¡± Jedd asked, glancing away from Farvo and the twins as they got to work. Focusing her eyes onto the collapsed corridor instead. Kaine unsheathed the greatsword off his back, ¡°Fight.¡± He said. ¡°F-Fight!?¡± Lara exclaimed, ¡°There¡¯s too many of them and too little of us!¡± ¡°You all will press onwards around the dungeon, there¡¯s a doorway to the left side of the next hall I haven¡¯t taken, it doesn¡¯t lead deeper but revolves around the Delve to another entrance. Your exit.¡± Kaine explained, ¡°One of the Wolves told me about it, you¡¯ll have to fight through at least four more halls around and a fifth outwards, but you¡¯ll come out much closer to the exit.¡± ¡°Right¡­then what?¡± Jedd asked, watching as dust and rubble began falling off from the mound blocking the first corridor whilst flashes of magical light shone through from the other side. ¡°You¡¯ll find the Delve¡¯s exit and figure your way out, take a bad turn towards the end or the start if need be and hide out for a bit. They don¡¯t know what I am, once they do they¡¯ll have no choice but to chase after me primarily. I¡¯ll lead them off on a goose chase deeper into the dungeon while you all-¡± Kaine explained further but was cut off as Jedd suddenly slammed her fist into his right shoulder. ¡°This again?¡± She asked with anger in her tone and eyes, ¡°I don¡¯t care how bloody suicidal you are, we¡¯re in this together and we¡¯re coming out of this together dammit!¡± Kaine shrugged her fist away, ¡°Do you have any better ideas? This isn¡¯t just a game anymore, it¡¯s survival of the clever-¡± Kaine grumbled back when suddenly the entire dungeon shuddered around them. A shriek filled their ears, the horrid sound coming in from where they had, it forced them to hold their ears shut for several long moments. Trio¡­ Kaine thought as the sound subsided, turning back to Jedd then, ¡°Think of your friends first, the Covenant want to kill all Dark Elves, and any soldier who lets one escape will also be executed! What the hell do you think they¡¯ll do to you all once they find out you¡¯ve been with me?¡± ¡°B-But¡­¡± Lara mumbled out as she stood behind them, ¡°You are our f-friend¡­¡± She said softly, turning bright crimson as the both of them glanced at her. Causing Kaine¡¯s gaze to fall grim, ¡°I thank you for the sentiment, but sacrifices need to be made. I know that better than anyone, and I¡¯m not gonna stand bigots hunting down others for their own damn gain.¡± ¡°They¡¯ll kill you.¡± Jedd then warned him, her tone at the most serious it has ever been since he¡¯d met her. ¡°Not if I tell them I¡¯m not the only one. Not if they see my racial title.¡± Kaine then said, ¡°After all is said and done,¡± he turned to the falling rubble just as Farvo and the others re-joined them. ¡°Ready!¡± Roy said. ¡°They¡¯ll have no choice but to acknowledge that their methods won¡¯t work anymore.¡± Kaine finished. Jedd¡¯s own expression narrowed, ¡°Is this¡­really the only way?...¡± She asked herself, clenching her hands about her hammer¡¯s grip. When the corridor was suddenly cleared, as one last blast of light burst through, sending the mound of black stone collapsing further but clearing the path for the Covenants behind it. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Rey exclaimed and the entire party turned tail once more, rushing into the next corridor, Kaine quickly paused by the makeshift explosive this time built into a dug out log. Camouflaging that one as well, he turned to follow them, but gave their pursuers a brief glance as he did. Meeting the eyes of Falco right then. ¡°Desist your escape and surrender yourselves! Do so and no harm will be done upon you or your comrades.¡± The Paladin shouted out, gesturing his men forward, a full platoon of twenty Covenants out of the sixty that stood by his side rushed after the party. Kaine reached his party at the other end of this corridor, each of them turning to face the incoming enemy. ¡°How about now?¡± He asked his familiar and Nova hissed. ¡°Master thinks too little of little old me.¡± Nova scoffed, once more opening her jaws wide and firing out a much greyer projectile of flame than before. The bullet of hellfire flew around the Covenants as they entered the corridor, doing sudden changes in direction and even curving around targets, until it reached its mark. Bursting into the hidden explosive, once more the dungeon crumbled before them, yet this time everything shook. ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Farvo mused as he glanced about, stepping away from the doorway, ¡°I think we hit a weak spot.¡± ¡°What-¡± Kaine had no time to ask, only watch as meter by meter the entire corridor collapsed. Crushing each of the twenty Covenants beneath black bricks and stone rubble, the entire party had to step away as even the entrance they had paused at cracked and crumbled. As the last pebble of rubble came to a hopping stop before their feet, the party stared on in surprise. ¡°So¡­does this mean we¡­uhh, got away?¡± Rey asked and at those words a feeling of ease filled them all. ¡°I think¡­so?¡± Roy mused with a growing grin. ¡°And we still have a way out, that they don¡¯t know of.¡± Kaine said, glancing over the open doorway on the complete opposite side and instead at the third set of closed doors to the left wall. Jedd sighed out in relief, ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here.¡± She said, as the shock slowly drained away from them, they made their way to the next set of doors. Coming up before them, ¡°So h-how¡­do they open?¡± Lara asked. ¡°Lore wise, they¡¯re enchanted to block trespassers. Mechanically? You need a certain level of power to be able to disrupt the enchantment and open them.¡± Kaine explained with a rushed tone. ¡°That¡¯s some enchantment then if we can break it¡­¡± Roy mused. As Kaine set his palm over the middle where both doors met, ¡°Imagine having to keep up the enchantment for each and every single doorway in this dungeon,¡± he continued to explain, ¡°The boss also grows stronger with each doorway disrupted, since it regains the magic power it used to block it in the first place.¡± ¡°I guess that makes sense?¡± Roy shrugged. ¡°Yeah, whatever, let¡¯s just get the hell outta here.¡± Rey grumbled, glancing from the doorway as it started to light up with runes, and the collapsed corridor¡­ As it also¡­ Began to light up. ¡°Uhhh, guys?¡± Rey whispered out, pulling on her brother¡¯s shoulder. ¡°What?¡± Roy asked, looking at her as she silently and aggressively pointed at the corridor with wide eyes. ¡°Shit, hurry!¡± Roy then exclaimed, ¡°They¡¯re gonna-¡± As Kaine opened the doorway, the enchantment over it slowly filling each door with bright blue runes, the sound of shifting stone suddenly filled their ears. The entire party turned to the collapsed corridor to see with horrified eyes as the fallen rock began to rise and change shape. Creating a tunnel through the rubble. ¡°Oh we¡¯re so fucked.¡± Farvo mused, taking aim with his cannon then as both Rey and Roy nocked their weapons too. ¡°I guess, we¡¯ll be even now¡­¡±Jedd suddenly mumbled to her self as the entire party but Kaine turned to face their pursuers, he was still focusing on slowly opening up the doors. ¡°What do you-¡± Kaine was going to ask, when a large beastly hand pushed into his back, raising him a foot off the ground and sending him soaring into the next room. Kaine came to a tumbling stop within the hall and Jedd watched as he pulled himself together. Their eyes met as all the while the doors had begun to close back up. ¡°Find us,¡± She told him, opening up her party menu, she mentally selected him in the list.
Do you truly wish to remove party member [Jor Mungandr]? Kicked party members will be booted out of your {Instances}. {Yes} {No}
Player [Jor Mungandr] was kicked out from the party.
¡°I will.¡± She heard him say, just as the doors fully closed back up. Turning to the rest, ¡°Lower your weapons.¡± Jedd told her guild who on her command they did as told. Just as out of the magically formed tunnel, Elder Dheron Tallow, Falco and his retinue of Covenants stormed the hall. ¡°We surrender.¡± Jedd announced, raising her hammer forth before dropping it to the floor, her form also shrunk back down. Realising what she was up to, Lara and Roy also dropped their weapons, raising their hands up as she did. Farvo and Roy following up right after. Dheron smiled widely at the sight of them, tapping away at his cheek with a piece of bloodied white cloth, ¡°Splendid, Falco seize them.¡± He ordered the Covenant. Quickly raising his blade forth, Falco¡¯s retinue of Covenants surrounded the party with halberds and swords, three mages also coming up to begin casting upon them. And as the binding magic enclosed around their hands and feet, each of the adventurers fell to the ground tied up by bright white arcane rope. ¡°You¡¯ve got us, now what?¡± Jedd asked in annoyance as Dheron approached them. ¡°Oh, you will see soon, but before that¡­¡± He glanced around the hall, ¡°Where¡¯s the sixth one?¡± ¡°Gone, you¡¯re not the only ones who can teleport.¡± Jedd mused with a smirk. Even if it¡¯s just abusing the system¡­ She thought. Gaining herself a narrow-eyed glare from Dheron, ¡°Impossible, there¡¯s no way any of you can¡­¡± he rushed to the doorway behind them. Quickly placing his palm over the left door, each of the party member¡¯s eyes were locked on him even as the Covenant soldiers lifted them up. Quickly chanting a brief incantation beneath his breath, mana surged through Dheron¡¯s arm, bursting forth to his palm and then into the door. In barely a blink of an eye, the runes flashed blue upon the door before suddenly shattering into falling dust-like particles of light. Stepping away Dheron gestured Falco forward, ¡°Open it up!¡± He ordered. Pulling along three of his men, the Paladin opened up the large door. Revealing a dimly blue lit hall not unlike the one they stood in. Dheron pushed through them, glancing about as he entered. ¡°Hah¡­well that is quiet something.¡± He turned to the party. ¡°We¡¯re leaving.¡± He said, glancing at the entire place around them as a whole right then. ¡°This place¡­it¡¯s still active.¡± He said and as he did the floor in the new hall began to crumble and open up, spitting out monstrously horrid undead. ¡°What about the other one?¡± Falco asked, sheathing his sword even at the sight of rising monsters, rolling his eyes also as some of the lower ranked Covenants stepped back from the doors in fright. ¡°None of these barbarians could possibly cast up anything close to teleportation magic.¡± Dheron spat out in a mocking tone, ¡°The dungeon is still active, and has him on another of its infinite dimensional existences. We can¡¯t get to him, yet still.¡± He chuckled. ¡°He won¡¯t make it out alive, not on his own.¡± Dheron turned to the tunnel then, ¡°The Coven awaits Falco, let us be on our way from these damned ruins.¡± ¡°Yes sir.¡± Falco nodded, quickly gesturing at his men who held each of the five adventurers and their weapons, they began leading them out. And they complied, just as Jedd did not struggle, neither did the others. Yet as they reached the tunnel, they all glanced back at the door Jedd had pushed Kaine through. A single thought spanning through each of their minds in that moment. Don¡¯t die. Ch 41 - The Drow and the Demon Kaine walked up to the closed doors, slamming his fist into one, it clenched as he saw the message.
Your party¡¯s total combat level is insufficient to continue onto the next room.
