《I'm... Skeleton A?!》 The Murder of Ensign Asamoto I wake to blaring sirens. Flashes of red flitting across my eyelids. ¡°Wha- what¡¯s going on?!¡± I shout bolting upright to immediately slam my head on the cot above mine. ¡°Ensign Asamoto! We need you down in the engine room!¡± A half-dressed man yells coming into the cramped room. The lack of clothing resulting in a lack of rank. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± I ask quickly pulling on some trousers. ¡°No time!¡± He shouts as he grabs my arm, dragging me out. We quickly pass by the berthing compartment, others rushing out in similar fashion.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°Is it an attack?!¡± ¡°No, but the hull¡¯s been compromised!¡± ¡°What?! How?!¡± I¡¯m starting to understand the situation. ¡°If the hull¡¯s been compromised, what do you need me in the engine room for? I¡¯m not an engineer! I¡¯m a commanding officer.¡± I say to the unfamiliar man¡­ wait. It¡¯s nearly impossible to not know everyone given the small size of the crew. ¡°Oh, that.¡± He responds, a grin forming on his face. ¡°Gah,¡± I cry out in pain as a knife passes through my kidney. Nobody notices in the commotion as I fall to my knees. My blood flows onto metal as my eyes strain to find my killer. I spot him for a second as the knife clatters next to me. The clang of metal on metal rings in my ears. The sound surprisingly loud given the situation. Painfully slow, I manage to flip myself over and drag myself to the side. Propping myself against the wall, I attempt to apply pressure on the wound, but my hand soon finds the laceration too large to contain. Pain arcs through my body causing my hands to shy away before the sensation begins to dull. I feel tremors from an explosion. As my eyes close, I hear screeching metal as the hull caves in. The freezing cold of water as it pours in. Panicked voices, and a final glimpse of my surroundings as the walls close in. Crushed beyond recognition. Chapter 1: The Funeral Where am I? Men and women dressed in the black of mourning I realize soon enough. A salute from the military. My crying relatives, and those here to claim my inheritance. Ah, my little sister. It¡¯s a shame I couldn¡¯t be a better brother. My stepmother, tears streaming down her face. ¡°You stupid son¡­¡± she mutters in between gasps. I wish we could have made up. A scene from when I was younger plays in my head. Two people stand in a small living room. Objects strewn across the floor as they¡¯re engaged in a heated argument. ¡°I wish you weren¡¯t born!¡± She yells. ¡°You¡¯re not even my real mother!¡± The room goes silent. I shouldn¡¯t have said that. It¡¯s true we weren¡¯t related by blood, but she¡¯d raised two children who weren¡¯t even her own¡­ and for 16 years. I found out long ago. The important thing isn¡¯t whether they gave birth to you, but rather, who raised you. I wanted to apologize, but I kept avoiding it. Saying I had another assignment, that it couldn¡¯t be helped. I¡¯m sorry. Although it¡¯s too late now. My father wearing his old navy blue uniform and cap, standing tall with a single tear tracing a trail down his cheek as he stares up at the clear sky. I almost laugh remembering a certain anime. He shouldn¡¯t try to act tough all the time. I know how much he¡¯s hurting. ¡°Jyun, if things get rough, make sure you come back alive. I don¡¯t care what you do to achieve that. No matter how pitiful you seem, or how much your pride hurts. Even if you abandon those around you. You¡¯ll always be my son.¡± ¡°Haha, how can I run? I¡¯m on a sub, remember?¡± I joke in an attempt to ease the atmosphere. ¡°No matter what.¡± He says with a stern look on his face. Hm? I¡¯m even getting a commemoration speech from a Vice Admiral? A few lofty awards as well. Poor consolation for those who¡¯ve lost their family to war. They lower what¡¯s left of my body into the grave. My family approaches it to leave a few presents as farewell. A bundle of flowers from my stepmother. She always did like her flowers. My father lowers a crate full of chocolates and other sweets. Haha, guess my father knows me best¡­ or¡­ not. If I could blush, I would, as my sister lowers an imouto doujinshi into the grave. I want to hide, but guess I don¡¯t have to. Or rather why wasn¡¯t she disgusted? Maybe she is, but I¡¯d never think of my own sister that way. How¡¯d she even find out? Ah. An old scene plays in the back of my memory. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m gonna take a shower.¡± I say. ¡°Okay.¡± She responds. ¡°Want to take one with me? For old time¡¯s sake?¡± I ask with a grin. ¡°Ewww, no!¡± ¡°Your loss,¡± I respond with a chuckle. ¡°Can I use your computer?¡± She asks, her voice muffled through the door. ¡°Hm? Sure.¡± Wait, I made sure to unplug the external, right? Meh, should be fine. I did remember her leaving in a hurry that day. Haa. I want to die¡­ oh. I sigh in relief as dirt is shoveled in, covering the comic. The sun starts to set as people begin to leave. Most likely headed to the after death party to stuff their faces and make merry. Sending me off with a smile type of deal. My family are the only ones left. My stepmother leaves after a while, saying something about entertaining the guests. ¡°What kind of child dies before his parents¡­¡± I hear my dad, a pang shoots through my heart. I didn¡¯t wait my turn, I know. I¡¯m sorry dad. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Not even leaving me a grandson to dote on. It was my dream you know? To have you and your sister build your homes where our farm used to be. All of us sitting around as we watch your kids playing in the fields.¡± I¡¯m sorry. Please live out that dream with my sister. For my sake as well. A few hours pass, and my father pats my sister¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We should head over as well. We do have our responsibilities as host.¡± She nods before replying, ¡°I¡¯ll just be here a little longer¡­ I just wish we could have had this time when he was alive.¡± ¡°All right. I¡¯ll explain it to your mother.¡± Another silent hour passes. The moon shining brilliantly in the night sky, surrounded by a myriad of sparkling stars. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you come home more often?¡± She asks breaking out in tears. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call?¡± ¡°Why¡­¡± she hugs my tombstone, the tears glistening on her cheeks. Body shaking from the heaving sobs. The breeze picks up, cold winter air causing her to shiver. Just go. There¡¯s no need for you to be out in this cold. ¡°H-huh?¡± Did she just¡­ hear me? ¡°Brother?¡± She calls out tentatively. I stay silent. There¡¯s no point. Her expression softens, and she begins talking. ¡°I¡­ want to believe that you¡¯re listening. So I¡¯ll tell you everything I wanted to.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry for looking at your porn on the external hard drive.¡± Ehh?! You¡¯re starting with that?! She doubles over in a fit of giggles. ¡°But still, I never expected you to like me that way.. of course, I¡¯m just kidding.¡± Holy shit, can she really hear me? ¡°It¡¯s funny how clearly I remember your voice. Your reactions, and those mannerisms. Even though you hadn¡¯t visited in over four years.. or maybe that¡¯s why. Maybe what I remember is just the you from before.¡± ¡°I really wished we had more time together. I know why you left, but mother isn¡¯t that bad you know. It¡¯s just.. she had to raise two kids that weren¡¯t her own. Leaving an easy life back in Japan to marry someone her parents objected. She had a hard time here too, being hated by our birth mother¡¯s family. It was nothing but pent up frustrations and grief, and they took it out on her...¡± Hey, it¡¯s alright. I understand. I understood a long time ago. It was just my cowardice that stopped me from coming back. I didn¡¯t know how to apologize. Even though all I had to say was a straightforward ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± It was too hard for me. My stubbornness and pride, fear and uncertainty. I didn¡¯t know that¡¯s all I had to do. No, it was more like, I didn¡¯t know if that was enough. ¡°But, you¡¯re smart so you¡¯ve probably realized this years ago, but really, you can be amazingly stupid at times too. We¡¯re a family after all.¡± She giggles. I¡­ know. We are a family... ¡°No matter what.¡± She finishes my sentence. ¡°I¡¯m getting married.¡± She says after a long pause. ¡°He¡¯s an average looker, and his grades aren¡¯t the best, so you probably wouldn¡¯t have approved of him.¡± Of course not. You¡¯re my little sister. Only the most handsome, richest, smartest, and caring guy is allowed to even glance your way. ¡°But I think you¡¯d come to like him after you meet him. He loves me you know. Enough to leave the comfort of his shell, use an old fashioned courtship that was both embarrassing and endearing, and propose in the most bank breaking manner he could.¡± She says giggling. ¡°You were always bad at that.¡± Hm? ¡°You¡¯d always hide behind that wall of yours. Never letting others in. I could see it, and it hurt me. Every time you¡¯d pass someone up saying they weren¡¯t serious enough, or that their looks weren¡¯t good enough, I¡¯d know. That the only thing holding you back was that you believed that you didn¡¯t deserve to be loved. That you¡¯d only taint them and drag them to the hell you¡¯ve made yourself believe you are.¡± T-that¡¯s¡­ ¡°I knew you were infatuated with romance, and it¡¯s why you kept yourself from it. You were too scared, lost, and it is scary. To love is to give all of oneself. When you think about that, it sends shivers down your spine. But that wasn¡¯t the only reason you were scared. It was also because you¡¯d become their caretaker as well. You saw it as something pure, fragile, not to ever be touched, but that¡¯s wrong.¡± Hikari¡­ ¡°Nobody is perfect, nobody is pure, and everyone deserves to love. The soul they give you is stronger than you think. It can be torn, shattered, stepped on, and extinguished¡­ but it¡¯ll always make it¡¯s way back.¡± But I¡¯m a poison. Constantly eating away. They¡¯d never be as happy as they could have been if they had met someone else. ¡°I hated the way you thought. The way you lived. Always hurting others to hurt yourself. Constantly driving yourself into a corner, and thinking yourself to be worthless¡­ do you remember Rui?¡± An image flashes through my head. The back of a ten year old girl, with long black hair that reaches her waist. Her white dress lightly fluttering in the warm summer breeze as she walks between the trees. Her pale skin illuminated by the light that filters through the leaves. ¡°Of course you do. She¡¯s the whole reason why you liked those questionable things.¡± Ah, she¡¯s not going to let that lie in peace. After a brief giggle she says ¡°If anyone else found those, they¡¯d label you an incestuous child molester you know. Even I thought that for a while.¡± Oh dear lord¡­ ¡°But after going home and thinking about it, I figured it out after seeing an old picture. It was the three of us at the old summer house. Hehe, you used to look so cute with your pudgy face. Almost like a puppy.¡± That¡¯s a bit rude.. I think. ¡°I remember watching you as you stared at her when you thought she wasn¡¯t looking, and when I imagined you wagging your tail, I burst out in laughter.¡± Ah, something like that did happen¡­ so that¡¯s why you were laughing. ¡°She did the same thing too you know. Although Rui is more like a kitten with her reserved personality. Even after she left, she was all you could think about. I remember you¡¯d go off about her for weeks, sometimes months on end.¡± Don¡¯t say such embarrassing things¡­ ¡°I think she was your first and only love. You tried to find the last image of her you had in everything. I don¡¯t actually think you had such vulgar tastes. At least, that¡¯s what I want to believe.¡± Geh! At least say you¡¯re sure about that one! ¡°So I searched for her, and tried to contact her after all this time. We would talk a lot, and she confessed that she¡¯s loved you for all this time too¡­¡± her voice trails off as tears threaten to overflow. ¡°And that¡¯s.. the thing I¡¯ve wanted to tell you.. more than.. anything else.. I wanted you to finally be happy.. together¡­¡± she says choking up. But I¡¯m dead. It¡¯s okay now. I know I¡¯m loved, and I¡¯ll be a better man in the next life. ¡°But.. she¡¯s dead. Rui¡¯s dead...¡± Wah.. what? ¡°When.. I called her.. a police officer answered¡­ he said they found her mangled body at the bottom of a cliff.¡± Hikari manages to say in between the sobbing. I didn¡¯t know what to think. So I didn¡¯t. Letting my mind go blank as Hikari kept weeping. ¡°So I hope.. when next you meet.. that you¡¯ll love her. Be there for her, and this time, don¡¯t let her go!¡± Her voice gains strength as each word rings with determination. The wind dies down. Winter¡¯s first snow falling in its wake. Chapter 2: Ensign Asamoto My Condolences ¡°Well, it¡¯s about time for me to go. See you later brother. I¡¯ll visit often, and you were a great listener. You always were.