Gritting his teeth, he turned around to face the rising minions of undeath. ¡°Again¡­I lost them.¡± He said to himself, ¡°Yet again¡­I¡¯m so weak, powerless not matter how much I try.¡± Kaine whispered to himself as despair filled his tone and expression. His expression then suddenly changing, as he slammed his fist into his own cheek. ¡°So you just gonna give up? Again you¡¯re just gonna give in to the loss?¡± Kaine chided, ¡°Pull yourself together, cause I¡¯m done with this crap.¡± Stumbling back from the hit, Kaine¡¯s back rested onto the doors. ¡°And what would you have me do? We¡¯re in a different instance now! We can¡¯t reach them!¡± Once more, his fist clenched and hit, plunging itself into his gut. Kaine fell to his knees, belching out spit as he fell. ¡°Stand, fight.¡± Kaine said, ¡°Or are you just going to hide and whimper? Like you did with her. Like you did with our sister.¡± ¡°Do not dare bring her up!¡± Kaine exclaimed, slamming both fists into the doors behind him.
Your party¡¯s total combat level is insufficient to continue onto the next room.
Your party¡¯s total combat level is insufficient to continue onto the next room.
¡°No, I will bring her up, because it¡¯s time you fucking grew up.¡± Kaine continued on, as both personalities fought to retain control. ¡°It¡¯s time you snapped out of your self pitying fucking obsession! We¡¯re all partly Kaine, created to reflect part of our state of mind. You, the grief that fills us, you weigh it all on your own back. Nidhogg, an outlet for our stress and loneliness, begging for attention and loving every bit of it.¡± Hey¡­I¡¯m not¡­ ¡°Yes, you are.¡± Kaine snapped, ¡°Me, our endurance, the only thing keeping us sane and moving on! For so long I¡¯ve endured your rambling, I¡¯ve endured Nidhogg¡¯s fits and I¡¯ve endured whatever else lies asleep inside us! But no more, cause it¡¯s time you wake up. It¡¯s time we wake up.¡± Once more his expression warped, a wide grin taking over as maddened eyes rose to stare head-on at the approaching undead. An aura of terror rose out of Kaine, ¡°Are you two done fucking about?¡± Kaine asked, as the undead were frozen by fear. ¡°It¡¯s gotten so bad, that even I can take over willingly! Fuck man, get your head out of my ass!¡± ¡°He¡¯s right, you know.¡± His expression returning back to normal, Kaine took a deep breath as he pushed away from the doors. ¡°Do you want to disappoint them too? Just like we let down the others? Just how we let down our sister by ruining the guild? Because it was our fault. Yggdrasil¡¯s fall was our damn fault. And everyone losing hope in us was our fucking fault just the same!¡±Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s finally unleash everything! Ya out of time! So stop holding back ya baffoon!¡± Kaine exclaimed, stomping his foot down as he took hold of Nova who lay confused around his neck, the demon immediately warping into the demonic dagger. ¡°You listening?¡± Kaine asked as he retook over, ¡°Remember, what you and Kaine did, back then? The path of inane destruction you both left behind you as you let out all your anger and frustration on anyone and anything around you? Hunting down every single last competent fighter in Aether Rifts¡­Not just beating them but¡­playing with them like a beast plays with its food. Even¡­our own damn guild mate!¡± Anger rose within Kaine then, as he remembered every moment, even if he was in the backdrop of their mind, still he had watched it all. ¡°No that¡­wasn¡¯t us!¡± Kaine shouted back, grabbing hold of his head as panic filled his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s when¡­That¡¯s when!¡± ¡°That¡¯s when you stopped trying to keep us together, that¡¯s when we gave in to the hatred.¡± Kaine cut in, ¡°We created it, and as fucked up as our situation might be, we need it. So let¡¯s use it, let¡¯s use our hatred right!¡± He exclaimed, watching as the undead snapped out of their stunned daze, Kaine waited. But no response came. ¡°Hah¡­you¡¯ve got to be fucking with me¡­¡± He then mused, ¡°Fine then, hide, it¡¯s high time me and Nidhogg took over this shit show anyway!¡± Kaine exclaimed, clenching Nova within his grasp. ¡°Me the brains, Nidhogg, you the brawn.¡± ¡°Hahaha~¡± He chuckled wickedly as his expression warped back to madness, ¡°I love the sound of that! So¡­So so no more holding back!?¡± Let loose. Jor thought, and Nidhogg giggled with anticipation. ¡°Demonic Will¡± He spoke out, and an aura of demonic energy surrounded his body, pouring out of Nova and into him. Hold nothing back, fuck his anxiety, fuck his fear, fuck his grief. Kill everything. He laughed, a wicked cackle as his eyes fully widened, fuelled by insanity Kaine raised his weapon forth. ¡°Demonize!¡± He chanted, and the illusion upon his body faded, revealing his Dark Elf appearance to its full glory. The dagger shuddered then. The serpent¡¯s eye upon it began to glow, and the maw widened further before suddenly rushing forth. What was the blade-less weapon¡¯s hand-guard grew into Nova¡¯s maw and body, now engulfing Kaine¡¯s right hand, it swallowed further until it reached his shoulder. Biting down, Kaine flinched briefly as Nova¡¯s now enlarged fangs dug into his body. As a green glow took it over, rushing through his veins.
You feel a horrid energy rush through you.
Kaine¡¯s appearance began to change. His skin flaking off to give way for pitch-black carapace-like flesh. His body growing two entire feet taller. His teeth morphing into needle-like fangs.
You feel yourself change, as the demon takes over.
His clothes tore as he grew, his boots entirely bursting to reveal the demonic feet ending in long fleshy black claws, same as his hands, ending in the same monstrous claws of fleshy black.
The Trial by body,has begun. Prove yourself persistent, Prove yourself vicious, Prove yourself, worthy¡­.
¡°I¡¯m about to fuck some shit up!¡± Ch 42 - Struggles
Master Art unlock in progress: {???}; 60%
With a setting of complex mental instability, Kaine trashed through the minions of undeath, Nidhogg moving the body and Jor giving directions from the backdrop. His monstrous form crashed into a lesser Dreadknight, pushing the monster¡¯s own hands apart before kicking it back with his sheer strength. As the goliath fell, Kaine plunged his weapon deep into its chest, a weapon of pure demonic energy sizzling out of his fleshy black hand, it cut and seared through the bone and rotten flesh like acid.
{Body Well} 1/666
Pulling away, Kaine slashed through three more zombies that slowly came up behind him, turning to face the rest.
{Body Well} 4/666
He smiled, wide and wickedly Kaine smiled. Yet none of the madness was visible within his eyes, keen, narrowed and calm his eyes took into account everything before him. ¡°Shit, ya ready ya baffon!?¡± He asked himself. Ready as I¡¯ll ever be, let¡¯s go. ¡°Aight brother,¡± Kaine chuckled, ¡°You navigate, I drive¡­right? Right!? Right!¡± breaking out into sickening laughter right after. Right¡­Get those two! Kaine swept his weapon ahead once more, cutting two skeletons down to size just as they reached his range.
{Body Well} 6/666
This will take a damn while to fill! ¡°Gahh! Why was yours only 7!?¡± He grumbled, stepping to another lesser dreadknight, Kaine¡¯s massive mana-blade sliced through the monster¡¯s descending greatsword. A clean cut, confusing the monster as its eyes rose to meet his just in time to see that same blade befall onto its face.
{Body Well} 7/666
But no matter the notifications, still Kaine felled enemy after enemy, and he could feel it¡­ He could feel time running out for him. This form¡­wouldn¡¯t last much longer. Jor knew this, so he prodded Nidhogg onwards, pushing the maniac into a contained frenzy. Using his hunger for battle, Jor did his best to control the beast that was Nidhogg. Enjoying just being free to fight, Nidhogg didn¡¯t think much of Jor¡¯s directions, it didn¡¯t matter to him which enemy he fought as long as it was a fight he knew he didn¡¯t know the outcome of. And facing this unknown dungeon of undead? It excited Nidhogg. It excited him, not to know what the next room had to offer. As his blade cleaved through the last skeleton, impatiently he kicked on the door. Scanning his notifications, both sighed.
Your party¡¯s total combat level is insufficient to continue onto the next room.
¡°Seriously!? Really!? You¡¯re fucking with me!¡± He exclaimed, disappointed and annoyed. We¡¯ve got worse problems¡­ Feeling a chill crawl up his spine, Kaine turned around just as the sound hit him, watching as the already corpse-littered ground began to crack and rise. More undead were spawning. ¡°This isn¡¯t normal, I think¡­¡± He began to say before cutting himself off. ¡°You think!!?? Ha! Huh!?¡± He exclaimed in both surprise and replenished excitement. ¡°I think, we¡¯re in a horde room.¡± He explained to himself. ¡°The fuck is that? Oh wait, more shit to slay, never mind that¡¯s all I needed to know!¡± He said, about to step forth into the midst of battle once again. Wait! The figurative hand of Jor stopped Nidhogg from rushing in, ¡°A horde room, means the monsters will NOT stop spawning, not until everyone inside that room is dead or we make it to the next room! Monsters will keep following us until two rooms over too¡­Here¡¯s the issue,¡± He slammed his free clawed fist into the door behind them.
Your party¡¯s total combat level is insufficient to continue onto the next room.
¡°We¡¯re fucking trapped! Shit! Shit? Shit!?¡± Kaine exclaimed as one half realised what the other already had. ¡°No¡­We can do this¡­If we just manage to kill enough to boost our level to what we¡¯d need to unlock this door¡­¡± He then mused. ¡°Then we¡¯ll be free! Free? Free!?¡± Kaine chuckled, maniacally he cackled, ¡°Alright home-boy, let¡¯s get the ball rolling!¡± He exclaimed as once again Nidhogg got ahead of himself, his thirst for conflict never going unquenched.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvMhS0BTXyA
¡°Hah¡­You¡¯re crazy, I might just be as crazy! Yeah, let¡¯s do this, for them!¡± He then exclaimed, as both alter egos figuratively fist-bumped. ¡°Helll yeahhh! For glory baby!¡± He bellowed. Let them come to us! Focus on the big guys first then AOE down the small fry! Taking the backseat as planned, Jor mentally gave Nidhogg tactical support, as the maniac himself regained the reins. ¡°Cuz creatures that crawl, creatures that slither slither slither! Beings that fly, beings that¡­whisper~ Imbue my weapon! Imbue my hand! With your damn name!¡± Kaine chanted, a maniacal smirk wide upon his face as he did, ¡°Demonic Path; Weapon Imbue; Type Hell. I call forth your minions, demon, answer my god damn call!¡± Hissing into his very mind, the demon patron¡¯s voice resounded with great amusement, ¡°Your request I hear, your request I accept! Tezembre!¡± As the chant was finished, and the demonic mistress accepted the summoning, Kaine¡¯s monstrous back suddenly arched as a sensation of great pressure flowed through him. Up his spine and then down his arm, as if coming from inside himself, the energy flowed into the bladed arm. The blade itself then, that was a constant flow of dark green hellish energy like a constant perfectly contained flame, the markings within it changed. Whilst at first the blade was covered in markings that seemed like utter gibberish to both Nidhogg and Jor, as one of the markings was then crossed off just as the two below it, and alongside the ensuing notification.