¡± Hikari says while walking away. Her steps lighter than when she¡¯d first came. It¡¯s good you got that off your chest. I¡¯ll share that burden, and learn from your teachings¡­ jeez. You¡¯re the little sister, and I¡¯m the one always relying on you. I watch her retreating figure for one last time as I feel myself being drawn somewhere. Show¡¯s over huh? Even though I didn¡¯t get to say everything I¡¯d wanted, I feel a lot better. A weight lifted off my chest. So.. where do the dead go. Guess I¡¯ll find out the answer to that age old question. Huh? That¡¯s odd¡­ isn¡¯t this.. the old summer house? I look around at the familiar scene. The traditional japanese house with its wooden sliding doors, the tiled roof that we ruined on an uncharacteristically adventurous day, the old mailbox I¡¯d wait at day after day hoping for correspondence, and even my cat Honiro. I lounge around for a while. Blankly looking off into the forest as the sounds of cicadas bring a nostalgic tear to my eye. Honiro walks up and curls on my lap. I absentmindedly pet his orange fur as I lose myself in thought. I stay like that for a while. Enjoying the warm rays of the sun, and thinking of old times. But what made this place great were the people I met here. Without them.. it almost feels.. empty. Wait.. the old mailbox. Rui died too. Maybe she sent one last letter. Is that possible? We¡¯re both in the afterlife now.. maybe it¡¯s not too much of a stretch. I gently pick up Honiro and place him off to my side. He stretches as he yowls quietly in protest. ¡°I know, I know.¡± I mutter walking towards the small red box. Standing before it, I feel fear start to well up. It feels all too familiar. It¡¯s the same as when I felt as if someone was drawing near. Growing closer to my heart. The fear of rejection, disgust.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. I feel hesitant. My hands shaking as I finally begin to place them back at my sides. I make to turn away, but my sister¡¯s voice rings in my ears. ¡°...and this time, don¡¯t let her go!¡± ¡°I won¡¯t¡­ even if it¡¯s one small step at a time, I¡¯ll grow stronger.¡± I say, fingers brushing against the weathered wood. With a final nod of determination, I open it in a hurry, as if to dispel my doubts. I notice that my eyes are closed, but before I can even open them, I feel something grab the hem of my hakama. Surprised, my eyes bolt open to see a bleached white arm grasping me. It¡¯s devoid of any skin, muscle, or fat. ¡°I knew it. Heaven was too good for me. Still, this is too cruel! At least put me in hell from the start!!!¡± I cry out as I¡¯m dragged through the mailbox. Feeling as if my entire body is back in that submarine, being crushed a second time. ¡°Hell? Mm perhaps.¡± I hear a hollow voice rattle through my head. Isn¡¯t¡­ this guy a lot bigger than I thought? He looks to be about the size of a high rise apartment, his hand curled into a bony prison. A gleaming white skull bears over me, covered by a dark silken robe. The sockets gleaming green, tracing paths of light as his eyes dart around in the dim cavern. ¡°You¡¯ll be the first. My first step towards claiming that throne as my own. I¡¯ll have you become my right hand. Raise you to be a great vassal.¡± The voice continues. I try opening my mouth to get a word in, but I find it impossible. ¡°Such a grand subordinate requires a grand name, don¡¯t you think?¡± He says while drawing closer. His skull coming into full view to reveal the small cracks and scratches all across it. I already have a name! I try to retort, but of course, nothing comes out. ¡°Hmm, for one who will carve his name into history alongside this great lich Vragska¡­ I grant you the name... Skeleton A.¡± My vision and senses are warped as I feel myself being dragged into a blender. That¡¯d make me some sort of grunt! I try to say as it happens, but I¡¯m rewarded by a series of clacks. The dry sound bouncing back to me from the stony walls. ¡°And you.. you¡¯re skeleton B, you C, and you get the rest.¡± The Lich says. Despite having an indeterminate age, he sounds like a weary old man. Already having tired from trying to name us. I observe as the lich goes around to each of the 140 piles and grants them life with his horrible naming sense. Using one number after the letter once he ran out. Most of the skeletons looked around confused. Mostly red gleaming from their hollow sockets with a few blue ones mixed in. I wonder what color mine are. I wonder as I get up, stumbling a bit in the unfamiliar body, before trudging over to a puddle. I peer inside to see.. nothing. Or rather, I see a faint outline, but nothing else. My bones seem to be darker than the rest. Even my eyes gleaming a soft black that I can barely make out after staring for what seems like hours. ¡°Admiring my work, are you skeleton A? Yes.. truly worth the cost for you...¡± The lich calls out as he stalks over with a slight hobble in his walk. ¡°Clack clack clack clack clack.¡± I respond, causing him to frown. ¡°Ah,¡± he sighs as mist seems to seep out from his bones. Winding down and towards me.
New Skill Acquired: Speech
Language: Common Mastery: Max
A common skill that most intelligent races acquire as they advance into childhood. The skill has many subcategories.
¡°Well shit.¡± Chapter 3: Crashing A Party ¡°Vulgar. Manner unbefitting of one who is to serve the future king.¡± The lich mutters in distaste, and I see anger beginning to seethe in his eyes. Even as I¡¯m distracted by the crazy guy, my ears register a rhythmic clacking. This.. it¡¯s morse code! I wheel around shocked in order to find the skeleton making the noise. As our eyes meet, I can swear I see a grin on its face. C.W.O.2. J. H.E.N.D. ¡°Chief Warrant Officer James Henderson!¡± I call out, decoding the message. He nods in confirmation before gesturing towards myself. ¡°This is Ensign Jyun Asamoto of-¡± ¡°You listen to your lord when he speaks!¡± The tired lich shows a surprising bout of emotion as I¡¯m promptly thrown into the wall by an unseen force. My head swivels around in an attempt to uncover the mystery as I try to regain my bearings. I pause for a second as my mind lands on the subject of magic. A chill runs down my spine as I realize the implications. ¡°Yes, forgive me oh most glorious master.¡± I say attempting to placate the lich. ¡°Excessive bootlicking¡­¡± Another bone rattling sigh from the lich signifies his disgust. ¡°You are to behave as a knight serving under his lord.¡± He states before turning around. ¡°I will take order of the lesser skeletons if it so pleases you my Lord.¡± I respond in an attempt to right my wrongs. A hint of satisfaction enters his eyes as he nods his consent. ¡°Carve your rank and initials onto your shoulders.¡± I call out. Only a third of them comply, the rest of the skeletons look around confused. ¡°Hmm, what¡¯s this? Former comrades?¡± Vragska says in a disinterested voice. ¡°A trained force called forth to aid the lich Vragska!¡± I yell raising a bony hand to my skull. The others hasten to mimic my motions. Well, the smarter ones of the bunch. Vragska¡¯s green eyes seem to flare for a second before it settles back down. I can¡¯t even begin to comprehend what¡¯s going through the Lich¡¯s mind. It¡¯s not like I can read his face with it being devoid of skin and all. ¡°It matters not. Go, intruders have entered the crypt. Why don¡¯t you go fetch me some more soldiers?¡± He says while making a shooing motion with his hand. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Fall in!¡± I shout to the uniform movement of twenty seven skeletons falling into rank. A few scattered clatters as the rest of the skeletons line up behind them. It shows me the other skeletons have some semblance of intelligence. Vragska ignores the display to head deeper into the cave. I watch as the rough natural walls make way for chiseled stone under his feet. ¡°Forward march!¡± As I call out, the leading group falls into perfect step with their new subordinates lurching around to follow. As soon as we turn a few corners, I hurriedly usher my former crew and the random skeletons into a fairly large section of the cavern. CWO2 Henderson begins to tap something out, but I interrupt him. ¡°The ground is muddy. Just write things out.¡± I can almost see Henderson blush as I point out an easier alternative to communicate. What do you make of this situation ensign? He writes. ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter what I think. We were dead, our souls captured, and now we¡¯re slaves to a madman. How was your heaven by the way?¡± Oh, nothing much. I just found myself at the top of Mt.Everest surrounded by some snow leopards. ¡°That happened to you before?¡± No? It¡¯d be pretty cool if it did. Don¡¯t we have more important things to discuss? Writes another skeleton. Looking at the shoulder reveals CWO4 M. S. ¡°Still playing the mother, Chief Warrant Officer Mary Scott?¡± Her green eye wisps roll in their sockets. I wouldn¡¯t have to if our Ensign wasn¡¯t so incompetent. She writes. ¡°Insubordination! I¡¯ll have you drawn and quartered!¡± What time are you living in? ¡°That certainly is a good question. What the hell is this world?¡± Before that, I believe we need to take care of those unwelcome guests our venerable lord Vragska mentioned. Henderson writes after tapping me on the shoulder. The room quiets down, and soon we can hear the sound of sloshing footsteps further down the hall. ¡°Let me see if I can¡¯t get any information out of them. Everyone else, stay here.¡± I get up and silently make my way towards the middle of the hallway. My footsteps muffled by the muddy ground. It doesn¡¯t take much walking before they come into view. An adventurers¡¯ party straight out of a fantasy novel. A heavily armored individual in front as the vanguard. His tower shield blocking most of him from sight as his mace bobs around. To his sides are what I¡¯d call a rogue and a warrior, respectively. The one on my left is in leather and cloth armor, a dagger held horizontally near his chest. The one on the right is outfitted with a kite shield and longsword, metal armor held together with leather straps. I spot the white robes of a priest in the back and instinctively break out into a sweat. I don¡¯t see an archer, but that¡¯s to be expected considering they¡¯d come to hunt skeletons. ¡°Yo,¡± I call out, startling the bunch. ¡°Skeleton!¡± ¡°Clint! Exorcise it!¡± The bulky knight up front yells towards the priest. ¡°O-on it!¡± He replies. ¡°No, wait, please don¡¯t.¡± I cry out while falling into a bow. ¡°Now! While it¡¯s movement is hampered!¡± A voice calls out from my left. Most likely the rogue. ¡°HRAAGGGHHHH!¡± The shout comes from directly in front of me accompanied by the jangling of metal armor as their tank charges towards me. ¡°LISTEN TO PEOPLE DAMMIT!¡± I yell springing to my feet. My fist solidly connecting with the knight¡¯s jaw as he¡¯s sent flying towards the ceiling. The rest of the party all stand there staring at me. The serene moment is broken up by the knight¡¯s body being reunited with the ground. His helmet and skull crushed into a bloody pulp. ¡°This isn¡¯t funny! Who the hell lists a Lich suppression as a rank B quest?! I¡¯m out!¡± Cries the rogue as he darts off. Knocking the priest over on his way out. ¡°He isn¡¯t even the Lich! He¡¯s a fucking minion! I¡¯m out too!¡± Cries the warrior. As he passes by the priest who¡¯s trying to get up, pausing slightly to knee the holy man in his face. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit cruel?¡± I mutter as I stalk towards the reeling priest. ¡°P-p-p-please s-s-spare me.¡± He says in between sobs as blood and tears run down his face. My inner jester pops out as I laugh maniacally as I grab him by the ankles, dragging him further inside. Chapter 4: Progress? So, why did you decide to drag this corpse back with you? Writes CWO4 Mary. ¡°I didn¡¯t know he¡¯d die of fright. I honestly didn¡¯t think that was possible.¡± I answer with a creaky shrug. Well, now that the ensign is a murderer- starts Henderson but I cut him off. ¡°At least I wasn¡¯t enjoying myself so thoroughly at the vietnamese port tha- mfmmffmf¡± I say as he muffles me with his hand. Which brings up another question, how does this speech work? I walk over to a puddle and start speaking gibberish to try and find out. Doesn¡¯t seem like there¡¯s any vocal chords and I lack a tongue. So just how did he quiet me down? Maybe- I¡¯m yanked backwards. Looking back I see CWO Mary dragging me towards the group of skeletons. As I draw closer, I notice something strange happening. A small portion of the skeletons seem to be disrobing the dead priest. Taking his possessions for themselves. ¡°So, what¡¯s going on here? Anyone care to explain?¡± I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯ve checked and the only ones doing so are the unmarked skeletons. A few even left and came back dragging an armored corpse with them. Mary writes. ¡°Hey, you. Skeleton D4.¡± I say manhandling the lesser skeleton. It snaps its head towards me and starts clattering its jaws like crazy. Even going as far to claw at me. ¡°You.. can take a nap!¡± I grunt the last word as I shatter his skull against the wall. A few skeletons look up for a second, but soon enough they¡¯re back to looting. I walk over to the group surrounding the knight I killed earlier. Easily breaking the arms of a skeleton in the process of stripping off the chestplate and taking it for myself. A couple swarm towards me, but strangely stop as soon as I strap it on. ¡°Is it an instinctual need?¡± I mutter in my strangely normal voice. I look towards the corpse again and the armor looks very tempting indeed. Shiny. ¡°I need the shiny.¡± I say before pummeling the skeletons around it. It doesn¡¯t take too long for them to back off, red eyes glaring at me as I claim my prize. Taking the crushed helm in my hands, I scoop out the pulpy mess. Then, with a screech of metal, I pull out the dents and put the now ragged helm on my head. I look around for the tower shield, and spot it in the hands of a red eyed skeleton. It begins shaking as I stalk towards it. One powderized skeleton later, I stand in full plate armor. I look back to where the other skeletons were fighting over the priest. Unexpectedly few of them doing so. I thought the red eyes would have went after new loot, but they just sulk around. What¡¯s left of them anyways. No, the most common skeletons who clamor around the priest have glowing blue orbs. A few green eyes mixed in as well. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. I look over to my men and have them fall in line. Over four fifths of them have red eyes. I closely observe them. Noticing an overall advantage in height. The skeleton itself seems to be sturdier with slightly darker bones. The rest have blue eyes, save for CWO Mary with green. These frames are smaller, and even at a glance seem to be brittle. However, they seem to glow in this dark cave, and not just due to their pale white coloration. As I finish my observations, the looting is complete. I look over to see a ripped robe there, a staff here, a separated pair of shoes on different skeletons, and a mace held behind ones back. ¡°Oh yes, I forgot about the weapon.¡± I say, and the skeleton near the back jumps in fright. It slowly turns around and starts sprinting towards the exit. My laughter trailing behind it the whole way. Is that alright? I¡¯m pretty sure Vragska¡¯s going to be pissed about you losing so many. Henderson writes. ¡°Hm? It¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s probably going to be back when it gets hungry.¡± Please don¡¯t treat your subordinates like pets. Actually, I feel sorry for anything that needs to be taken care of by you. ¡°That¡¯s rude CWO Scott.¡± I thought I told you to call me Mary. ¡°I was under the impression that the military uses last names.¡± You know full well- ¡°That we shouldn¡¯t keep lord Vragska waiting any longer. Forward march!¡± I shout heading back into the depths. The squelch of each step makes way for clacking as mud gives way to rock. The sounds echo off the walls, and I close my eyes to paint a picture with the sound. Soon I pick up the lich¡¯s chanting as it echoes through the cavern. Only growing louder as we approach. Brief flashes of blue light flare up now and again from around the corner. ¡°Successful, were you?¡± Vragska calls out as we round the corner. ¡°Yes Lord. They hardly put up a fight.¡± I answer back. ¡°As expected of one of your color. How would you like a reward?¡± I get a bad feeling. ¡°I hardly deserve one for such paltry-¡± ¡°It would reflect badly upon me as lord for not rewarding the success of my subjects.¡± ¡°I really don¡¯t-¡± ¡°Skeleton A.¡± He says, his voice growing deeper as the orbs of his eyes seem to grow. ¡°Y-yes?¡± ¡°You deserve a reward. Do you not?¡± He asks. Purple flames arcing along his robes. ¡°I-if you deem it necessary.¡± I say backing off. ¡°Oh, of course I insist, I¡¯ve just acquired some brilliant souls after all.¡± The purple flames make way for white, tendrils of smoke seeming to rise from it. It pulses as if it has a heart beat. ¡°O-on second thought,¡± I say before grabbing and thrusting CWO Mary in front of me ¡°this is the remarkable skeleton who so valiantly defeated the enemy!¡± Mary turns towards me, and seems to be swearing at me as her jaws clatter up and down. ¡°Modest, but I do believe all of it was due to your brilliant leadership. The success of your men are your own after all.¡± He says as the same unseen force flings Mary to the side, several of her bones cracking against the rocks. I¡¯m pinned to the ground as my jaw is forced open. My flailing leaving a few minor scratches on the lich as the soul draws closer. It enters my mouth, and to my surprise, doesn¡¯t taste bad at all. Almost reminiscent of chocolate. He releases me, and I begin chewing while savoring the taste. Hmm a faint undertone of coffee as well. I guess my instincts were off after- ¡°Guh?! Gah! Hubu!¡± I start choking and gasping as unbearable pain spreads through me. I try my hardest to spit the damn thing out. Tearing out a few teeth as I scrape with my fingers. My eyes dart around, seeking salvation, and I spot CWO Mary staring straight at me. Her teeth seemingly stretched wide into a nefarious grin. I look near her feet to find That¡¯s what you get. Don¡¯t ever try throwing me under the bus. ¡°Y-you!¡± I croak out as my vision cuts to black.
Rank Advancement Unlocked
Species: Undead
Skeletal CreatureGiant SkeletonZombieSkeletal Soldier
Your body will be reconstructed to be more adaptable to change. Granting you the ability to change from your humanoid form into another. In the initial stages there won''t be a significant boost to any of your abilities, but as you progress, there is a possibility of becoming a skeletal dragon. The largest advantage lies in versatility.Grander in every scale compared to your original form. However, your size makes for an excellent target for any enemy casters. You generally scare off lesser opponents, and embolden allies, so stronger opponents will target you in most confrontations. Further down the line, skeletal titans have been known to mow down armies as easily as a farmer does wheat.A trademark of lazy necromancers. You''re meant to be fodder, and it is a job you do well. While slow and weak, this may be your only path towards regaining a sound body.The backbone of a skeleton army. It is through your hard work and sacrifice that hone many an adventurer''s strength. However, despite your fragile existence, it is by overcoming that harsh reality through which you gain strength.
Chapter 5: Shaky Start If I¡¯m ranking up, why do these choices just seem like a downgrade? I took out a knight with one punch! Sent him straight to the ceiling I did! Now all it talks about is how I¡¯ll be easy to kill? Was that party just weak, or was I freakishly strong? It felt more like the latter, but that might just be my biased thoughts. Alright. Let¡¯s get my bearings. I.. can¡¯t see anything but this damn screen. Can¡¯t hear anything either. Smell? Wait, have I even been able to smell anything? I try to recall the last thing I smelt, but nothing comes up. I¡¯m guessing this comatose state will end if I just pick something. I start looking over the choices in earnest. The first choice is a little unsettling. If I were to abandon my human form, that¡¯d lead to a drastic drop in coordination. Getting used to a new body would be a slow and arduous task. Especially given the nature of the lich I serve. He¡¯d probably send me off to fight as soon as I¡¯ve woken up, and I¡¯m not too confident about my chances. Perhaps if the circumstances were different¡­ I¡¯ve always wanted to fly, after all. As for the skeletal giant, that just sounds like a bundle of trouble. Sure, I might gain a large boost in power, but if that also draws attention towards myself¡­ I imagine it being like an enemy commander. Someone who should be taken out with all haste. Wouldn¡¯t want to paint a huge target on myself. Not at this stage at least. My face almost blanches when I see the third option. Reading the informative text I can just begin to picture the numerous paths leading to my death. While it¡¯s true that someone¡¯s life isn¡¯t guaranteed in any confrontation.. to deliberately slow myself down would spell certain death. Forget regaining my humanity, I wouldn¡¯t even last long enough write out a will. Maybe if I¡¯m really careful¡­ no, this lingering attachment to a human body will be the death of me. Which brings me to the final choice. Skeletal Soldier. At least it has a nice ring to it. Although it doesn¡¯t seem to have as much potential as the first option, the survivability is a bit higher. It strikes a decent balance compared to the other three choices. I don¡¯t want to become the strongest thing in the world. I just need enough to survive. Just as I finish my thoughts, the fourth option begins to glow. The light getting blinding as it¡¯s sucked towards me, and I find myself laying awkwardly on the floor. A bundle of bones and metal heaped up into an incoherent pile. My head rolls off to land at the feet of¡­ CWO Mary. ¡°H-hey there,¡± I say tentatively. She cocks her head to the side then lifts a hand to her chin as if in contemplation. That creepy lipless grin still pasted on her skull. Her foot winds back soon after, and I find myself tumbling every which way. The view disorientates me as my vision changes rapidly. ¡°Insubordination! You! Damn! Beast!¡± I yell in between kicks, but that only serves to increase the speed at which the world revolves as I add fuel to the fire. I grow quiet, and it seems that after a good long session of ¡®kick the head¡¯ Mary has vented all her stress. She picks me up and starts moving back towards the pile that is my body. She roughly tosses it on top, and somehow manages to land it just right so I¡¯m facing her. ¡°I¡¯m no longer your subordinate.¡± ¡°Wait, she can talk?¡± ¡°While you were out, I also got the same treatment thanks to you!¡± ¡°So, what did you pick?¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Pick? What are you talking about?¡± ¡°You can talk because you ranked up, right?¡± ¡°Huh? I don¡¯t know anything about that. I just woke up feeling like I had the best nap in the world, and when I went to curse you, I found out I could speak.¡± ¡°Alright, so, how did I end up like this?¡± ¡°I dismantled you.¡± ¡°You.. did this? I¡¯ll have your head!¡± ¡°Oh you will, will you?¡± She says tauntingly as she draws closer, picking up my head. ¡°Hamlet?¡± I ask trying to change subjects. ¡°Nothing so poetic,¡± she replies. ¡°Wait, where are you taking me,¡± I ask as she walks towards the hallway while tossing my skull up and down. ¡°While you were asleep, a lot of the other men got souls infused as well. Look at them, aren¡¯t they cute?¡± She asks thrusting me towards a¡­ skeletal dog. ¡°I know that thing doesn¡¯t have chops to lick, but damn me if he isn¡¯t eyeing me like a treat.¡± ¡°Oh, he is, and he¡¯s my direct subordinate. Aren¡¯t you Spot? Who¡¯s a good boy? Who¡¯s a good boy? Oh you are.¡± She coos while swinging me back and forth in front of him. ¡°Mary, please. Don¡¯t do this. Recall all the fond memories we¡¯ve shared.¡± I say in panic. She freezes. Silence stretching out until it¡¯s almost unbearable. ¡°One good memory?¡± I ask timidly, and find myself thrown up into the air. ¡°MARRRRYYYY!¡± I shut my eyes as I clatter against bone. ¡°Now now, no need to be so mean to the Ensign.¡± A rather raspy voice says. I open my eyes to find them in the hands of¡­ ¡°What is this creature?¡± ¡°Perhaps I should just do the deed myself.¡± It says. His skull¡¯s shaped like a gorilla¡¯s with long incisors. One oversized arm stretched out to grasp my skull. Even though he¡¯s slouched he reaches almost three meters in height. ¡°I guess I¡¯m done antagonizing my subordinates for now, so who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?¡± ¡°Chief Warrant Officer Second Class James Henderson.¡± ¡°So, no offense intended, what exactly are you meant to be?¡± ¡°Not quite sure myself sir.¡± ¡°Oh, alright then. For now could we see about getting my body in order?¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid my hands are a little.. unfit for the task.¡± He responds. I look at them, and notice that those fingers are probably as thick as my arms. ¡°I¡¯m afraid officer Mary would be the only one capable of putting you back together.¡± ¡°J-just have one of the other men do it. She does seem a little pouty after all.¡± I say looking around to spot many normal looking skeletons. ¡°That¡¯s, well, officer Mary is the only one with enough knowledge to do so. We could try, but we aren¡¯t too sure of where everything goes.¡± He says with a shrug, almost dropping my head in the process. ¡°Officer Mary~¡± I call out in what I assume to be a pleasant voice. ¡°Ensign Asamoto~¡± she calls back¡­ the sweet tones carrying an underlying feel of death and despair. ¡°I-I¡¯ll check up on you later. No need to bother you now. You seem quite busy.¡± ¡°Getting along are we?¡± I¡¯ve never been so glad to see a madman in my life. ¡°Lord Vragska, it may be presumptuous of me, but could I request aid in retrieving my body?¡± ¡°Who dared lay hands on my vassal?!¡± He roars. Lightning arcing off his robes, definitely not from static. All of the skeletons in the vicinity look towards Mary as she turns her head, feigning ignorance. ¡°Skeleton S, please do try to refrain yourself. It wouldn¡¯t do to allow dissent among my army¡¯s ranks.¡± Vragska says in a surprisingly civil manner. ¡°Your status as a potential protege will save you just this once.