Master Art unlock in progress: {???}; 80%
A light figuratively flicked on within Jor. Do¡­that again! ¡°Busy!¡± Kaine chided himself, as the first lesser dreadknight crashed into him, sheer sudden brawn pushing him into the two doors. { [Life]: 43/48 }This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. But not for long. As Kaine¡¯s maddened eyes met the undead¡¯s empty blue sockets, ¡°Fuck, outta, my, way!!¡± He hissed, using his own raw strength to push the monster stumbling several feet back before suddenly slashing him across. Gutting the dreadknight and leaving it wide open for the final blow, Kaine let not a second go wasted, he abused that opening. Rushing in even as the monster¡¯s blade came in from the side, he drove his weapon deep into their chest, slaying it on the spot yet not stopping, not pausing, there was no space for breathers here. Not as the monsters swarmed around him. Swinging his weapon with purpose, Kaine¡¯s demonic form bathed through rotten flesh and shattered shards of bone, cutting down a handful of skeletons or zombies in a single swing before turning to clash singlehandedly with a lesser dreadknight. Still taller, the monster proved little challenge to them now, as his greater strength overpowered the undead creature before diving in headfirst for the kill. Kaine was unleashed, no longer held back by one¡­two and three were unleashed upon this hall of undead. No longer held back by Kaine, Jor and Nidhogg let loose with no second thoughts of going back.
{Body Well} 27/666
Yet the monsters did not stop coming. No matter how many Kaine cut, stabbed, crushed or eviscerated. No matter how many he destroyed, more kept coming. An unending flow of enemies. A seemingly infinite wave of monsters. A horde of undeath, it surrounded him, with the ground now utterly ruined as more and more rose from within. Experience just streamed in, notifications going completely ignored by Nidhogg as he trashed the scene. Jor micromanaged each incoming level and its corresponding points to enter, at the same time giving the maniac pointers on where to go, what to focus on, and any incoming attack Nidhogg might have chosen to take the hit instead of evading just to land his own. If Nidhogg was the hound, then Jor was the leash. But not all, was flying colours. As the monsters swarmed him, rusted blades, bony claws, rotten clubs and monstrous weapons, Kaine couldn¡¯t avoid them all. Even with his demonic form, even as scales grew to cover his fleshy body, growing seemingly with each kill strewn out onto the ground. As the zombies clubbed his feet, as the skeletons sliced his flesh, as the lesser dreadknights broke his shell and began to push him back.
{ [Life]: 35/58 }
Kaine took a worn-out breath, a single pause that brought panic to Jor. Don¡¯t stop! The thought came but far too late as the unseen lesser dreadknight¡¯s blade cleaved down his back.
{ [Life]: 27/58 }
Snarling and hissing, both Kaine and Nova¡¯s voices bellowed out in pain then and there, as he stumbled forward right before another of the goliaths. Previously disarmed, this one drove its meaty fist into Kaine¡¯s head, knocking him back towards the other.
{ [Life]: 24/58 }
Dizzy and confused, Kaine still tried to turn and face the monster, stumbling further as zombies and skeletons swarmed his feet. Hacking and stabbing at his legs, the undead were like hyenas bringing down a lone elephant, but there were just too damn many of them.
{ [Life]: 19/58 }
Slowing Kaine down just enough for the first lesser dreadknight to land another blow, charging into him with his weapon held two-handed and pointed forth, the monster drove it into his chest.
{ [Life]: 10/58 }
Kaine¡¯s eyes opened wide then, horrid pain filling him as the blade ran through his torso, it only worsened when the monster pulled back and kicked him forward.
{ [Life]: 6/58 }
Pull back! The voice told him, barely audible through the agony, Nidhogg pushed himself to leap. Putting his everything into this one jump, Kaine leapt over the approaching lesser dreadknight, using its own face to leap up once more, higher and further. Landing, stumbling, then tumbling off, Kaine had escaped the swarm surrounding him. Yet only temporarily as each monster turned to come after him once again. Rising from his crumbled state, he pushed himself through the pain and ran, dripping a path of blood from the pool of red he had left after falling. ¡°Shit? Shit!? Shit!¡± He swore as he huffed, ¡°Hahahah!¡± He chuckled, an exhausted bit of laughter yet still filled with insanity, ¡°Oh we¡¯re so gonna die!¡± No¡­No we can¡¯t! Damnit! Damnit! ¡°Damnit!¡± Kaine exclaimed, turning about and taking aim with his blade, ¡°Nova!¡± he called on the demon. And the blade flashed brighter than before, ¡°Hold on tight master!¡± The serpent¡¯s voice warned as the weapon lost not its current form but instead continued to gain in glow. Still taking heavy breaths and dripping with blood, Kaine steadied his stance as well as his beaten and bruised body allowed. Taking aim with the blade, as sheer heat seemed to be building up within, ¡°Lesser Hellnova!¡± Kaine chanted and the gathered magic burst forth. At first a formless projectile of dark green flames, the attack briefly took the shape of a long four-winged serpent, before colliding with the horde¡¯s frontlines. Exploding on contact, the entire room was filled with blinding light, fading to reveal a tenth of the swarm had been charred black.
{Body Well} 59/666
A tenth that as the horde approached Kaine, was quickly and horrifyingly easily replaced. ¡°No¡­No I won¡¯t¡­I won¡¯t fucking die here!¡± Kaine shouted at the incoming stampede of undead, preparing his weapon, preparing his mind, he was ready to keep on fighting. Hah, face it, we¡¯re done for ya buffoon! ¡°No, not till I say I am!¡± Kaine told himself, clenching his bladed right hand tightly. ¡°Hahaha! That¡¯s the spirit then! Fine, let¡¯s blow off as much steam as we can! We¡¯re fucking dead after this anyway! So dead! So so dead!¡± He laughed, a maniacal cackle that chilled even himself. ¡°Maybe¡­Maybe he can¡­¡± He then pondered, ¡°He could think of a way out¡­He could¡­¡± ¡°Hell no! After that sweet pep talk?! You swallowing your own words now!? Hell no!¡± The other argued, ¡°You wanna win?! You wanna live?! Let me loose, fully!¡± Nidhogg offered. ¡°You¡¯ll get us killed even faster!¡± Jor was the one to laugh now, feeling then the supposed maniac take the back seat. Is that, really all you think of me? Hah¡­hahaha! You really think, after all this fun shit, that I¡¯d wanna hit the sack!? ¡°Who knows! You¡¯re fucking bonkers, so maybe!¡± Kaine groaned, facing the incoming massacre only a few moments away from running him over. Alright then¡­Guess we are fucked. Jor then suddenly felt a pull, and his vision briefly blurred. ¡°Well, now ain¡¯t that nifty! Hahaha!¡± A voice said in great amusement from his left, as before him now lay the same exact scene he had just been staring at. An overwhelming horde of maddened undead rushing at his soon-to-be corpse. Yet now everything was moving so much slower, as if time had severely decelerated. Not to mention, he was no longer looking at it through the same eyes, instead it was the same sight he¡¯d see when he was in the back seat. Looking through the eyes of someone else, with surroundings blurred, the scene played out in the reality before himself as he could glance down and see himself, his figurative body. Looking then from where the voice had come from, he met eyes with himself, the self Jor knew from the crazy filled eyes and grin to be Nidhogg. Sitting with legs crossed. But if he was there, and so was the maniac¡­ ¡°Who¡¯s-¡± Jor was about to ask. ¡°Heh, no one? Who knows, you do you buffoon!¡± Nidhogg snapped back. ¡°Ya know the rules I guess, at least two of us right?! Hahaha! Guess that backfired horribly didn¡¯t it!?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± Jor shook his head, horrified, less so that it was Nidhogg but that he was indeed right. ¡°None of us are agreeing¡­¡± Jor realized, turning back to face the scene, presumably of their demise. ¡°There has to be at least two, at most three¡­always two!¡± Jor groaned, falling to a squat as he held his head. ¡°Damnit Kaine¡­Damn you Kaine!¡± He cursed himself. ¡°Bah, ya rely too much on that fool ya fool!¡± Nidhogg exclaimed, standing up he swirled and stumbled over to come by Jor, ¡°Oh Kaine this, Oh Kaine that! I might be a fucking nut case but at the very least I don¡¯t go kiss the scaredy cat¡¯s ass for advice every time I hit a stump!¡± ¡°Hah¡­I¡¯m being lectured by the crazy one¡­Brilliant.¡± Jor grumbled to himself. ¡°It doesn¡¯t change the fact that there has to be two, we¡¯re frozen, fucking immobile as a vegetable without at least two of us agreeing!¡± Rising to face him, annoyed, Jor stepped to Nidhogg. ¡°So fucking agree, give me control¡­I¡­I¡¯ll figure something out!¡± To which, Nidhogg¡¯s usual amused expression turned sour. ¡°You? Hah, yeah right, you¡¯re just gonna beg Kainey boi back into action and kick me off into the abyss! You really can¡¯t do shit yourself, can you?¡± Nidhogg asked. ¡°At least we¡¯d survive.¡± Jor replied. ¡°You will, I wouldn¡¯t even know if ya do, will I?¡± Nidhogg laughed, ¡°Tell me, mamma¡¯s boy, are you always this much of a prickly bitch?¡± He then asked, pushing Jor¡¯s chest with his hand. ¡°Is this really what ya wanna be? His bitch, his fucking glorified pacifier? Just how he only lets me out like I¡¯m his fucking dog. Do you like it? Do you like our situation? Do you like? Huh? Huh?! Huh!¡± he asked, stepping to and pushing him further with both hands this time. ¡°Like¡­It has nothing to do with liking it or not! This is our fucking situation and we¡¯ve got no choice but to deal with it!¡± Jor argued, ¡°You know a way to fucking pull ourselves together and go back to being a single person in a singular body!? One whole mind! No? Of course, you bloody don¡¯t.¡± ¡°One mind¡­Nah, not really no. But us two, we weren¡¯t much different before were we?¡± Nidhogg then said, smirking as Jor grimaced. ¡°After all, we used to be one and the same, before.¡± ¡°Before we split¡­¡± Jor grumbled. ¡°I mean sure, we¡¯re the invention of one sick as fuck mind, we don¡¯t actually exist! Bah, it¡¯s obvious ya buffoon!¡± Nidhogg exclaimed, lightly slapping Jor across both cheeks. Who¡¯s eyes widened as he realised what Nidhogg was rambling about, ¡°No normal way of thinking can solve our problem¡­none of this is normal in the first place¡­¡± ¡°No shit ya buffoon! We¡¯re two alter egos fucking arguing! No normal train of thought is gonna solve crazy!¡± Nidhogg exclaimed, ¡°So, we agree on something! And that something is? Issss! Is?!¡± Nidhogg asked, edging him on to answer. ¡°Only crazy can solve crazy¡­¡± Jor said. ¡°Only crazy can solve crazy!¡± Nidhogg repeated with great amusement, ¡°Throw ya damn rationality outta the window! Come outta the cage! Take the fucking key and step out! Breath a little! Move a little! Live a little, crazier!¡± He laughed maniacally, pulling Jor in, Nidhogg put his arm around his neck and over his shoulders. ¡°This is crazy, you¡¯re crazy.¡± Jor mused. ¡°So what if it¡¯s a little crazy? Live a little crazy! What if it¡¯s too fucking crazy!? We¡¯re fucking crazy!¡± Nidhogg added, continuing to laugh. Raising his free hand and making a fist, Nidhogg faced him as he did, ¡°So what do ya say?¡± Jor turned his head to meet his insanity filled eyes. ¡°This¡¯ll change the rules, of how all this crap works.¡± Nidhogg raised his fist closer, grinning from ear to ear as he said, ¡°Ohohoh, that¡¯s what I¡¯m hoping for brother!.¡± Glancing in between the fist and his other self¡¯s smile, Jor just sighed. ¡°I¡¯m curious, really. The game sees you as a demon. It sees me as a Dark Elf¡­What will it see us as, if this works?¡± Nidhogg chuckled, lightly punching him in the chest, ¡°Let¡¯s fucking find out.¡± ¡°What do we have to lose?¡± They both then mused in unison, their eyes meeting once again as they did. ¡°This is crazy.¡± Once more they spoke in unison. As Jor raised his right hand up, forming a fist. ¡°But let¡¯s find out.¡± Ch 43 - A Fairy From Hell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrKnM23Y-7s
¡°What do we have to lose?...¡± Kaine hissed to himself as the horde of undead barrelled towards him. As out of the swarm of monsters a mist of darkness rose, forming into a tattery-cloaked figure hovering over its minions. The Lich gazed upon Kaine¡¯s blank expression, ¡°Of course, surrender, how wise a child. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, nothing left to do. Fully knowing that fighting will only bring the same outcome, ah how fond I am of young wise minds!¡± Krakt chuckled calmly, ¡°Now come child, join my swarm¡­Become undeath and fulfil your destiny. With you under me, I shall awaken the Legions myself!¡± Once more the Lich laughed, yet no sense of calm came from him now, a wicked cackle escaped the Lich that echoed off the hall¡¯s walls. ¡°This is crazy¡­¡± Kaine then mused, as a smoky darkness began to fill his eyes, ¡°But, let¡¯s find out.¡±
System error, neurotic connection issues encountered.