¡± He continues, and with a flick of his wrist my skeleton sorts itself. Even the armor straps itself to it. I feel a tug as my head flies towards my body, and with a jolting sensation I find myself able to move. I get up to the sound of bone striking armor. Flexing my body, I can¡¯t find anything different. Nothing really changed with looks either. If anything, my bones seem to be lighter. Approaching a dark grey as opposed to the black I began with. ¡°I¡¯ll be resting in my study. I am not to be disturbed,¡± Vragska says as he stalks off. ¡°Wait.. do we even need sleep?¡± I mutter to myself. ¡°You were sleeping for quite some time. Why don¡¯t you tell us?¡± Mary asks snidely, somehow hearing me. ¡°Well why don¡¯t we hear how you became that madman¡¯s protege first?¡± ¡°Apparently it has to do with the eyes. You can tell with different features as well, but that seems to be the easiest.¡± She continues as I stare in confusion. ¡°How to tell what type of skeleton you are.¡± ¡°I see a few other green eyes. Why not choose them instead? I highly doubt you¡¯d be too accommodating with that personality of yours.¡± ¡°Oh? Would you like me to disassemble you again?¡± She says while casting a sidelong glance. I raise my fists and take up a fighting stance before saying ¡°I¡¯d like to see you try.¡± Henderson saunters over. ¡°Now now, we shouldn¡¯t be fighting amongst each other.¡± He says attempting to pat my shoulder, but driving me into the ground instead. ¡°You bastard! I heard some bones crack!¡± ¡°Ah, sorry, but it¡¯s just your armor.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± I look down at myself. The armor has cracks running along it, but my bones seem just fine as he said. ¡°All you had going for you was your solid body. Guess that¡¯s the same even now.¡± Mary comments. ¡°Oh, so you were looking~¡± I tease her. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t start.¡± Henderson and Mary say in unison. I feel a bit of sweat bead down my face and decide to drop it. ¡°I¡¯ll.. just go check up on Vragska.¡± I say while making my way towards his last location. Chapter 6: What Happened? I make out a faint blue light as I keep walking. Just glad that I don¡¯t have to deal with CWO Mary. Was she always this bad? The old distinction in rank is fading.. at this rate, I may end up with the short end of the stick. Although, thinking about it, our old ranks don¡¯t matter. I¡¯d better start showing accomplishments if I want to regain command. Still, that loyal Henderson.. he¡¯s been siding with Mary a bit too much lately. Perhaps he has feelings for her? ¡°Haha, that¡¯s not possible.¡± He may be in another world, but he doesn¡¯t seem like the type to forget about the family he¡¯s left behind. Even more so if his post death viewing session was anything like mine. Knowing his family, they¡¯d only fasten his resolve to find a way back. I think as I attempt to recall their interactions when I¡¯d go over for their bi-yearly barbecues. I remember feeling slightly jealous despite abhorring relationships. My thoughts die down as the flickering light gets brighter as I turn the corner to find myself at the entrance to the lich¡¯s room. It¡¯s filled with all sorts of rustic furniture. Worn and battered books fraying at the edge as they¡¯re precariously perched on the edge of rotting shelves. Strange archaic writing etched everywhere from the floor to ceiling. I look down at the lich¡¯s skull to find hollow sockets. Devoid of their lights. His bones glowing as wisps of light seem to be drawn towards them. Looking down at him, I begin recalling how everything started going wrong the moment I met him. Dragging me out of my enjoyable dream to thrust me in this cursed body that lacks even a pulse¡­ but I guess it may reflect who I am. I shake my head to clear the thought, and anger is quick to replace my brooding. He¡¯s just lying there. Not even responding to my presence. I might feel better once I just land one hit. I ball up my fist. It rises up almost subconsciously. Bearing down at his hateful skull I have trouble holding myself back. That is, until he turns in his sleep. The wind whistles as it tears. Leaving a dull grey afterimage as it traces its course towards the sleeping lich. With a loud crash, and the sound of breaking bones I find myself standing there. Unable to believe what I¡¯m seeing. The lich¡¯s skull is one thing, but the stone slab he was resting on is broken as well. Large cracks spreading from the center of a deep impression my fist made. ¡°Vragska?¡± I call out, but there¡¯s no response. ¡°Of course there wouldn¡¯t be. It¡¯d be stranger if he did.¡± I mutter as I observe my knuckles. Not a scratch on them. Suddenly the lights that were swarming over him start making their way towards me.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Wha.. huh?¡± I¡¯m almost blinded by the amount as another one of those windows pops up in front of me.
Soul Acquired: Soul of a Fledgling Lich
Do You Accept? Y/N
For defeating a Lich, no matter how green behind the ears, you''ve acquired the right to ascend. Should you accept the tormented soul, you''ll be recognized as nobility among the other undead. However, it should be noted that you''ll become the target of others seeking to advance themselves in the same manner. This high concentration of tormented souls may cause significant issues.
Wait, isn¡¯t this the first time I¡¯ve had a choice? This offer isn¡¯t too bad. It¡¯d immediately solve the problem of hierarchy, but it¡¯s not like I really want to be in charge. It¡¯s kind of bothersome to be quite honest, and I could always just make off on my own if it came down to a conflict. Although the prospects of a lowly skeletal soldier wandering around the mire doesn¡¯t seem to be too bright. It¡¯d be much better for my chances if I were to command an undead legion. As for the tormented souls.. I already have a host of nearly individual voices in my head. It wouldn¡¯t do to ruin the precarious balance I have in place. This package seems to come with too many problems. I come from a democratic nation, and it¡¯s how I¡¯ve lived all my life. True, I couldn¡¯t quite manage to fit in, but talking things over might be a better idea than brute force¡­ I start thinking before I recall that first knight I met. Maybe not¡­ I¡¯m not getting anywhere with this. From what I¡¯ve seen so far, it doesn¡¯t seem like I¡¯m hurting for power, but that might just be mistaken on my part. Let¡¯s just try to believe in my crew, and hope they¡¯re all better people than I am. I select no, and the souls disperse. Seeping through the solid rocks.
Title Acquired: Liberator
Having chosen to free the tormented souls gives them the choice to pass on to the afterlife, or remain behind to wreak further havoc. For allowing them to freely choose their own path by liberating them from a tyrannical captor, you''ll be hailed by the lower classes as a savior, and persecuted by the leading castes.
Random Rogue POV I make my way out of the damn mire to find myself at the edge of a pristine forest. The foreboding atmosphere dissipating as I keep heading towards the town. I breathe a sigh of relief as the familiar sounds of the forest surround me. The soft rustling of leaves putting my tense nerves at ease. ¡°I¡¯m so thankful I made it out. Damn that dungeon, and this fucking mud.¡± I say as I stomp my feet to try and dislodge it. ¡°You¡¯re telling me.¡± I turn towards the voice to spot the figure of my warrior companion. A splotch of blood covering his knee. ¡°Keith, what happened to the others?¡± I ask. ¡°Hey Asan.¡± He says ignoring my question. ¡°Yeah?¡± I ask, irritation leaking out as he¡¯d ignored my question. ¡°You only have to run faster than the slowest guy, right?¡± He responds with a wry grin. I break out in laughter as it dawns on me. ¡°That blood, you didn¡¯t?¡± I say gasping for breath. ¡°Yeah..¡± he says with a chuckle. ¡°That¡¯s just perfect! Damn holy man was getting on my nerves anyways.¡± I say wiping a tear from my eye. ¡°They¡¯re a different sort, that¡¯s for sure. Arrogant as all hell.¡± ¡°I¡¯d have to agree. Let¡¯s head back to the tavern. I need a drink.¡± ¡°You and me both.¡± He agrees. After an uneventful trip we make our way into the Hammered Hare. Attracting the attention of more than a few adventurers who look at us with a grin on their face. ¡°Yo, so I heard you bastards really managed to take out that Lich.¡± Says a gruff man the size of a mountain. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I ask thoroughly confused. ¡°Wasn¡¯t that you guys? The job disappeared after your group left. Don¡¯t remember anyone else taking that job.¡± He asks with a frown. I dash out of the tavern to confirm it with my own eyes. ¡°I-it¡¯s true.¡± I mutter as my eyes scan the listings. ¡°It wasn¡¯t us.. then who?¡± I wonder as I keep watching letters flit across the board from time to time as new jobs are posted and completed. I think back to that ridiculous black skeleton. The way it took out a rank C knight in one blow almost nonchalantly. ¡°Was it.. a power struggle? Was that thing a skeleton lord?¡± I begin muttering as I struggle to understand. ¡°Excuse me, are you the party leader Asan?¡± A feminine voice interrupts me. It¡¯s one of the guild receptionists. ¡°Ah, yes.¡± I respond. ¡°Congratulations on completing the Lich suppression.¡± She says with a bright smile. ¡°Ah.. yeah.¡± I say scratching my head. ¡°The board has confirmed its completion. As the first and last party to accept the offer, if you¡¯d just confirm it with the front desk, we have your payment and rank advancement ready for you.¡± ¡°Ahaha, thank you for your hard work as always.¡± ¡°It is we who should thank you. Given time that Lich could have grown to be a great problem. Please, this way.¡± Chapter 7: Things In Motion What does this title even do? Nothing feels different. I leave the now ownerless study. My steps taking me back towards where my crew is. As I enter the room, most of the skeletons begin chattering excitedly. One skeleton begins to walk towards me. He¡¯s the one that had run off with the mace. I swear I see him blush as he steps up to me and hands me the weapon. Skull to the side as he doesn¡¯t meet my gaze. Seemingly bashful. ¡°Ah, thanks.¡± I say accepting it. He makes to scurry away, but I stop him. ¡°Hey, wait. You should use this.¡± I hand the mace back to him. He tilts his head in response. I quickly raise my arm, the other placed where my biceps would be. ¡°My fists are stronger than some flimsy metal after all!¡± His eyes seem to gleam as he looks at me. Clutching the mace before scurrying away again he furiously begins chattering with his group of skeletal friends. The scene reminding me of a group of schoolgirls. ¡°Well aren¡¯t you popular.¡± Mary pokes at me. ¡°I¡¯d better hope so. We need a new leader after all.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± She asks. ¡°I.. kinda¡­ killed Vragska.¡± ¡°...¡± ¡°Not gonna say anything?¡± ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry for being such a bitch. Please forgive me.¡± She says bowing her head. ¡°Wh-what¡¯s wrong with you? It¡¯s gross.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a reason for that.¡± Henderson says as he walks over. I really can¡¯t get the image of a gorilla out of my head everytime I see him. ¡°I¡¯m kind of interested.¡± ¡°Well, when she got that power surge, apparently CWO Mary let it get to her head. When she decided she didn¡¯t have to listen to the lunatic, she tried fighting him.. only, it didn¡¯t go as she planned.¡± ¡°It was that bad?¡± ¡°Pretty one-sided.¡± ¡°I-it wasn¡¯t that bad!¡± Mary interjects. ¡°No, considering your apology, it was that bad.¡± I say nodding my head in understanding.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°You! I try to be nice, but you just¡­¡± I think I see her bones trembling in anger. ¡°Maybe.. I shouldn¡¯t have..¡± I begin. ¡°Yeah, it must¡¯ve taken a lot for that prideful Mary to bow her head.¡± Henderson agrees. The Undead Marsh Merchant POV ¡°Isn¡¯t this path unsafe? Not to mention how easy it is to get stuck in this mud.¡± Asks a voice from the back of the wagon. ¡°Ahaha, there¡¯s no need to worry. The Lich has been subjugated, so the most we¡¯ll run into are a few straggling minions. I¡¯ve hired plenty of guards, so no need to be worried Lilia.¡± I respond. ¡°If you say so father.¡± She responds after a brief silence. The wagon moves smoothly along the path, conversations sparse. The silence hangs in the air, creating a somber mood. ¡°Even so, isn¡¯t it a surprise? The one who killed him was none other than that twerp Asan! He¡¯s really made a name for himself, hasn¡¯t he? Hahaha.¡± I laugh in an attempt to alleviate the mood. ¡°I really can¡¯t believe it. That same Asan who always boasted about being too big for our small village has realized his dream.¡± Lilia responds. That¡¯s my daughter! She always knows just what to do. ¡°I remember when he wet his pants after running into a horned rabbit, and that time he fainted after being spooked by the village boys who played pranks on him. Hahaha. To think that scaredy cat would end up a rank A/5 adventurer. We all thought the one of the fast track was Halk. It was a shame when he died to an ogre while protecting the village.¡± I prattle on. ¡°Yes father, but Halk was still a child at the time. Only twelve years old, and he even took three of them with him. Had Asan just helped fight that day, he wouldn¡¯t have died. Halk had so much potential.¡± Lilia says, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice. ¡°You always did have an eye for that boy, didn¡¯t you honey?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore. I just hope Asan is living for the both of them.¡± Asan POV The Hammered Hare is jam packed as usual. The murmurings of secret dealings and of hidden dungeons drowned out by the rough housing adventurers. A few stragglers sit along the edges of the room, casting a disdainful gaze at the others. ¡°Hey! Asan! I brought a couple of your fans.¡± Keith says walking over to the table with a couple of giggling town girls in tow. His helm stowed away in his room to reveal his disheveled brown hair. His green eyes glistening with mirth. ¡°Oh? Quite the catch there bud!¡± I answer while laughing. ¡°Sit down, sit down.¡± ¡°Then, please excuse our intrusion.¡± Says townsgirl A. Her brown hair is parted, and it frames her cute round face. Two beautiful hazel eyes gazing at me as she evaluates me. ¡°Excuse us.¡± Echoes townsgirl B as she moves her light purple hair to reveal her clear grey eyes while she takes the seat to my left. ¡°Intrusion? Please, don¡¯t think of it that way. You¡¯re more than welcome here.¡± I say, confidently flashing my white teeth. ¡°I¡¯m sure you all know the name of Asan the Lichslayer, but I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ve yet to learn yours.¡± My response elicits a chorus of giggles before they introduce themselves. ¡°I am Sophia. The daughter of a rather prosperous item shop in this town. Pleased to make your acquaintance.¡± Says the brown haired girl. An almost refined air surrounds her. Perhaps she¡¯s been trained to catch the eyes of a noble, but everyone knows that a prominent adventurer is in every girl¡¯s heart. ¡°And my name is Melissa.¡± Says the purple haired girl. The unusual color of her hair giving me clues as to where she¡¯s from. ¡°Melissa, you wouldn¡¯t happen to be from the continent to the west, would you?¡± I ask. ¡°How did you know?¡± She asks, feigning shock. ¡°Haha, well, that¡¯s easy. For one-¡± I begin but I¡¯m cut off. ¡°Are you Asan?¡± Someone asks from behind. The challenging voice just having come out of adolescence. Turning around I see a rather tall boy. His blond hair is long and straight. Piercing blue eyes glaring at me as if he¡¯s looking for a fight. He¡¯s wearing light metal armor, and in the center of his breastplate are three interlocking circles. ¡°What¡¯s it to you boy?¡± I respond in kind. ¡°I¡¯ll just get straight to the point. Give up the soul gem. They may only be held by those who have been acknowledged by the Holy Church of Lumox.¡± ¡°Hey kid, what¡¯s the big deal?!¡± Keith yells, throwing me a wink before towering over him. ¡°I am Luke. Paladin of Lumox, and I¡¯ve been tasked with recovering the soul gem of Vragska the Lich. I suggest you move aside. I have business with Asan.¡± ¡°And if I don¡¯t?¡± Keith says in a threatening manner as he places a hand on the kid¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Gyahhhhh!¡± Everyone in the room freezes as Keith¡¯s cries fill the tavern. Where his hand was is just a bloody stump. I didn¡¯t even see him swing, but the sword is at his side. Blood trailing down the edge. ¡°Hmph.¡± Luke grunts. ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t dirty my floor!¡± Shouts the bear of a man that is the owner. He stomps over wielding an oversized frying pan. ¡°I apologize, but could you convince that man over there to see me outside?¡± Luke says pointing at me. I gulp before turning back and biting into my bread. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to spare for kids.¡± I say barely keeping my voice from shaking. ¡°Go settle your dispute. Or is the Lichslayer not so great after all?¡± The owner inquires. ¡°Damn it all, and when I was just about to spend time with such lovely ladies. I¡¯ll meet you at the entrance to the Lich¡¯s old dungeon. At least give me the decency of the meal and company.¡± I respond in annoyance. ¡°Very well then, but be sure you don¡¯t run. No shadows can hide you from the light of Lumox.¡± Luke says before leaving. Oh shit oh shit oh shit. What the fuck is going on? Chapter 8: Encounter Undead Lair Mary POV ¡°Alright, everyone, we¡¯re going out for a little training session. It¡¯s vital for us to get used to our new environment, and bodies.¡± Ensign Asamoto says addressing the room. He was acting reluctant to take command, but it seems to come naturally to him. We quickly file in with practiced steps, and even the unknown skeletons line themselves up behind us. Whether they have individual intelligence, or just have a herd mentality, it¡¯s hard to tell. ¡°Red eyes will form up the vanguard, and the ranged units fall to the rear. Mary, go see if you can¡¯t find anything useful in Vragska¡¯s room. You were his protege after all.¡± He says picking me out. ¡°I don¡¯t recall saying I¡¯d take orders from you. Probably just want to rid yourself of a nuisance.¡± I retort. I cringe at myself for acting this way, but I can¡¯t help myself. Ever since I discovered how he felt about me, it¡¯s been this way. ¡°Then why¡¯d you fall in line? Now hurry along.¡± He says passively. ¡°If I find something useful, I¡¯ll be sure to test it out on you.¡± I respond before storming off. My emotions getting the better of me again. Soon, I find myself alone in the dead Lich¡¯s room. My thoughts once again wandering to my first meeting with the ensign. As soon as I had graduated from the academy, I was immediately assigned to the USS Atlantis due to my grades, and the pay was great, so I accepted. I found myself surrounded by men, and the prospect of having to spend up to 6 months at a time with them didn¡¯t sit too well with me. I¡¯d heard stories of what could happen to a female soldier in such an environment. I had hoped it wasn¡¯t true. It happened just under a year later. While we were sailing near Russia on a particularly long trip. A couple of guys who shared the same berthing compartment as myself had me bound and silenced. The next few hours were pure hell as I was debased. My mind fraying and refusing to believe the situation as it tried to hide. My eyes glossing over, and feelings going numb in order to protect my fragile mind. When it was over, I just lay there. My body refusing to move, not even to wipe the filth and sweat. Tears flowing from my long dead eyes. When morning came, the men who had raped me cleaned me up, and clothed me. In an attempt to hide their deed, no doubt. Ensign Asamoto came and found me when I failed to show up for the count, and instead of reprimanding me, he just sat on the cot across from me. The hours passed in silence, the time showing it was already night. I was resolved to never speak, but curiosity got the better of me as my roommates never showed. ¡°S-sir?¡± I asked, the small act taking every bit of courage I could muster. ¡°You don¡¯t have to force yourself. Just try to sleep. I¡¯ll watch over you.¡± He said. With what had happened, I didn¡¯t feel as if I could trust another man ever again, but somehow, I found myself drifting off before I noticed. The next time I opened my eyes, he was still there. The dark circles around his eyes so prominent that they elicited a small laugh from me. He just smiled and said, ¡°it¡¯s your turn.¡± He promptly fell asleep. I checked the date to find out that he had spent two sleepless nights. I remember sitting next to him. Gazing at his sleeping visage, and found myself humming a song. The tune unfamiliar, but soothing.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. This happened night after night until we finally reached an allied port. The location a closely guarded secret. We all left the sub, most of the men heading into the nearby villages to take care of their needs. I opted to stay on base, and despite my hopes, Ensign Asamoto had left with them. So he really is the same. I remember thinking. When it came time to return, we were missing three men. I was shocked when I learned who they were, and I immediately looked up at the Ensign. Despite the grim news, he didn¡¯t bat an eye as he ordered the rest of us on. I knew what he had done for me. Something faint took root in my heart that day. Years passed without incident after that. I quickly moved up the ranks, and established my place as Jyun¡¯s right hand. The Ensign¡¯s sharp intuition catching wind of any attempts to harm me in the same manner. Ever so slowly more women began showing up, but for some reason that only worried me. None of them were ever harmed between the Ensign and myself, we managed to root out all the potential problems. The crew forming into a well-oiled machine. I admired him for how far we had come. How he had caught me and prevented me from sliding down a steep slope. Every month that passed just made me more and more certain that my feelings towards him were real. He wasn¡¯t charming, or outgoing, but he drew me in. From what I¡¯ve seen of him, he refused to let others get hurt, even if it meant harm to himself. I admired that, and grew to love him for it. He was there for all of us, but nobody else ever noticed. They had come to expect that from him. So much so that they couldn¡¯t see it when it happened. One night, I had steeled my resolve, and went to his room when we were posted at another base in Japan where I heard he spent his summers as a child. I found the door unlocked, and he was sleeping. Seeing how he tossed and turned, I made to wake him, but something stopped me. An uneasy feeling that told me to leave, but I refused. I sat down next to him, and drew closer as I heard him mutter. I rushed out of the room. Tears, anger, feelings of betrayal all swarming around in my head. He had never loved me. This I was alright with, but the reason¡­ I was just a replacement for his sister. All of the girls were. He was scared that he could never make it up to his family, and he was using us as a crutch. A replacement, a doll. He didn¡¯t view me as myself. A unique and individual person. Being kind, always looking out for us. Leading us along, and having us dance in the palm of his hand. I couldn¡¯t forgive him for using us like that. I couldn¡¯t forgive myself, because I still loved him. I sigh as I feel tears welling up before remembering that I can¡¯t cry anymore due to this skeletal body. I catch something out of the corner of my eye. Something glints from the corner of the room, near a destroyed slab of stone. Drawing closer I spot a long silver chain. Following its path, I spot a resplendent gem connected to it. Picking it up causes it to glow, but the light fades in the next second. I¡¯m tempted to put it on, and I don¡¯t resist. As soon as it¡¯s on my neck, it shivers, and I feel something inside me linking with it. ¡°What is this?¡± I mutter out loud as the strange sensation fades, only to be replaced by a surge of strength. With great humility, I serve the new master. I hear a voice whisper in my head. Confused, I head towards the others. Ensign Asamoto might know something. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m still reliant on him, it¡¯s just that two heads are better than one. Asan POV Annoyed at having to come to this place a second time, I kick at the mud as I walk. With the free time I think through my plan. I¡¯ll meet the boy named Luke here, and tell him I left the soul gem inside. Hesitant to touch the thing as it gave off a deadly aura. He¡¯ll probably tell me to lead him to it, and I¡¯ll begin to do so. As soon as the black skeleton pops up, he should engage it with that rash personality of his, and that¡¯s when I¡¯ll run. I¡¯m not too sure how strong either of them are, but they¡¯re both leagues above me. Hopefully they take care of each other. ¡°You did well to not run.¡± Luke says as soon as he spots me. He¡¯s standing near the entrance with his sword already drawn. ¡°There¡¯s no reason for me to. I left the damn thing in there. It gave off a sinister aura, and felt like too much trouble.¡± I respond. He looks at me for a moment before sheathing his sword. He brings his hands up as if in a prayer, and I panic a bit as light starts to wrap around me. It passes soon and he speaks. ¡°At the very least, I can¡¯t sense you ever making contact with it. I¡¯ll trust you for now. Lead on.¡± ¡°Sure thing.¡± It¡¯s going exactly as I planned. So far, so good. We both enter the dark cavern with me in the lead. The silence broken by our footsteps, and the occasional drop of water from the stalactites overhead. ¡°They¡¯ve got a clever commander.¡± Luke suddenly says as he unsheathes his sword. The sound echoing through the cave. ¡°What are you-¡± I begin, as I look around, ¡°talking.. about.¡± Over two dozen pairs of orbs glow all around us. The sounds of bone against rock growing louder as the skeletons move toward us. ¡°W-when did they get there?!¡± I cry out in panic. As a rogue it should have been easy to spot them. I¡¯ve been vigilant since the beginning! ¡°If you didn¡¯t catch wind of them, that most likely means they sensed us at the entrance, and had the skeletons lie in wait¡­ but to have that much discipline to resist their urges is quite impressive.¡± Luke says. ¡°What urges?