Suddenly the blade of energy coming out of his left arm dissipated, reforming the claw like the right, both hands rose before himself and clenched into fists.
System error, multiple connections encountered.
A pressure began to form around Kaine, as sparks of flame and lightning faded in and out around him, as blades of wind began to spin about him, as shadows began to spiral out of where he stood. The scales that had formed over his fleshy black hide suddenly fell off, falling to the floor and dissipating into puffs of green smoke.
System error, stabilizing connection.
His own dark demonic form began to shake, the skin covering his monstrous muscles and bones, it trembled.
Error 404
The monster that was Kaine took a deep breath inward, exhaling as suddenly he bashed both fists together.
E???r???r???o???r??? ???4???0???4???
All of the energy surrounding him then melded together, creating an upward rush of pure darkness, hiding him from sight and making the horde of undead stumble to a pause.
E?????r????r???????o??????r??????? ???????4??????0???????4????????
¡°Demonic Path; Weapon Imbue; Type Hell. Custom Casting; Multi Casting; Repeat Casting; Nova.¡± A voice came out of the darkness, as at the same time a flash of green flame blazed out briefly, ¡°Telaquitzl.¡± Followed by a blast of wind exiting the spiral of shadows, visibly pushing all the other air away. ¡°Orotovos.¡± Then a crackle of lighting rose through the darkness, followed by the resounding boom of thunder. ¡°Tezembre.¡± And finally, a slashing blade of shadows tore through the spiral, severing the darkness aside and revealing what lingered within.
Master Art unlock in progress: {???}; 100%
C?o?n?n?e?c?t?i?o?n? ?S?t?a?b?i?l?i?z?e?d?
Master Art {Shapeshift} unlocked!
Rising just as tall as he had in his monstrous form, now he had returned to mostly his original body size, other than several changes in appearance differing from the Elf or the Dark Elf, and far beyond the previous Demon. A reptilian skin covered Kaine¡¯s whole body, growing thicker in places like his chest, shoulders, arms and legs, even his forehead, neck and pointed ears but softer and thinner around elsewhere. Darkgreen were his tougher scales whilst the softer snakeskin was a gleaming pitch black, the same mixture as his eyes. A black socket of darkness, with a single slit of dark green within each, his eyes focused on the Lich before him. As he rose higher, his completely serpentine lower body slithering into a coil and raising his humanoid upper body. Kaine raised each of his arms to the side, each clenching a different blade, starting with Nova¡¯s grip and hand-guard yet only one was Nova. Four arms, four hands rose, four weapons he held. Nova, a demonic weapon made up of many shades of green. Telaquitzl, dark green and white. Orotovos, dark green and blue. Tezembre, dark green and black. Each of these four demonic weapons oozed their own personal aura of menace, exhuming their specific elements all around where Kaine stood.
Subsidiary skill of {Shapeshift} has been unlocked! {Draelith Form} unlocked!
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°Nothing¡­left to do? You misunderstand.¡± A raspy voice left Kaine¡¯s mouth then, ¡°They were simply indecisive, unlike me, worry not decisive I will be with your unlife. Lich.¡± Krakt¡¯s dark eye sockets glowed a fierce blue at those words. ¡°No matter what shape you take, I am several times more powerful than you, Daemon.¡± Kaine chuckled, a wide smirk filling his expression as he met the Lich¡¯s gaze. ¡°You take me for a fool? You cannot touch me. You¡¯re a Lich in control of a Dungeon, you have no choice but to wait inside your little boss room for me to come to you. Right now, you¡¯re just projecting yourself here. You pose no real threat to me at this moment, which takes me to the next fact.¡± His devilish green slits then fell from the Lich and down upon his horde of minions, his long dark green hair falling onto his face as well and his eyes peeked out from inbetween, ¡°The only things keeping me here, is a swarm of trash mobs each equalling my level and a doorway requiring I at least meet the maximum level acquirable within this very hall. Meaning, as my previous alter ego came to the conclusion of, I simply need to massacre your filth until I meet said requirement.¡± With two blade-points facing up, and the other two now turning to face downwards, Kaine¡¯s smirk widened into a grin as his eyes focused. Krakt chuckled at his words, ¡°You seem set on following the same doom you previously did, tail or no tail, two arms or four, you will not survive this onslaught! Go my minions,¡± Krakt now exclaimed with as wide a grin. ¡°Bring me his cold corpse.¡± At those words the stampede recommenced, a rush of bones, rotting corpses and larger masses of the same, they swarmed upon Kaine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAp6M8Ln4Ug
¡°Try me, for I¡¯d love to see you rotting flesh bags and piles of marrow¡­¡± Kaine hissed, as his entire body resounded with stress, as his muscles condensed and his tail restricted. ¡°Come¡­Can you kill¡­This blood thirsty serpent that is me!?!?¡± Kaine bellowed out, suddenly springing forth, rushing into the horde three times as fast as he could before as his tail pushed him into a pounce. Spinning as he soared, his four blades rotated about him, slashing and cutting all in his path. Kaine butchered his way through the horde, lightning, flame, wind and darkness bursting out with each hit landed, bodies fell left and right as he rushed through the horde like a heated knife going through butter.
[Draelith Arts] Martial Scroll Unlocked!
Martial Art {Coiled Leap}
Ending his rush suddenly as he slammed his tail down, Kaine slid to a stop before turning and coiling once again. Kaine spun, an abrupt rotation after coiling up, he spun in place like a saw-blade. Using his tail as he turned he began to move, slithering from side to side. Kaine slashed, stabbed, cleaved and cross-cut enemies that came into his path, a dance of blades, a monstrous dance, a demonic dance.
Martial Art {Draelith Dance}
And as a massive form began to rise out of the ground, severely larger than the other minions, a few heads taller even than the lesser dreadknights. As the Elite Dreadknight rose out of the ground, Kaine sliced up each minion rushing at him, briefly focusing on its large form. Once again Kaine¡¯s tail constricted, coiled up then suddenly burst with movement, sending him soaring into the air. ¡°Demons that I command, Demons that I wield. Merge and contract, form the blade I wish to wield!¡± Kaine chanted out of pure memory, of the foul magic he witnessed and clashed with in his past. Moving his four arms before himself as he soared then, he pushed together the two that held Nova and Orotovos, the two weapons suddenly melding together and forming one hilt exhuming a blade of green lightning. Using his other two hands, he melded Tezembre and Telaquitzl, forming a blade of dark winds. Wielding the two weapons with two hands only, he did much the same as before, combining them together.
Spell {Four Demon¡¯s Blade} unlocked!
Wielding now a single weapon, he turned it upside-down, holding it with all four hands Kaine clenched the grip tightly. Its gleaming blade of dark metal formed, the edge radiating a greenish heat as the centre sparked with energy. As he fell, blades of wind formed around the blade-point, spiralling about his descent. ¡°Hell summoning; Demon Art; Hell Blade!¡± Kaine exclaimed and each element merged then, summoning forth a rush of black-green smoke oozing out of his weapon.
Spell {Hell Blade} unlocked!
As he descended upon the rising monster, stabbing his blade down through its helm and deep into its head. Quickly his tail coiled around the elite¡¯s neck, constricting, Kaine crushed its armour inward. In reaction the monster raised its hands up to grasp him, trying to grab at him yet try as it might there was no holding onto his scaly tail as it lay crushing its neck. And the rest of Kaine lay all to high up for the monster¡¯s bulky arms to reach. With his blade stuck deep in its head, Kaine held on as it trashed, smiling all the while as he did. ¡°Now, for the grand finale!¡± He then exclaimed, ¡°Lesser Hellnova!¡± His weapon shuddered, as cracks of green flame rose from the blade¡¯s core, rising out before suddenly diving down towards the blade-tip. The Elite¡¯s eyes shone brightly as hellfire spewed out of its rotten wounds, armour sections, eyesockets and mouth. A supernova lightning up deep within its belly, it burst out from any and all holes the energy could find. Even out of the wound Kaine¡¯s sword made, suddenly forcing his weapon out moments after detonation, Kaine was sent flying with the Elite¡¯s head still clenched within his tail. Releasing the crushed helmet, Kaine also released the four demon¡¯s blade spell, regaining all four swords as he fell into freefall. Coming down upon a group of undead, his weapons flashed into action, making short work of each. Rising to his full height, Kaine glanced back at the Lich who¡¯s own gaze had turned to astonishment.