¡± I asked confused. ¡°When an undead is close to those of the living, they are compelled to attack. It¡¯s akin to us feeling the urge of a wild beast to feed after being starved. These aren¡¯t your run of the mill skeletons, and that¡¯s no ordinary commander behind them.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad that you¡¯d praise me to such an extent.¡± A voice calls out. Difficult to pin down where it came from given our location. The words send shivers down my spine. ¡°I don¡¯t sense the presence of a lich. Are you their new leader? I should have expected this sod next to me wouldn¡¯t be able to kill a lich.¡± Luke responds unperturbed. ¡°Oh? Perhaps you have some sense. I don¡¯t seek to kill you. I just have a few questions.¡± The hollow voice rasps. ¡°Normally, my calling as a Paladin of Lumox would be to slay you, but retrieval of the soul gem is of utmost importance. I would make a deal with you.¡± Maybe we¡¯ll get out of this alive. Chapter 9: Resolution Undead Lair Ensign Jyun Asamoto POV I don¡¯t really care for that boy¡¯s looks, but that armor looks pretty dashing. Just about my size as well. I think, not listening to a word he says. ¡°I¡¯ll go get Mary and tell her to bring anything that looks like a soul gem.¡± Henderson says. ¡°No need, I¡¯m right here, and I guess I know what this thing is now.¡± I hear Mary say from behind me. I turn around to see a shiny trinket dangling from her neck. ¡°Looks good on you.¡± I say before turning my attention back to the boy named Luke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for keeping you. I must be a terrible host. Please, make your way inside.¡± I say, signalling the men to fall back. The rogue from that initial party visibly relaxes as the skeletons around him fade away. ¡°Although it pains me to receive any goodwill from an accursed undead, I will consider it a necessary evil.¡± Luke says haughtily. I get why that warrior kneed the priest in the face. Are all holy men like that? Guess it just makes it easier for me to kill them in the future. I tell Mary to hide in the Lich¡¯s room for now and lead our guests to the giant room we were first summoned to. ¡°There isn¡¯t much, and we don¡¯t have any tea, but you¡¯re free to sit where you want.¡± I say as we enter. I look back to see that the cowardly rogue had long since fled. ¡°I¡¯d prefer to stand than sit in this filth.¡± Luke says with a condescending gaze. ¡°No need to be so hostile, we will be conversing for a long-¡± I¡¯m cut off as he brings his hands up in prayer. I take cover immediately as light shoots out from him, winding down all of the pathways. As the light dies down I see him with a feral smile. A dangerous glint in his eyes. ¡°Seems there¡¯s no need to speak with you. The real master is the only one I have business with.¡± He says before running off at an alarming speed. ¡°After him!¡± I shout not even looking back to see if anyone is following. Mary POV A strange streak of light just came through. Sweeping over everything before leaving the room. I¡¯m not sure what that was, but I have a bad feeling. As I look around for a good place to hide, I spot something out of the corner of my eye. A streak of blond and blue, almost too fast to see. Before I even have time to react, a blade whistles towards me. Slicing through my spine as if it didn¡¯t exist. I feel no pain, but the panic causes me to scream. I¡¯m scared. I can¡¯t move. It¡¯s calling back some old memories. Ones I¡¯d rather forget. My mind tries to hide. I won¡¯t let it. I¡¯m stronger now. He¡¯s saying something. A gloating face hovering over mine as it reaches for me. No, not me, the pendant. He grasps it, but it won¡¯t come off. He¡¯s frowning, but that soon makes way for a smile. His arm goes up, carrying the sword with it, and it¡¯s brought down. My vision changes. The walls are spinning. It¡¯s dizzying. Is this how the Ensign felt? I need to apologize.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°..ry. M..y. Ma.y¡­ Mary..¡± Huh? This voice.. Ensign? ¡°E-ensign.¡± The word shaky. I feel my vision shift again. I can see him. Not the skull that replaced him, but the man I loved.. love even now. ¡°Mary. Don¡¯t worry.. I¡¯ll put you back together.¡± He says. ¡°I.. might be humpty dumpty.¡± I respond with a weak giggle. ¡°You¡¯re being delusional Mary. Just don¡¯t go to sleep. Keep listening to my voice. Talk to me.¡± He says. He looks very frantic. ¡°The opposite... from that time.¡± ¡°That.. time?¡± He asks before it dawns on him. He goes silent. ¡°I¡¯m dying Ensign¡­ I feel something seeping out. It¡¯s a pleasant feeling..¡± ¡°No.. Mary..¡± He starts, but screams from outside cut him off. He casts a worried glance, but seems reluctant to leave. ¡°I need to go save them.¡± He says. ¡°No!¡± I cry out before I can stop myself. ¡°...¡± He looks torn. Tears forming in his dark brown eyes. The usual sharpness replaced with sorrow. ¡°Please, let me be selfish.. stay with me. Until the end.¡± ¡°I¡­ will..¡± He responds despite the sounds of death coming from outside. ¡°I.. I loved you Jyun.¡± ¡°I.. I know. I¡¯m sorry..¡± He says. Tears forming in his eyes. What he said causing me a good amount of anger. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize. Not when you¡¯re the one crying inside.¡± His mouth opens and closes. ¡°C-can you say.. you love me? Even if you have to lie.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need to Mary.¡± The words make me happy for an instant, only to have is replaced by a deep pang in my heart. Feeling as if something important had torn. ¡°Next time Ensign, please. Don¡¯t wait. Find someone you love.. and tell them.¡± I want him to be happy. I think that¡¯s why I was so mad at him all this time. Not because he was using us, or because he took away from who I was. It was all because I loved him too much to see him suffering. Jyun Asamoto POV ¡°Mary¡­¡± The lights are gone. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mary. I¡¯ll take your words to heart. I won¡¯t let something like this happen again. I won¡¯t love.. ever again.¡± I set her skull down. Turning around as rage burns through me. My teeth screeching in protest as they¡¯re ground into an edge. ¡°LUKE!¡± I yell as I charge out. I see Henderson, and the rest of my comrades fighting him. Most are broken. Their bodies scattered all over the place. Lights being extinguished as his blade cuts through their skulls. ¡°The bastard killed Mary!¡± I shout as I enter the fray. Henderson in particular going into a deep rage, but it doesn¡¯t do much. He¡¯s still cutting us down. His armor is chipped in places. Small lacerations building up with each passing moment. His movements start to slow, but we¡¯ve already lost over two thirds of our number. ¡°Damn skeletons! Worthless heaps of trash!¡± Luke yells out as he rends another two, extinguishing their flames. ¡°Graahhh!¡± Henderson shouts and pounds his fists against Luke¡¯s body. Sending him flying into the wall. The move more costly than anticipated. Henderson doesn¡¯t stop with the loss of his arms. He shoots forward and drives Luke further into the wall, losing his leg in the process. Even with one limb left, he keeps flailing. Trying everything in his power to strike the paladin down. ¡°Henderson! Stop! You¡¯ll die!¡± I yell, but it¡¯s too late. His skull flies in a wide arc through the air. ¡°Hmph.¡± Grunts Luke as he steps out from the wall. Spitting out a glob of blood as he does so. ¡°Filthy creatures. Feigning camaraderie. It¡¯s disgusting.¡± He speaks spitting again. This time, straight onto Henderson¡¯s skull. He glares at me, and I realize we¡¯re the only ones left. ¡°Well?¡± He says pointing the sword at me. I wordlessly charge, my fist meeting his blade. My bones start to steam for a bit, and begins to crack and crumble. ¡°Hahaha, this sword is blessed by Lumox himself!¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s see about your pretty face!¡± I yell as my undercut hits him square in the jaw. Shooting him into the air, he crashes into a stalactite. Before he even lands I raise my knee to strike him, only to find his blade run through it. ¡°Gyahhhh!¡± Pain. I can feel pain. ¡°This entire body has the divine protection of the god of light himself! I am his chosen! His champion! You dare challenge me?!¡± His eyes are glazed over. Those eyes are dead. The eyes of a fanatic. I grab onto his right ankle. Crushing it in the process as warm blood drenches my bones. He cleaves that hand at the wrist, but I have his instead. I strengthen my grip, and feel his bones crack under the pressure as they jut out. ¡°GU-¡± He clenches his teeth to stifle the cry. A blinding light descends upon me. Separating my legs from my body. I pay it no mind as I drag myself on top of him. Making sure to tear out the achilles tendon of his left leg. My hand winds around and finds purchase on his neck. His hand grabbing my arm. Surprisingly strong as cracks start to appear on my dark grey bones. ¡°What drives you to such lengths?!¡± Luke cries out. Trying to delay his death perhaps? But I humor him anyways. ¡°To honor the memory of the fallen. To avenge the girl you slew in cold blood.¡± I hiss through gritted teeth. ¡°Do you want to forget? Move past this memory?¡± He has trouble speaking the words as my hands cut off his air. ¡°No, I¡¯ll engrave it in my heart. It will fuel me to destroy everything you hold dear. I will tear down this world, and your filthy god will be cast from the heavens!¡± ¡°That so?!¡± He shouts, a cruel grin twisting his face. ¡°This loyal servant of the holy god Lumox do beseech thee! I offer my soul and body to cast a light of cleansing upon this foul creature!¡± As he finishes, Luke¡¯s body begins dissolving. Floating out and away from my grasp. I suddenly find myself outside, Luke nowhere in sight. Feeling something oppressive, I look up. A column of light that is fitting to be called ¡®Judgement of the Gods¡¯ descending upon me. I close my eyes as I feel myself melting away. My last thoughts of my comrades, my family, and the lessons they¡¯ve taught me. Chapter 10: Discovery Lilia POV A blinding light descends from the heavens, and I hear my father start offering prayers. ¡°Father, can we go see?¡± I ask. My interest piqued. ¡°No, Lilia, whatever was there required divine intervention. If by any chance.. that wasn¡¯t enough. Men! Turn the caravan around!¡± ¡°Sir!¡± ¡°Immediately!¡± The guards respond. They¡¯re all too afraid. Something of this scale hasn¡¯t happened since this kingdom was founded. The land being a blessing from our god Lumox. He drove out the demons who had tainted the land, and nourished it. Whatever it was, I want to see this historical moment for myself. I jump out the back of the wagon and run off. Ignoring my father¡¯s pleas. I hear the clanking of armor as the guards run after me, but I¡¯m faster in this mud. The dirt stains my white dress, and I lose my comfortable shoes, but I continue. The slimy texture feeling somewhat pleasant. ¡°Hya!¡± I cry out falling backwards. I was keeping my eyes on the after image of that holy light, and almost ran into a skeleton. It doesn¡¯t attack, just staring at me with a mace gripped in its hand. ¡°Kyaaaaa!¡± I scream as I spot a foot in the other. Only to abruptly stop as I see it¡¯s still connected to a person. The mace wielding skeleton stares straight into my eyes, and this time, I don¡¯t shy away. It jumps in surprise, dropping the leg in the process. It suddenly jerks its skull upwards as the guards who were chasing me catch up. It turns tail in a hurry, and sprints off. Disappearing into the treeline. Is this person is from the heavens? I think as my eyes move towards the prone body. Then that means this person¡­ my thoughts trail off, absorbing every detail of his nudity. ¡°No!¡± I shout to clear my head. ¡°This is a god descended from the heavens! To have such blasphemous thoughts!¡± The words flying out of my mouth as blood rises to my face. ¡°Mmmgh.¡± The man groans as if in pain. Now that I observe him, he doesn¡¯t have wings, nor the divine aura. I read of those being traits of even their lowly messengers. Does that mean¡­ ¡°He was cast from the heavens?¡± I mutter. ¡°Miss, we must retu- who is that?¡± Asks the guard. It¡¯s Pierre, a rank B/2 adventurer that my father¡¯s been hiring since he was still a class C. ¡°A fallen god¡­¡± I answer with a tone of reverence. ¡°Let¡¯s leave. It doesn¡¯t bode well.¡± Says Gurt. A rank C/1 adventurer just about to advance. In fact, this is his last mission. ¡°No, no matter what he may have done to earn the heaven¡¯s wrath, he is now a mortal, a human being like ourselves. I won¡¯t leave him to die.¡± I say firmly.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°But.. miss.¡± Pierre says while avoiding my gaze. I look back towards the mysterious man. His long black hair clean despite having been dragged through mud. His unmarred skin covering toned muscles, and his strong brows that give him a fierce and regal look. This man.. was clearly a god. ¡°We¡¯re taking him back with us.¡± I say driving in my resolve. ¡°We¡¯ll surely incur the wrath of the gods if we do such a thing! Please reconsider!¡± Gurt shouts, getting a bit exasperated. ¡°Well you¡¯ll surely incur the wrath of my father should I die!¡± I yell back planting myself firmly next to the fallen god. Pierre POV Well, it¡¯s all good that lady Lilia agreed to come back.. but I don¡¯t know what is going to happen now? Our miss could have brought home a stray dog, or even a drakeling, but a fallen god?! Her father may have allowed it, but I can¡¯t imagine this ending well. ¡°Sir, could I have a word?¡± I ask the merchant. ¡°Of course. What is it?¡± He responds. ¡°It¡¯s about that fallen god.¡± I begin. ¡°I assumed so.¡± ¡°Well, I believe he can¡¯t be anything but bad news.¡± ¡°Tell me Pierre, do you see myself as a being who was detrimental to you? Was our meeting good or bad luck to you?¡± He asks a strange question. ¡°It was good fortune. You¡¯ve helped me in many ways. Without you, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to make it this far, but what that has to-¡± he raises a hand to silence me. ¡°You see, Pierre. I am a fallen noble myself.¡± A shocked look crosses my face. For nobility to have fallen from grace requires serious crimes. Treason is the first that comes to mind. ¡°Hahaha, you can¡¯t imagine just what I could have done, have you? That must remain a secret, but I have done nothing I am ashamed of, and I have a feeling it is the same for that man.¡± ¡°While that may be true, the realm of gods is far different from those of mortals.¡± ¡°Have you ever been there yourself?¡± ¡°W-well, of course not, but according to the-¡± ¡°Then just believe in my decision. My daughter isn¡¯t one to misjudge people you know?¡± He laughs, and I know the conversation is over. I turn away, still unconvinced. Lilia POV The wagon pulls out of the mud with one final squelch. Making its way onto the dirt path as we head back towards our village. The birdsongs return and fill the air as we leave the Undead Marsh behind us. It¡¯s soothing to be on this cart. At first it was rough, and unlike the carriages I¡¯d used to ride when I was younger. I hated it, but now I wouldn¡¯t trade it for anything else. There¡¯s so much more space, and I can freely work on my clothing. It¡¯s like a portable workspace. I hum a tune as I sew, the dyed cloth I¡¯m using is expensive, but considering who will wear them, I find it a bit lacking. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡± I hear from behind me, causing me to jump in fright. The voice was soft yet deep, ringing ever so gently in my ear. I could almost lose myself in it. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s not finished.¡± I answer, keeping my back turned towards him as to hide my blushing face. ¡°I was speaking about your song. Please, wouldn¡¯t you continue?¡± He asks, his words causing me to shiver in delight. ¡°Mm,¡± I respond pursing my lips. I begin to sing songs that I¡¯d learned in that posh room that I used to own. Forgetting about all the questions I had wanted to ask him when he woke. ¡°Thank you.¡± He said. I snuck a glance behind me, and our eyes met. He had sharp black eyes that seemed to look into your very soul, and a smile so gentle it felt as if the breeze would carry it away. I felt the blood rise to my face again so I hastily turned my head to work on the cloth. Continuing to sing while I do so. On the way to Carus Village ??? POV I feel so empty. As if I¡¯ve lost something important. So hollow. Lonely. My eyes are open, but I can¡¯t see. Nothing catches my interest, so I simply close them once more. It doesn¡¯t help as the loneliness is amplified by darkness. I can feel blood course through my veins.. it feels unnatural. Every deep breath bringing not clarity, but confusion. Isn¡¯t this what it is to live? Then why does it feel so wrong? My memories don¡¯t exist. My knowledge of the world is frayed. What is wrong with me? Who am I? My thoughts are interrupted by soothing tones. The music filling the large void in my heart. I sigh in relief as my tormented thoughts are calmed. I turn my head towards the sounds of my salvation. Slowly opening my eyes to spot the petite frame of a woman. Her soiled white dress is spread out where she sits. The natural curves of her body visible despite the cloth. Soft blonde hair shimmering as the air sweeps through them, a braid of it hanging over her shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡± I say. Ah. Why did I say that? I startled her. No, before that, she¡¯s sure to misunderstand. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s not finished yet.¡± She replies. I look over to what she¡¯s working on, and see pieces of dyed fabric laid out. Well, she did misunderstand¡­ wait, I should say something. I frantically think through everything I¡¯ve gathered so far. Not that it amounts to much. What was it again? Oh, the song. ¡°I was speaking about your song. Please, would you continue?¡± She starts singing again, and I almost lose myself in her voice. ¡°Thank you.¡± This should keep her occupied while I gather my thoughts. I need to find out why I¡¯m here, and recover my memories. All I know is that I need a purpose. I refuse to let go of this life of mine. Her head¡¯s turning. What do I do? I put on a smile just as her eyes meet mine. She quickly turns away, and I sigh in relief. I turn my thoughts to continue where I left off, but soon drift off. Carried to sleep by a gentle melody. Chapter 11: The Village Called Carus Cold. So cold. The air. It bites. Warmth. Where? Above? It draws near. I need it. Faster. Hurry. It¡¯s here. Sweet warmth. My hands. They tear. It flows. Coats me. The cold. It fades. No! It¡¯s back! The cold! Make it stop! I claw. It fades. Comes back. Further and further. Delving in madness. It¡¯s over. I¡¯ve won. I have it. What I wanted. Then why. Why do I feel so empty? Third Person POV Footsteps echo through the aged stone corridors. The sounds of anguished screams far off in the distance. A figure in an elaborate black robe makes its way towards wide double doors. Poisonous green eyes gleaming from under the hood. An aura so ominous that it¡¯s almost tangible surrounds him. As he draws closer to the doors, they swing open to reveal a room devoid of life. Torn red banners with symbols long faded hang along the rafters. An equally worn red rug stretching across the entire room. The figure raises his right arm to the side. The action drawing back his sleeve to reveal the skeletal hand underneath. Dark miasma begins to gather around it as a twisted staff appears. He continues along the path to reach a throne. The once extravagant leather is ruined. The colors having faded. Not seeming to mind, he sits upon it. The shadows begin to move around him. As time passes the shapes solidify to create the image of a forest. The shadows form the shape of a broken skeleton. The ground sticking to him as he crawls along its surface. ¡°The Undead Marsh.. where the treacherous Lich made his base.¡± The figure speaks for the first time with a voice as hollow as his skull. The shadows shift to create an empty space. Soon forming the figure of a winged man descending from the sky in its place. The shadows of the skeleton slowly dissolving as it draws near.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°It¡¯s surviving quite a while¡­ that Vragska managed to create something interesting.¡± The hooded figure mumbles. The figure of the man suddenly jerks down to earth as the wings are torn. Pressed down by an invisible force as the shadows form chains around him. The battered skeleton drags himself closer. Bits of shadows flying as he relentlessly tears into the man¡¯s body. The shadows pulse and swarm gathering in the middle of the room. Bursting outwards before dispersing into the air. A hollow rasp fills the room. A laugh. ¡°That arrogant god.¡± The sounds of his chilling laughter echo off of the stone walls. The sound of hooves carry in from outside the chamber. A mounted skeleton in full armor rides in on a spectral horse. A feathered helm sitting upon his skull. The armor shows signs of wear. Scratches and nicks covering the entire surface. He quickly dismounts before going down on one knee as he presents himself. ¡°Your humble servant has returned. The dwarven remnants slaughtered, and added to our ranks under the direction of Elder Lich Ultear.¡± He says with a bowed head. ¡°I have a new mission already prepared for you Halk.¡± The robed figure says as he stands. ¡°As Karalis commands.¡± ¡°Take a trip to that hometown of yours. There is an old friend I must meet.¡± Carus Village Lilia¡¯s Father POV I¡¯m sitting in my study. Pouring over the letters I¡¯d received about the failed transaction during the last week. I sigh. ¡°With this, I just lost a few clients.¡± I mutter to myself as I go about writing back. Apologies along with the circumstances surrounding my failure to deliver. ¡°Wait, this could actually work. Many people should be curious as to what that light was about, and with me knowing the most details¡­ they¡¯d deal with me just for the little tidbits.¡± I hear a knock at the door. The foundations of the house shaking from the force¡­ it must be him. ¡°Come in.¡± I say, pushing the documents off to the side. The door comes off of its hinges before the words leave my mouth to reveal a man standing in the doorway. His sleek black hair swept out of his face and tied back to reveal his sharp features. A dignified jawline, eyes as dark as the abyss, and strong brows. In the past, I had met the royal family, and compared to them, the person in front of me was far more regal. This feeling is only strengthened by the clothes he wears. A white robe with blue embroidery outlined by black stretches over his frame. The style reminiscent of the eastern empire that existed long ago. ¡°My apologies.¡± He says as he comes in. ¡°Hahaha, don¡¯t worry about it. I was thinking of remodeling the house anyways.¡± I reply. He had already managed to destroy a good portion of the house. With that monstrous strength, Lilia¡¯s theory is seeming closer to the truth. He cringes a bit at my answer. Apparently having remembered the damages. ¡°Hahaha, so, what¡¯s the reason of your visit?¡± I ask after a bout of genuine laughter. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve been thinking about what I should do from now on, and since I don¡¯t know who I am, or where I¡¯m from, I thought I¡¯d accompany you as a guard for now. I¡¯m a bit confident in my strength after all.¡± He says. ¡°Wahaha, that¡¯s true, that¡¯s true. It¡¯d be nice to have such a reliable guard around for me as well.¡± He notably relaxes. ¡°Father?¡± Lilia¡¯s voice rings out from the hallway. The man in front of me freezes as his body tenses. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± He says getting up from his seat. A playful glimmer dances across my eyes. ¡°No no, I insist you stay. Come in Lilia.¡± She enters the room, in her favorite white dress as usual. Her hair straight save for the single braid. Just like her late mother. ¡°I heard a commotion, and was worried. Is everything alright father?¡± She asks rather meekly, unlike her usual self. My smile widens, the wrinkles near my eyes becoming more pronounced. ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure you wanted to meet the perpetrator. There he is. I kept him from running off this time.¡± I say to her with a playful wink. ¡°F-father!¡± She cries. The faintest red tinging her cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the concern. I¡¯ll try to hold myself back in the future.¡± The black haired man says. ¡°Ah, no, I didn¡¯t mean it that-¡± Lilia begins, but stops as she spots something in the doorway. I follow her gaze to spot a skeleton. How it snuck into the village and past the guards, I don¡¯t know, but I won¡¯t let anything happen to my daughter. I grab the sword I keep under my desk and unsheathe it. Moving to cut the foul creature down. The skeleton stands still as I make my swing. Its body trembling as if in fear. No, that¡¯s ridiculous. ¡°Wait!¡± Lilia cries out as she gets in between me and the skeleton. I struggle to change the blade¡¯s path, and just barely manage to avoid cutting her. I breathe a sigh of relief, and hear a thud as the skeleton drops a mace onto the floor. It¡¯s tailbone dropping to the floor soon after. Chapter 12: Naming Carus Village Lilia¡¯s Father POV Something ridiculous is happening. Right inside my very home. There¡¯s a skeleton sitting across from me in the mainroom. My daughter serving it tea as if it were an honored guest. ¡°Mhmm, so, Lilia, who is this?¡± I ask after clearing my throat. ¡°Ah, this is the skeleton who was with the man.¡± She replies while gesturing towards the black haired youth. ¡°I thought that was you?¡± ¡°Well, I wasn¡¯t the first. I didn¡¯t know if he was dangerous before, but now I¡¯m sure of it. You tried to save this man, didn¡¯t you?¡± She asks the skeleton. It nods its skull energetically in response. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right. Do you happen to know who this is?¡± Lilia asks. ¡°There¡¯s no way that-¡± I start saying, but stop myself as the skeleton nods its skull again. ¡°Would you tell us?¡± Lilia continues. The skeleton looks around for a moment before grasping its mace. I leap to my feet, and he immediately lets go. It looks around once more before mimicking writing motion in the air. ¡°Oh. I¡¯m so sorry. Please wait a moment.¡± Lilia says before running off. I continue glaring at the skeleton, and it shifts from side to side. Am I making it uncomfortable? A skeleton?! Just what is going on? ¡°Hey boy, you haven¡¯t said anything. What do you think of this situation?