Level Up! Martial level 13 reached! +1 to all Martial stats. 3 Neutral Martial Points available for distribution!
With each level up he had gone through from clearing this room, even as more and more monsters had began to respawn. He knew as he released his weapons. As he released his Drealith form, returning go his Dark Elf body. Kaine knew as he pressed his hands onto the doors. ¡°I win.¡± He mused with a smirk. ¡°You can run, you can hide¡­But this is my dungeon! I will catch you, I will find you.¡± Krakt warned, ¡°I will have your soul!¡± Kaine chuckled as he pushed open the two doors, ¡°Then come fetch me, you whiny bitch.¡± he snapped back, shutting the doors behind himself as he entered the new room. Woops Apologies for the long wait! Kinda got caught up in all the school work and certain game updates that I forgot to even write...New chapter should be up sometime this weekend though! In the meantime enjoy this drawing of the main character in his current form! >This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. This is my first actual humanoid character, don''t judge k, I know it''s bad xD Lil hint written at the bottom too...Hhmmmm... I wonder what it''s hinting at! :3 Ch 44 - Conviction ¡°Hah¡­I should¡¯ve known.¡± Rey spat as she rose up from sitting at the cage¡¯s edge, pushing herself even as her hands lay bound behind her back with magical shackles, she came to face the bars on the other side. ¡°Still, I don¡¯t believe it.¡± She said, as she glared down at DarkHour and Sinclair who rode right by their carriage, where the entire party lay imprisoned. All around them Covenants rode with, almost a hundred of them, riding long-legged birds with little to no wings. Carrying forth their barred carriage with ease though was something else, reptilian in form, the massive lizard seemed like it could¡¯ve run even faster than the quick-footed birds. ¡°Believe what?¡± Dark asked with a smirk. ¡°You betrayed your damn friend.¡± Rey snapped back. ¡°He hasn¡¯t been my friend in years, not since he let everyone down, not since he let me down.¡± Dark mused. ¡°Why? Why are you doing this? We¡¯re all stuck in this shit together!¡± Rey then exclaimed, pushing into the bars yet they did not budge. ¡°Why? Simple, I saw all I had to see back there.¡± Dark answered with a sigh, ¡°He¡¯s grown weak, you¡¯re new, and those monsters were hiding. We simply made an educated decision.¡± ¡°You led them to us¡­You didn¡¯t just pick a side¡­You fucking led them to us!¡± Rey then shouted out, her anger reaching its limits, ¡°You son of a bitch if I wasn¡¯t tied up and caged up right now I¡¯d¡­I¡¯d!¡± She grumbled, suddenly stepping back and kicking the bars as hard as she could, Rey¡¯s expression went blue then as she fell to the floor in great pain. The bars were harder than she thought they¡¯d be. Dark¡¯s smirk turned into a grin then, ¡°I guess I did, didn¡¯t I?¡± Rey¡¯s eyes relit with rage at his words, pushing herself through the pain to rise, but suddenly something pulled her back down. Roy had grabbed her shirt with his teeth, bringing his sister back down to the floor, he whispered into her ear. ¡°Calm down and look around, this is no time to stand out¡­¡± He warned her, as both their gazes moved about the watching Covenants. ¡°I know you¡¯re angry, we all are, but we need to lay low for now¡­¡± ¡°But¡­Fine.¡± Rey grumbled, settling down next to him, she hid her tears by shoving her face into her knees. This isn¡¯t fair¡­ She thought. ¡°Plus,¡± Sin then chuckled, ¡°Knowing him, he¡¯ll live.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare¡­¡± Jedd then hissed out, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare fake hope in him, you have no right, not after all this¡­¡± ¡°And you do? How long has it even been since you¡¯ve met him? You think you know him¡­¡± Sin mused with a smile, ¡°You don¡¯t know what he was like, at first and after. You don¡¯t know him like we do.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t even-¡± Rey was about to explode once again. ¡°What? That he¡¯s crazy? That he thinks he¡¯s different people all in one body one mind?¡± Sin then cut her off, ¡°Oh we know, we also know how this game¡¯s system flows, and we know what¡¯s about to happen next.¡± She said, motioning to the Covenants all around them. ¡°We know more than you.¡± Dark mused, ¡°Now shut up, and play your part.¡± He told them, his voice growing into a whisper as a Covenant mage approached the carriage, raising his hand to the bars a blue light oozed out of his palm. Suddenly, the entire party felt very very sleepy. ¡°You won¡¯t g-get awa-away with¡­this¡­¡± Rey grumbled as the magic flowed through her, forcing her into a slumber, ¡°He¡¯ll¡­He¡¯ll come for us!¡± The last thing she saw before collapsing, was Dark¡¯s smirk as he glanced at her over the mage¡¯s shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯re counting on.¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. -
- Bones and rotten flesh flew aside with each of his attacks, his movements faster than ever, his four arms and four blades leaving absolutely no opening for the horde of undead to have at him. Wind, Lightning, Hellfire and Darkness burst out from his weapons as he spun, slashed and sliced, his tail then grabbing, smacking and swiping aside those that came all too close. Standing now before the door to the final corridor in his path of destruction, Kaine stretched his arms and popped his neck, piles and piles of corpses laying behind him as he pushed his tail into the doors before him. ¡°It¡¯s too bad that, I no longer get any experience for this trash.¡± He mused to himself, pushing open the final door to see the floor before him changing. A flow of energy had been sizzling through the ground as the doors opened, ending where the doorway divided the corridor from his current hall, as if the corridor itself before him had just been magically¡­renovated. And as he slithered inside, everything indeed looked different from the rest of the dungeon. The walls were darker, the floors smoother and more well-kept. The torches, dimmer. And there was an air of malevolence hovering about this place. From behind him, a chuckle resounded, wicked and villainous the laughter sent a chill crawl up his spine. Grinding his teeth, Kaine knew what to expect, yet still he continued forth. And as he trod through the new corridor with conviction, a voice spoke from all around him. ¡°I grow tired, of your disrespect and disregard, for your destiny.¡± Krakt¡¯s voice surrounding him, ¡°We offer you so much, we offer you power, standing and a future nobody else could deny you. We offer you to blacken the world into whichever shape you desire. We could make you a lord, a king¡­No, an Emperor of Darkness. It is in your blood, in your soul. It is your fate.¡± Kaine ignored the voice and continued onwards. ¡°The Revenants of Darkness, the Legion itself, would follow you. You, dark one, the last and first Dark Elf to escape the kingdom¡¯s clutches in eons! You are free, but you never will be, not as long as the kingdom exists. Not as long as there are Elves out there, who do not take the path of darkness!¡± Krakt explained, his wretched voice filling Kaine¡¯s surroundings like a tremor filling the ground. ¡°Why do you deny us? We¡­I can give you the world and more. Join me, make me a God and I¡¯ll make you Sovereign.¡± Krakt offered as he Kaine reached the next door. ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡­don¡¯t you?¡± Kaine asked, his serpentine eyes meeting the Lich¡¯s as its ghostly form appeared before him, forwarding his hand. ¡°You¡¯ve probably figured it out by now, there¡¯s more to me than just me.¡± ¡°Insanity is not an illness, not to the Legion, you are more in one. We do not judge sanity.¡± Krakt said with a grin. ¡°Then you should also know, that each of me wants something different, each of me argues and walks a different path. Even this new me¡­¡± Kaine said, raising his four hands as he looked over them, ¡°He usually names us¡­I know, I¡¯m the other two but as one¡­I guess I¡¯ll name myself. Keeping to the theme,¡± he looked back up to glare at the Lich. ¡°Jor wants happiness, Nidhogg wants attention, I want¡­I am Vali and I want glory.¡± Slithering forth, Vali got into Krakt¡¯s face. ¡°I assure you, beating you, will feel very glorious.¡± He hissed. ¡°You make little sense, for if you want glory, what is more glorious than absolute victory over the entirety of reality?¡± Krakt laughed, yet the light in his eye sockets dimmed when Vali had moved in closer. ¡°True enough, but there¡¯s one thing you should also know.¡± Vali said as he then grinned widely, yet a venomous glare left his eyes. ¡°Not one of us. Likes. To. Be¡­¡± He hissed out, the green hue in his eyes growing brighter and more ferocious with each word. ¡°Controlled.¡± Vali burst through the ghost, dissipating it from his way, ¡°Told what to do.¡± He bashed his tail into the doors, forcing them open. ¡°Destiny? Fate? You won¡¯t tell me what is my fate, you don¡¯t control my destiny. I¡¯ll write my own. That was your mistake from the very start¡­In my blood? Don¡¯t fuck with me.¡± Vali¡¯s voice then filled with malevolence matching the one that floated in the air. ¡°I don¡¯t want your black history on my shoulders. I don¡¯t want your kingdom built upon poison and blood. I¡¯ll build my own legion, I¡¯ll put together my own kingdom.¡± His clawed hands clenched around his four weapons, their respective elements surging out as his anger and conviction rose. As he entered the dark hall, slowly lighting up only with what rose in the centre. Seven times his own height. Eight blade-tipped legs raised the beast, each of skeletal make and pitch black with orbs of blue glowing brightly along their length. Each leg led to the same body, a hunched back humanoid torso with two very long arms each made with the same black bones. The arms ending in hand with all too long palms and far longer clawed fingers. Each claw glowing a dark blue. The beast turned as Kaine entered, its elongated skull meeting his gaze with its two empty sockets filled with shining blue energy. Its mouth opened then, a horrid sight of the entire front of the skull cracking open and revealing long rows of viciously jagged blue fangs, as from deep within its maw a dark blue light flashed out giving off a loud buzzing sound which filled his ears with dread.
{Floor Boss} {Revenants of Darkness} Dreadnaught of Terror [Level 24]
Yet Vali retained his conviction. ¡°I¡¯ll pave my own bloody future.¡± Kaine stood strong before this monstrosity. ¡°I¡¯ll bring forth my own apocalypse. Starting, with your pet.¡± Ch 45 - Level 20 A low humming filled the dark hall as the monstrosity turned to face him, massive in form yet it made not a sound as it turned. ¡°I¡¯ll bring forth my own apocalypse. Starting, with your pet!¡± Vali exclaimed in a hiss, coiling his tail beneath himself as he prepared each weapon he held. He watched as a misty black smoke entered the monster¡¯s maw, and a familiar voice then spoke from within it. ¡°Then prepare yourself to die, after which, you will be resurrected as the same existence as the minions you¡¯ve been slaughtering!¡± Krakt bellowed, and the doors suddenly shut closed behind Vali. The lights of blue covering the monster which lit the dark hall, all flickered off. Leaving him in utter darkness. But surrounded by darkness, is where he did his best work. Immediately he leaped forth with [Coiled Leap], soaring through the air before meeting one of the monster¡¯s legs, arching his weapons down upon it he expected to slice it clean off. Then suddenly the monster moved, speed beyond what his eyes were capable of following, the enemy disappeared from his sight. Landing awkwardly, Vali turned to meet his opponent once more, finding it running circles around him but not yet at the full speed he had just witnessed. ¡°Realised it have you? You¡¯re alone, you¡¯re one foolish creature against a Lich of my power controlling an ultimate beast of my own creation.¡± Krakt explained with great amusement in his tone. ¡°You could be so great, you have so much potential. Today you go to waste, and it is a shame, but alas¡­¡± The beast suddenly stopped the encircling. ¡°You have made your choice!¡± The monstrosity charged, maw wide open as it belched forth azure flames, it barrelled towards him. ¡°You¡¯re right. I am a fool, I am fighting against many odds. I did make my choice but¡­You are also wrong.¡± Vali mused, his previously calm expression breaking into an unsure smile, Vali grinned at just how mad this all seemed. As it charged, the beast¡¯s speed seemed to still be restrained, Vali did not know why this was but still he was thankful. As it gave him time. ¡°I¡¯m not alone.¡± Vali said, his smile breaking into a grimace, as pain shot through his mind. His form then began falling apart, as green and red light cracked through his scales. The horror was halfway from either burning him to a crisp or trampling over him now, as Vali¡¯s form shifted. Returning to the dark-skinned, long-eared Elf of before. No tail, no claws, only two arms. Even his four weapons dissipated as they hit the floor, all but Nova, who returned to her serpentine form. ¡°What¡­the actual fuck are you doing!? What? What! What!?¡± Kaine asked himself as fury briefly filled his expression. ¡°Calm down,¡± He then told himself, returning to standing straight and facing the charging monster, who now paused its charge. Damn that guy was dramatic though. Confused at the sight, the dreadnaught looked on at his changed form. ¡°What¡­Hah, do you perhaps surrender then!?¡± Krakt asked. ¡°Surrender?¡± Jor laughed at the thought, ¡°No, I¡¯m just smarter than the other two. I know rushing in alone, in a bloody rage, even with multiple swords in my hands¡­It won¡¯t get me anywhere. I¡¯m going all out. No longer holding back in learning skills to get exactly the ones I want. No longer holding back gaining experience to remain in level with my party. I know what I must do now.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Jor summoned forth a dagger from his inventory, a rusty blade he had recovered from the many slaughtered undead. ¡°Nova.¡± He called out to the demon and it flew into his free arm, coiling around it and storing its wings back along its body. Suddenly Jor grasped the serpent by its head, holding it tight so it did not move. The demon met his eyes, confused at the gesture, ¡°Master?¡± it asked. ¡°I am not your master.¡± Jor replied, ¡°She is, and as Kaine said before, I¡¯m nobody¡¯s puppet.¡± ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± The demon mistress hissed through her minion, a voice so vile it even made Krakt step back from surprise. ¡°I already have a demon inside me, remember?¡± Jor said with a wide smirk, ¡°I don¡¯t need you anymore.¡± ¡°No you¡­I off-¡± The demon tried to say, but it was too late. Nova¡¯s small body couldn¡¯t escape, as Jor drove the dagger into her head, spilling green blood all over it. The serpent struggled and struggled as the blade dug into its flesh, trying even to crush Jor¡¯s arm with its coiled body. But alas it was all for nought, as Nova¡¯s body then fell limp. ¡°No matter what that was¡­which spoke through it, but why¡­Why did you just kill your own familiar?¡± Krakt asked, at the limit of his confusion. Jor simply smiled and dropped the corpse, the demonic body dissipating into ash when it hit the floor.
Your familiar [Nova] has been killed!
¡°Because, this game¡­this world is merciless.¡± It wasn¡¯t Jor who spoke now, neither was it Nidhogg. Krakt had kept tabs on his prey¡¯s different personalities so he knew. He knew it was neither he faced now.
You have mercilessly killed {Familiar} {Hellbat Cobra} Nova [Level 19] Martial Experience gained 920/900
It was Kaine, and Kaine knew that this game he lay trapped in used the same experience gain system as the old one. Which, he knew better than the back of his very numb hand.
Level up! Martial Level 14 reached! +1 to all Martial stats. 3 Neutral Martial Points available for distribution!
Total level 20 milestone reached! Second {Racial} passive upgrade now available through the {Skills Scroll} window! {Racial} path change available through the {Skills Scroll} window!
¡°Hah, you crazy fucking fool, I would¡¯ve never thought of that.¡± Jor mused, before Kaine once more took over. An awkward pause followed, as the two personalities fell at a loss for words. We can fucking talk later! We¡¯re kinda busy now! Just a bit. Just a lot! A LOT? A LOT! A LOT!? The voice of Nidhogg surprisingly screamed reason through them, snapping them both out of their daze. ¡°Alas it doesn¡¯t matter what you do and which ego I face.¡± Krakt then grumbled, as azure flames once more began belching out of the dreadnaught¡¯s maw. ¡°I¡¯ll burn each of you once I burn that mortal form!¡± ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯ll give you the floor.¡± Jor mused, ¡°Nobody¡¯s watching, so don¡¯t freeze up on us again, aight?¡± He told himself. ¡°Hah¡­¡± Kaine sighed, watching as the monster he was facing prepared to continue its charge, ¡°We have a lot to talk about, all three of us, but before that¡­¡± He opened up his skills scroll menu, gazing at the four choices laid before him.
{Darkness} Lord of the Dark, you see all, and they see naught. Mastery over the control of negative energies. The capability of wide range magical prowess alongside vile and disruptive curses. Behold the primal strength of Darkness.
{Shadow} Adopted to the path of shadow, you are as silent as death and unseen as beneath a veil of darkness. Nothing escapes your grasp, nothing hides from your sight. Become the Shadow as your enemies can only guess at your position, as each attack sent your way is a mere possibility of landing.
{Demonic} Destructive forces course through your veins as you make your very body your weapon. Unstoppable before the physical, no wall or shield shall withstand your monstrous blows. With the ability to imbue the Demonic into materials and objects, its power upon you is also two-fold the effect.
Looking on at the first three, the choices were obvious to Kaine. Nidhogg would¡¯ve remained Demonic, as he kept repeating in a mental whisper. Shadow, was right up Jor¡¯s alley. But none of those would help with their current predicament, not raw strength and neither evasiveness. No Kaine wanted both and more, knowing exactly which would give him that. A choice that lay empty before, as he hadn¡¯t encountered it enough yet. But now, he faced a Lich and its pet.
{Undeath} Immortal in mind and body, your unholy magic lays dread and horror upon all who face you. An apocalypse in the making, you lay waste to life and in return gaining unlife. Imbuing yourself and others at a costly price, with immortality. If it¡¯s not living, it¡¯s undead.
Therefore the choice was readily available. ¡°First, I guess, we shall fight fire with fire.¡± Kaine mused. Hiatus - Undetermined First off, yes I do plan to continue this novel. I don''t know when, possibly during this summer I''ll get back on it, but I''ve just been craving a break from planning, plotting and calculating things for this story to just...Write, random funny shit that comes to my head. For this aspect I''ve started on a Pokemon fanfiction I just, decided to write for no real reason other than I wanted to xDThis story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. I guess I just kinda burned out from writing The Dragon Within''s ending and the start of this story at the same time, both gave me the fantasy, edginess and planning I crave in story writing but neither allowed me to just do what I love to do, and go crazy with it. It''s why I loved writing OC;OR so much, I just went absolutely ape-shit with it ^ ^ Will see you soon~ ~The Sly Wolf Temporarily out~ ;P Ch 46 - My Class He took in a deep breath, the dungeon¡¯s cold stale air filling his lungs before he breathed out the excess. Its coldness was nothing compared to the coldness that now encased his heart. Like a grasping hand of frost, it grabbed him deep inside and clenched tightly. Kaine felt the dangerous power fuel him.
Spell {Four Demon¡¯s Blade} forgotten
Spell {Hell Blade} forgotten
[Hell Arts] forgotten Including; {Familiar Weapon}, {Demonic Will}, {Demonize}, {Daemon}, {Fiend}
As his eyes suddenly shone a bright blue.
Path of Undeath chosen!
Passive Skill {Soul Bend} unlocked!
Passive Skill {Dread Analytics} unlocked!
A beautiful blue.
[Necrotic Spell Book] unlocked!
Necrotic Spell {Undeathly Reincarnation} unlocked!
Necrotic Spell {Summon Spectre} unlocked!
A cold blue.
Chosen path upgrade! Smith of nasty spell, now you choose the crossing of your path. Do you wish to be a summoner of vengeance? [Dread Knight] Or maybe a builder of forsaken armies? [Necromancer] Perhaps, you wish to befall your enemies in the form of fear itself? [Revenant]
Kaine over looked each choice, inspecting each.
{Dread Knight}; Bringers of deadly misfortune to the unfairly fortunate. We cometh forth with the strength of a hundred living, but stand tall thereafter with the infinity of death. Kill us, slay us, still we fight. We give only two choices, destroy us or be destroyed. For everything we destroy. You are a warrior of death.
{Necromancer}; Unholy priests of life, breathers of it from the least sanctified books of necrotic power. We give not the kiss of life, we do not give options. We give orders, and I order thy, cometh from the afterlife to serve yours truly. And call thee, not sir or madam, not lord. Call thee, Master. A spellcaster of undeath.
{Revenant}; A mixture of Dread Knight and Necromancer, strong in both brawn and magic, stand naught in their path.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. We not only cast whimsy into the air nor do we rush forth brazenly. We hunt our quarry, we find our forsaken foe. Tread not into our list, less we write you down anyway, right before cutting you out. All is for vendetta. Adequate at sword and spell, but master of neither.
Kaine chose the third option, knowing perfectly what he was doing.
The job of {Revenant} was chosen. Your unholiness is further disrespected with dark powers beyond your full understanding.
[Unholy Arts] Martial Art Scroll unlocked!
Unholy Art {Summon Your Vengeance}
{Weapon Imbue} altered. Now {Weapon Imbue; Unholy}
Necrotic Spell {Dark Revenge} unlocked!
Dropping his dagger, the cold blue then burst out of his fingertips also. Running down his fingers and engulfing his hands, it wasn¡¯t far from a flame, but different at the same time. It flickered like one, yet it seemed slow and lacking any sort of heat. It was an eerie flame, and it seemed to suck the heat right out of his surroundings, turning the already cold dungeon even colder. A sound escaped the flames, a voice. Two voices¡­ One from each flame¡­ ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this interesting.¡± ¡°Hah! What! What? What!? I¡¯m a fireball! Holy shit please throw me at it!¡± ¡°So¡­the game does see each of us as a separate soul..¡± Kaine mused from the main body. ¡°Seems like so¡­but what do you plan to do with that?¡± Jor asked. ¡°Throw me! Holy crap fuck shit! Throw me!¡± Nidhogg begged. ¡°I¡¯m not throwing you, I¡¯m doing something more¡­fun.¡± Kaine muttered out, ¡°You see, normally the game requires a freshly killed body to use necromancy. Since the vessel and soul would both still be present and mostly whole. But as long as I do have a soul to control, all I need is a vessel.¡± ¡°And where the hell do you see a body dipshit!? Huh? Huh! Huh!?¡± Nidhogg asked from the left. ¡°He puts out a good point.¡± Jor added. Kaine then kneeled before Nova¡¯s ashes. ¡°Exactly, hell.¡± Kaine muttered out once more, seemingly in a daze, his focus was elsewhere as he inspected the pile of hellish dust. Placing his left hand down then, Kaine pushed it into the ashes. ¡°The game thinks of Nidhogg as a demon, so it¡¯s only fitting.¡± Kaine mused. When suddenly the monstrosity rushed forth. ¡°I shall not permit you!¡± The voice exclaimed with sudden fury, as the beast descended upon Kaine with ferocity. Looming over him, he was akin to an ant about to be eviscerated by a spider. When suddenly the flame on his right hand rushed upwards. ¡°Summon Spectre.¡± Kaine mumbled out under his breath, and Jor¡¯s flame took shape as it rose. Four armed and with the body of a serpentine humanoid, taking Vali¡¯s form but thrice the size, Jor faced the monster¡¯s descending blades with his own ethereal blue. ¡°Permit me? No, I won¡¯t permit you from stopping me.¡± Kaine said with an anxious chuckle, he was trying very hard to remain calm. Pressing his hand further into the ashes, Nidhogg¡¯s flame engulfed them.
Requirements for [Ritual] spell {Undeathly Reincarnation} complete.
¡°I summon you to the physical plane, I give your soul a body, to shape and make however you wish.¡± Kaine chanted from memory alone, a spell he hadn¡¯t spoken in a very, very long time. ¡°I give you breath, I give you hunger, I give you a purpose. Serve by my side, cometh to unlife and call me Master! I summon you Demon! Come forth! Nidhogg!¡± The ashes then suddenly began to burn. And the blue flame, flickered, before turning a crimson red. Out of the burning ashes a hand appeared, grasping out onto the floor, it was dark and scaly. The creature inside the ashes growled, as it pulled itself out. As if crawling out of hell itself. And as it came out, its form grew. A hulking humanoid now stood before Kaine and behind Jor. Pitch-black carapace-like flesh covering its torso, as greyish-black scales encased its shoulders, arms and waist and legs. Blood-red needle-like fangs, fleshy black claws. Two massive coiling horns of dark grey. Two long snarling black fangs growing longer than the rest. And two very pissed off blood red eyes, narrowing into shivering slits. ¡°Oh fuck me I need to smash something!¡± Nidhogg exclaimed with a bellowing laugh, bashing his right fist into his open left palm, causing a small quake to surge through the air around the collision. ¡°Impossible! How do you know such spells!? I sensed no such magic within you earlier! Where do you get this knowledge! Demonic summoning was lost eons ago!¡± The voice from within the floor boss exclaimed in panic. Kaine chuckled, as he rose from the floor, he laughed. ¡°People look at me, and either see the warrior that is Nidhogg, or the rogue that is Jor. But in reality, those were just alts. My main character? My main persona? My main fucking class in the previous game? You should know already¡­come on, you¡¯re all reading my mind aren¡¯t you?¡± Kaine¡¯s laugh increased in hysteria, ¡°Or¡­are you?¡± Taking a stumbled step back, his expression paused into wonder, fixing itself on the looming beast as Jor held it at bay. Before suddenly breaking out into a chuckle once more, ¡°I was a mage, my main character was a fucking caster. And oh lord how easy has this game made it to become one now¡­Ohohoho, so so easy. I can barely believe it myself.¡± ¡°What are you blabbering about!?¡± The lich exclaimed in fury. Kaine only smiled. As Jor smirked. As Nidhogg laughed. ¡°I¡¯m about to show you what an alpha mage player is capable of.¡± Kaine added. Ch 47 - Wing The pressure descended upon Kaine, weighing down his shoulders and eye-lids. He wanted to shut them, to close his eyes and look away. The fear, it filled him, merging with the coldness and coalescing into a feverish horror. A monster stood before him. A real monster. Not some fairy-tail to sleep to, or some Pg13 movie to stay awake to. The being before him had every meaning to kill him, then reawaken him as a bound slave. This is a game. This was a game. ¡­ To Kaine, this was no longer a game. It was now a matter of life and undeath. The fear he felt? Trivial. The coldness gouging his stomach? Unimportant. The weight that promised to collapse him to his knees? Foolish. Surrender was a silly thought to Kaine now, as Jor¡¯s words never rang truer than now. ¡°I¡¯m done fucking about.¡± Kaine mused, his smile creeping wider. His eyes, widening as they stared deeply at the enemy. Coldness radiating out of his gaze. ¡°Nidhogg tank, Jor DPS.¡± Kaine then exclaimed, as blazes of blue engulfed both of his hands once more. ¡°Haha! About fucking time fucker! Yeeeeha!¡± Nidhogg shouted as he suddenly leapt high into the air, falling upon the distracted floor boss¡¯s back. Nidhogg grappled the beast, holding on tightly with his massive demonic muscles. At the same time disbalancing the creature, sending it stumbling back and freeing Jor from the clash. Wasting not a moment, Jor¡¯s blades flashed with ferocity, clashing into the creature¡¯s bladed legs and chipping away at them. Ever pushing it back. As Kaine stood his ground, wisps of blue rising all around him, he chanted. Pouring his every fibre of being into his control over this energy called mana his voice dominated. Fully focused, his memory flared alive with oh so many choices to cast. ¡°Dripping wisp, that which is sinking ablaze, down to hell and up again, alight the chill. Spread frost equal to my burning soul.¡± The wisps about him then suddenly shuddered, shining a much brighter blue now, there were dozens of them. Just then the Dreadnaught broke free of the two assailants, sending Nidhogg tumbling off to the side, it turned to barrage Jor with a massacre of stabs and slashes with its many many legs. Kaine timed it just right, ¡°Soul Star Fall!¡± He more so demanded than shouted, as his command fuelled the magic further. The wisps shot up into the air, curving forwards as they slowed down, briefly pausing many feet high up there. Before suddenly befalling upon the Dreadnaught like a rain of meteors, trailing frost behind them as they fell, each wisp exploded upon hitting the creature. And where the spell hit, dark blue ethereal ice formed along its body. ¡°What is this sorcery!? My minion! My dear creation! What are you doing to it foul warlock!?¡± The dungeon rumbled as the voice exclaimed angrily from everywhere at once. Kaine, simply laughed. A wicked cackle that furthered the chill permeating his surroundings. ¡°Necromancy may be a powerful magic accompanied by the almost infinite mana that comes with being a dungeon, but there is one fatal flaw to it.¡± Kaine explained as mana reformed along his fingertips, preparing for the next strike. ¡°Necromancy relies on souls, it grasps, binds and enslaves souls. As such, there is a school of magic that has everything I need¡­¡± He chuckled once more, ¡°Sure, learning all these spells now will make learning others harder further down the line, but if it means beating you¡­If it means surviving another day!¡± Kaine exclaimed, and his eyes burst aflame with blue. ¡°Then behold the magiks of the soul, the School of Anima.¡± His very voice surging with mana as he had been collecting so much into his entire body. At the same time Nidhogg and Jor continued their assault, the Dreadnaught¡¯s movements having suddenly grown more sluggish. Nidhogg faced the beast head-on, bashing aside its attacks and charging in with his own maddened rush of fury, putting the monster out of balance and keeping its attention. As Jor encircled it, cutting away where he found openings to and suddenly leaping in for critical hits on its main torso whenever the opportunity presented itself. All the while¡­
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As a certain pressure arose apart from the one the Dreadnaught exerted¡­Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°Bulging from the surging of boiling blood, make the body. Rushing from the fury of the aether, make the mana. Crackling from the raging of the mind, make the soul!¡± He raised his hands forth, palms wide open and crackling with energy. ¡°Imbue; Unholy!¡± And two rays of sickly blue energy discharge out of his palms, hitting Nidhogg and Jor perfectly in the centre of their torsos. Their eyes, they flared alit with blue fire, as dark blue energy surged through their bodies. Nidhogg¡¯s veins glowed blue as his form shuddered, growing as it did. Jor¡¯s ethereal form was instead engulfed by the flame, surrounding him like an aura. Both growled, before suddenly bellowing with energy, exerting now their own crushing pressure each. Nidhogg grabbed hold of the Dreadnaught¡¯s legs, as three descended upon his glowing form, two were block whilst one scraped across his back. His hands clenched tightly around the legs, cracking their surface with the sheer strength he was exerting now. Nidhogg heaved, raising the Dreadnaught off its feet and up into the air, where it flailed helplessly with the rest of its feet. Jor leapt up, soaring through the air, he danced through it. Slashing forth with deadly twirls, Jor ascended through two of the Dreadnaught¡¯s legs, slicing them clean off. Before flipping over its head, soaring through the opposite two and slicing those off as well. Landing just as cleanly, he coiled up in preparation as four limbs crashed down into the ground, unmoving. The Dreadnaught opened its jaws wide then, as magic condensed inbetween its fangs. Turning its head to face Nidhogg, it bellowed with fury as it prepared to incinerate the demon. When suddenly, Kaine appeared in its path. Hovering before it, his eyes dimming of the last wisps of blue flame. I¡¯m done taking the backdrop, I¡¯m done keeping to the backlines. I¡¯m bloody done with this shame, this guilt¡­This god damn fear and anger! He chanted, as he had been for this entire clash. ¡°Shadows oh shadows, fill my mind with the bleak black. Darkness oh darkness, dot out my heart with the quiet black.¡± Kaine¡¯s eyes seemingly lost all their light, going completely pitch black as he continued his chant right after appearing before the Dreadnaught. ¡°Mind oh mind of mine, converge on my soul and make it black. Make it shadow, make it darkness. I am shadow, I am darkness.¡± Kaine raised both his hands forth. ¡°Shit, watch out!¡± Jor exclaimed, leaping with all his strength to reach him, but he was too slow. As the Dreadnaught gushed out its fiery breath. Engulfing Kaine whole¡­ ¡°Dark!¡± A bellow escaped the flames, as darkness then suddenly snuffed them out. ¡°Shadow!¡± A shockwave began from Kaine¡¯s position, expanding forth and filling the room with wisps of darkness¡­ Still he held his palms forth. As suddenly each wisp shot back, trailing right into Kaine¡¯s palms. Forming a small bead of the murkiest black. The bead hovered upon his left palm as he spun it about, holding it forward and facing up, he moved his right hand over and behind it. Putting his index finger into his thumb, Kaine took aim. As the Dreadnaught tilted its head in confusion. ¡°School of Anima; Dark Shadow Chapter; Soul Arrow!¡± Kaine exclaimed, flicking the bead forth. ¡­ Passing out right then and there, as an obsidian-black beam of energy burst forth from his palm, erasing the entirety of the Dreadnaught¡¯s left torso from existence. Kaine fell, unconscious he fell right into Jor¡¯s arms who attempted a landing right after but stumbled. Tumbling away from the agonized beast, Jor hid Kaine¡¯s unconscious body under his ethereal one¡­ Which had begun to fade. Taking his chance, Nidhogg then suddenly grabbed the Dreadnaught by one leg with both hands and began to smash it down. Left to right to centre, Nidhogg threw the creature about. Until suddenly the leg he was holding onto snapped off, all too cleanly for it to have been accidental. The Dreadnaught tumbled away, immediately recovering itself and standing up onto its final legs, it faced them. Kaine passed out, Jor moments from fading away, and only Nidhogg standing in its way. Nidhogg took a step forth, bellowing out ferociously, he also felt his strength leaving him. As the flames within his eyes faded, his form shrunk. The Dreadnaught took this opportunity, surging forth, it spun as it soared. Slicing through Nidhogg¡¯s waste line with one leg, the demon fell to the floor in two pieces, one of which immediately turned to ash and the second shrunk. Recovering into a fully humanoid form, still Nidhogg was now one tenth his previous size. And behind him, Jor had just faded away, leaving Kaine completely defenceless. Nidhogg stood up to face the beast, and behind him Jor took over, rising within Kaine¡¯s body, both were completely worn out. ¡°Hah, fools, you¡¯ve exerted everything you¡¯ve got to give!¡± The Dungeon rumbles in a fake chuckle, filled with anger. And it spoke true, both Nidhogg and Jor were exhausted, they could barely stand. Yet stood they did. Face the Dreadnaught they did. Eyes filled with madness. As Jor smiled, Nidhogg cackled. ¡°You¡­You¡¯re insane! Give up! There is nothing left you can do! The more you struggle the longer it¡¯ll take to resurrect you fools! Do you wish to meet both a long death followed by eternal undeath? It only makes it worse I assure you!¡± ¡°Hah¡­I can handle it! Bastard! Dipshit! Asshole!¡± Nidhogg blurted out. ¡°Enough play, time to end this.¡± The dungeon sneered, and a horrifying sound came from the ceiling above. Two shadows dropped to the ground, rising to half the height of the floor boss, two very similar but slightly altered version of it now loomed on each side of Jor. ¡°You have fought fiercely, now sleep, poor fools.¡± The Lich mused, as the floor boss kicked Nidhogg aside, his body smashing into the hall¡¯s wall and falling limp to the ground. Each creature now stalked to surround Jor, as his own consciousness waned. It all seemed helpless now to Jor, as the three monsters loomed over him. Everything was hopeless, it was over. They had tried, their very best they had tried. But this damn game¡­this damn world has been out to kill us since day one! He thought, fury filling him, but he had no strength remaining to hold onto that anger. It simply drained away, as the exhaustion filled what void it left behind. Jor lowered to the ground, barely able to keep his face up, the mana sickness had fully taken hold. But he held his face up. His eyes open. Just long enough, just in time to hear¡­ To hear something crack, for that crack to fill the dungeon. Everything then went still. The dungeon was dead silent except for a creaking¡­ As the very doors to this hall began to open. Jor, and the three monsters, turned to face the intruder.
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Two figures appeared out of the hallway¡¯s darkness. A male and a female figure, but parts of their clothes was all Jor could make out. Their black and dark green feathered robes, covering their body entirely but the hands and face, their face hidden by a black mask with an owl¡¯s visage. The man held a short thin fencing blade by his waist, while the woman had a two blade-ended whips ready in either hand. Jor felt the weariness take him, he couldn¡¯t hold on any longer. The thought of rest was too enticing to his drained body and mind. His eyes began to close. Still he saw the flash of movement by the man¡¯s right hand. The air itself seemingly separated at that almost invisible movement, and the sound of flesh tearing filled Jor¡¯s ears from around him. The final images Jor saw before darkness took over, were the heads of each monster wetly tumbling down to the floor before him. Each unmoving, as by the sound, their bodies followed. Jor still heard, albeit too weak to re-open his eyes, his ears were still involuntarily working. He heard the Lich shriek, a dying bellow before the dungeon¡¯s chilly aura dissipated entirely. Followed by two voices he did not recognise. ¡°So, this is him?¡± Asked the man. ¡°Mhm, Ventis said so.¡± The woman replied. ¡°Then tell Ventis, we¡¯ve recovered the objective.¡± The man added, ¡°Care of what you say, he¡¯s still with us.¡± ¡°Of course, *Ahem*, Nest? This is Rose, we¡¯ve recovered the task objective, requesting mission drop off. ¡± The women then spoke, seemingly through some kind of long range communication method. A third voice joined in then, ¡°This is Nest, meet us at the second town over. I repeat, Wing, second town over. Nest, over.¡± ¡°Gotcha Nest, Wing heading to second town over.¡± The woman said, as Jor then heard something come closer¡­ Feeling a hand go through his forehead and pushing aside his hair, ¡°Hmph, so they really do exist.¡± The man mused as the bliss of unconsciousness then followed. I just cant, sorry I know, I know, another one bites the shelf. I just can''t handle writing a LitRPG I guess, I always fuck up somewhere with the game mechanics and end up groaning not sure how to fix it even though I want something like it. As for the plot of this story...It''s getting old for me, I have several ideas but, the game mechanics feel so limiting in comparison to just "Hey it''s magik." OC;OR was different for me cause, I just bullshitted through each game mechanic, keeping it as vague as possible. Here I went into too much detail to make it seem like a common MMO. Honestly I just feel bored writing this novel, which sums it all up for me, LitRPG just isn''t for me. Sorry for those who were enjoying the read, I know how much of a pain it is to have an enjoyable book suddenly cease posting. It''s not much but through this post I guess I''ll try to tell you all what my idea was for the future of this story and how things would turn out, I know it''s nothing at all like reading through it, but at least I can sate your curiosity on what was about to happen. Well for starters, yeah I was fully planning on giving Jor and Nidhogg their own bodies and choices separate from Kaine, or Kai''ne (KAI-NEH) as I originally named him but decided was too complicated. At first, I made this choice just to expand the cast of the story and give these two "personalities" more depth, also I was quickly growing tired of the multi-personality disorder and keeping track of which one is speaking... As for Kaine''s abilities, they had also been seperated into the different personalities like parts of his memory. For example if you asked Nidhogg of what happened to Kaine''s sister, he wouldn''t remember first hand, just second hand knowledge of what he heard. Nidhogg, was the hybrid, chaotic and unpredictable type of combat style. Jor was the sneaky, adaptive and defensive one. Then there is Kaine, who is revealed to actually be a caster type of player, with knowledge of most of the game''s spells and magic types. Now for the character plot lines... The two mysterious characters that saved Kaine? They are a rebellious group of Elves called the Owl, led by Ventis, an unknown woman who not even her own followers know her true identity. Mostly, everything is maintained by a high level fugitive named Gerell, the second in command. Throughout this Arc Kaine was supposed to learn more of this world''s politics from his ''saviors'', Luno (Or Djakin, son of a Night Elf official.) and Baijil (Or Rose, a simple baker''s daughter, a wood elf.) Lovers cringe ensues throughout for Kaine with these two. Nidhogg starts realizing his tagging as a Demon, is far deeper than it at first seems. As the Hierarchy of Hell demands, all demons must take part and...Nidhogg was a rogue Demon, contract-bound but, ultimately masterless in the abyss''s records. This starts off as the appearance and encountering of minor demons stalking and studying them, but later on would have evolved into Demon Lords searching to force him into their command.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Jor on the other hand was working hard to try and gain himself a body of his own, succeeding with Kaine''s soul magic combined with his own newly gained spectral magic. Becoming a living Aetherial being called a Wraith. They proceed to attempt and fail many times to save their captured friends, until they finally succeed. At the price of Kaine being captured in return. Something, would happen afterwards. An impact that would crack Kaine''s already fragile mind further, sending his subconscious into self-preservation mode. Annndddd, awaken the fourth personality. Yes, there was a fourth. This fourth personality, is Jormungandr, the actual personality of Kaine (Nidhogg, Jor and Kaine are ALL alternate personalities created from snippets of Jormungandr.) Yes, you have been following the story of alternate personalities as Protagonists all along! Hah! An epic ass-whooping follows as Jormungandr in an enraged state, brings down relentless assault after assault on the surrounding Covenant. Yet, he can''t fight them all, definitely not when the Elder''s Coven themselves show up. This, is when Jorm''s old guild, Yggdrasil, show up and aid in the escape. Also turns out, Dark and Sin didn''t betray them back at the caves, but instead gave themselves all up through making a deal with the Covenant that nobody would be mortally harmed. (Unknown to them was that they''d not keep that promise with Kaine, him being a Dark Elf.) They had hoped Kaine would also snap out of his bullshit through this, they needed him to be his old self again. But after escaping the Elder''s Coven, the now large group of players head back out into the ravine''s wilderness, until Owl operatives approach them from the shadows, Shadow(Or Terence, the Hob Goblin.) and Nate, (Dom, the Satyr). (Note, they only know them by their code names for most of it, even Luno and Rose.) Trusting Owl after being saved by them, Kaine votes to follow the strange creatures. And so they head off to find Owl''s HQ. Throughout this journey, a newer member of Yggdrasil makes himself known to Kaine, Sting''s ''friend'' Schaal. Who Kaine knows previously, as he silently reveals to be an old acquaintance of his. The Tank player in his AR;TOW team, who followed Kaine into this game to find him and try to get him to rejoin the team. Ultimately getting himself stuck as well. Now I didn''t have much else after this thought out, only few snippets like, when they reached the area Owl''s HQ was around...A VERY Dangerous area, they stumble upon a roaming boss monster who immediately engages them. The two Owl members stay out of the fight, being not the combat types, they instead hide. And after a drawn out, tiresome fight, more Owl members suddenly appear to clean up the worn out Boss. But before that, a mysterious female member, adorned with an Owl mask that is half black and half white...Throws Kaine the weapons his sister had made for him, his Kusarigama. She means to see him at full strength, and will not aid them further unless he does as such. Kaine, now much different from the man he had logged in as, accepts the offer. Wielding the weapons, he swallows his pride and guilt, making full use of his expertise with the weapons and mastery over quick spell-casting. But him alone isn''t enough to kill the boss, and just as the monster was beginning to turn things around, Gerell utterly decimates it. The story from here on would be the players joining the Owl organization, who''s intent is to free the Elves from the Coven''s brainwashing doctrine and raise their people to arms in preparation for the coming storm. A storm where more and more of the monsters Yggdrasil members encountered would come. Except, much much larger. And with insanely more numbers. That''s, as far as I had gotten. After that I was going to plan for creating the other islands (Realms), but as I said...I''m just bored of writing this. As any time I do abandon a story, whoever wishes to continue it feel free, I''ll even further you all my notes if you wish. And again, apologies for giving up once more...Guess it is true that writers have more abandoned stories than finished ones :/