¡± I ask the only other human in the room. He doesn¡¯t answer. His eyes are glued to the skeleton and he seems lost in thought. The skeleton turns to look at him as well before turning away. Hands to its cheekbones. Lilia returns with quill and parchment, and puts it in front of the skeleton. It grasps the feather tenderly before scrawling a huge A onto it. Pointing towards the fallen god. ¡°A?¡± Lilia wonders out loud. The skeleton then writes a big M, points toward the mace, then towards itself. ¡°And your name is mace?¡± Lilia asks. It begins shaking its skull, but quickly begins nodding. It almost seems happy. ¡°Hmm, but an A. There¡¯s only one possible god we know of.¡± My daughter states. ¡°Mm Alistaire, but from what I¡¯ve heard, he¡¯s a just god who stands as a shining example, even to others of his kind.¡± I say rubbing the small bit of stubble on my chin. Mace POV I¡¯m so glad I got a new name. Skeleton M wasn¡¯t very cute at all. At least this one sounds like it could be a name. I look at the two humans in turn. They¡¯re talking about some weird things. I mean, skeleton A was very handsome. The dark coloration of his bones would cause any maiden¡¯s head to turn. On top of that, he¡¯s so strong, charismatic, and.. and.. just dreamy. I cast a glance towards him. He¡¯s still looking at me! Kyaa! Those eyes are surely looking at me with so much passion. Kyaa, I can¡¯t. I turn my head away. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. I think back to when he handed me that mace. He was so charming at that moment, but still, a god? I look at him again.A shiver of excitement running down my exposed spine as he¡¯s still gazing so intently at me. He is one. He¡¯s my god! Even if he has that ugly skin on him now, my love for him won¡¯t fade. Don¡¯t worry skeleton A. I¡¯ll find a way to turn you back! Oh! Look at me! Forgetting something important. I need to keep him alive until I can find someone to help me in my quest. The two humans are still in a heated conversation about some Alistaire. Is that what they¡¯ve taken to calling him? It¡¯s alright I guess, and it does start with an A. Ah! The warning! I take the feather and begin drawing something from my mind. It was a hulking green figure. Holding a giant glaive. It had some problems with it¡¯s teeth, and reminded me a lot of skeleton H. I think A called him Henderson. After finishing, I hand the picture to A and begin imitating people fighting. Skeleton A finally looks at the paper instead of me. My feelings are a little hurt, but it¡¯s okay. I can¡¯t expect him to always be looking at me. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± He asks me. His voice is so weird now. I¡¯ve gotta get the message across¡­ if only I learned more than the alphabet¡­ ¡°Ah! That¡¯s an orc, isn¡¯t it?¡± The girl says. She¡¯s been the most help so far. Even if she¡¯s ugly, I think we can still be friends. I nod. I begin mimicking motion for attacking again. ¡°They¡¯re.. they¡¯re going to attack?¡± She asks surprised. I nod again. She catches on quick. ¡°We.. we need to warn the village!¡± The rude man shouts. I don¡¯t really like him. I jump in surprise as screams are heard from outside. I was too late. They¡¯re already here. No, A¡¯s still alive. I just need to sneak him out as the others die. I grab his arm and try to move him, but he doesn¡¯t budge. ¡°Guess it¡¯s time to earn my keep.¡± A says. No, there¡¯s too many. I saw at least fifty of them, and when I overheard them talking, they said they were just a scouting party. Please Skeleton A, let¡¯s go. I can¡¯t turn you back if your bones rot. He gets up from his seat. Are you coming with me? You understood my inner voice! No, he heads out the front towards where the screams came from. Why? I strengthen my resolve before following him. If he won¡¯t run, I¡¯ll at least make sure he doesn¡¯t die. I¡¯m scared, but skeleton A needs my help! Lilia¡¯s Father POV ¡°Lilia, gather the surviving villagers and have them take shelter in our cellar.¡± I say strapping the sword to my waist. She looks at me with concern, but nods her head. That¡¯s my girl. I step out of the house and jog to catch up to A. That¡¯s what I¡¯m calling him for now. It¡¯s the only clue we have to go with after all. Mace the skeleton is walking with him. Is it going to fight with us? Just what is that undead? ¡°A! I¡¯ll go take command of the men. Just hold out for a bit, alright? Don¡¯t push yourself.¡± I call out. He simply nods, and I run off to find the others. The fighting seems to have broken out at the western wall. It doesn¡¯t take long to gather up the rest of the forces due to the alarm being sounded. The beating of thick hide drums audible throughout the entire village. Dark clouds hanging overhead. The sun nowhere to be seen. We hurry towards the west gate, passing by all the women and children who are currently headed towards my home. Soon, the familiar wooden walls come into sight. A ragged hole was torn into the side, but it¡¯s been covered with something. A streak of white comes flying towards us from the sky, crashing into a flimsy wooden house. I peer at it to discover Mace. The skeleton¡¯s missing it¡¯s left arm and both of its legs. The mace still gripped in her remaining right hand. ¡°Skeleton!¡± ¡°Even the undead..¡± ¡°Finish it off!¡± The men shout before charging. ¡°Wait! It¡¯s already immobile. We need to hurry and defend the breach!¡± I shout to stop them. They seem hesitant, but soon agree. As we get closer we spot the other guards cut into pieces as if their bones and armor offered no resistance. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°They¡¯re too strong.¡± ¡°We¡¯re going to die!¡± This is bad. The men are losing their morale. I look at the breach to find that the mottled green and brown covering it were bodies. Dead orcs that were cut by tremendous force. The bodies numbering anywhere from fifteen to twenty-five. I order the men to open the gate, but they don¡¯t do it. Of course they wouldn¡¯t. I rush onto the wall instead, and my eyes widen in surprise. Orcs are charging at the village. A little over two hundred of them. They¡¯re plainly visible due to the terrain. I spot a lone figure standing between us and them. Numerous glaives stabbed into the ground around him. He picks one up and lobs it. I watch, captivated as it screeches through the air. It pierces the first victim. Passing through one after another until it finally kills its sixth victim. He grabs another, and quickly begins throwing them in succession. Claiming about forty victims before he¡¯s left with just one. ¡°Just what¡­¡± someone says from my right, surprising me. I turn to see Pierre. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go help him Pierre? An orc shouldn¡¯t be too difficult for you.¡± ¡°Normally I could take on about seven or eight, but he doesn¡¯t seem to need any help.¡± He says. I quickly turn back to the battle to see small mounds of corpses. A circle formed around A as the orcs watch him wearily. The largest one issues an order, and they charge at him. The first line being mowed down by a single strike as he swings in a wide arc. The glaive cutting through marvelously until it shatters on armor. He quickly drops the broken weapon and jumps straight into the midst of them. Guttural cries of pain ring out as A breaks whatever¡¯s in sight. He carves a path through them until he reaches the leader. A behemoth almost three times his size. The giant bears down on him. Lowering a giant sword, that seems more like a club, to his side. He swings horizontally at A, but he ducks under the blow. Angered, the chieftain takes the sword in both hands before bringing it down in an overhead strike. Dust rising up from where it lands. The tremors can be felt even this far away. A figure shoots out from the dust, flying like an arrow towards the orc chief¡¯s skull, and connects. The head bursting open like a ripe fruit as A slows himself by latching onto the headless orc. The body of the orc slams into the ground as A stands. The remaining orcs number only a third of what once was. They scatter. Running in all directions. Hoping that they won¡¯t meet their end at the hands of this monster. A just remains standing there as the sun breaks through the clouds. A ray of light shining down on him. The picture it paints is surreal. It¡¯s him. It has to be. Alistaire the Liberator. Chapter 13: The Lights Calling A flock of carrion circle overhead. The sun gleaming off of their dark feathers as more gather. They cry out for flesh, a few of the braver ones descending to rip into my fallen foes. I watch as a particularly large raven lands on the fallen chieftain. Picking through the remains of its skull. The dark feathers reflecting the light from a single ray of sun that managed to break through the clouds. It continues tearing into its meal. The image seeming too familiar. ¡°Argh!¡± A sudden pain erupts inside my head as I fall to my knees. Flashes of red flutter across my vision a new memory surfaces with each wave. A blinding light washes over my sight, and I fall to the ground. Everything cutting to black.
Quest Received
The Call of Lumox
Your flesh feels like a prison. Your mind in turmoil. Fragments of the past come and go. It''s about time you reclaim that which was lost. Come to me. Reclaim my temple deep inside the undead mountains and all will be as it should.
¡°Altaire?¡± A concerned voice breaks through the darkness. This voice¡­ Lilia? ¡°Guh.¡± I open my eyes, wincing in pain as the sunlight hits them. ¡°Ah! I¡¯m sorry!¡± She says, the light fading as I hear curtains being drawn. ¡°It¡¯s alright. What happened to me Celeste?¡± ¡°Celeste?¡± An image of a smiling girl overlays itself against Lilia. Her hair of shining silver, floating softly. Her eyes a piercing grey. Some sort of flowing white robe covering her body. Pain shoots through my head, and the image disappears. ¡°Altaire?¡± Lilia asks concerned. Altaire? Is that my name? No. It feels wrong. What was it? ¡°You should rest a bit more. You¡¯ve been asleep for two days.¡± She says, putting her hands on my shoulders to guide me down. ¡°No.. Lilia. Could you leave me alone for a bit?¡± She purses her lips, worry evident on her face, but she leaves. Closing the door behind her.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. I¡¯m left alone with my thoughts. The turbulent flow almost making me wish she hadn¡¯t. That message. Just what was it? Seek out his greatest servant? Whose? Lumox? I hear something clattering from behind the door. ¡°Mace? Come in.¡± I say. Talking to someone felt too tiring, so I asked Lilia to leave, but if it¡¯s a skeleton¡­ The door opens to reveal Mace as I expected. The skeleton walking in before pulling a chair up next to my bed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about before, but I did it for your safety.¡± I apologize as the last time we were together, I had thrown her inside the village walls. The skeleton nods at me, having trouble meeting my gaze. I wonder if this skeleton knows anything about this strange message. It seemed to know who I was. ¡°Do you know Lumox?¡± The question causes it to freeze before giving a hesitant nod. It¡¯s a shame it can¡¯t speak. ¡°Could you take me to someone who could tell me more?¡± Another nod. I fold back the blanket before swinging my legs off the side. ¡°Take me to them.¡± The skeleton thrusts its arms out as if in protest, then stays still as if in thought. It soon changes its mind and grabs my arm. I don¡¯t resist. I let Mace guide me out of the house. We get to the northern wall without any problems. The few people we see bowing as I pass. ¡°Lord Alistaire!¡± A guard cries out as he spots me from his post. Again with that name. He kneels, his fellow watchman hastening to do the same. I simply nod. Making my way towards the open gate. Just as I pass through he calls out. ¡°Forgive my rudeness, but may I ask where you¡¯re headed?¡± ¡°Just a stroll.¡± I respond, not slowing my pace. There¡¯s no need to answer. ¡°Please come back before sunset. The gates will be closed.¡± He responds. ¡°I won¡¯t be back.¡± I mutter. The words never reaching his ears. Mace guides me far past the plains, and into a barren land. The grass here is sparse. Dry from years without rain. We run into a few orcs along the way, but they avoid us. No doubt aware of my strength. The first night passed without incident. We both spoke no words as I opted to try and make sense of the fragmented pieces of my memories. The second day was much the same. Although, this time, my hunger caused me to stop and hunt. An unlucky snake becoming my meal. I ate it raw. Drinking its blood to quench my thirst. There was nothing to create fire in that barren landscape. It was the third day that our objective came in sight. Dark mountains looking as if they were small hills in the distance. Ever since the second day, Mace has been sneaking out while I rest. Returning with bugs or small animals for my consumption. On the eighth day. The dry earth that cracked underfoot has made way for broken rock. We¡¯ve made good time and already entered the mountain range. Mace pointing towards the tallest peak as our destination. Our travels are brought to a brief halt on the tenth day as we come across a dwarven army. Its ranks filled with golems and engines of war. The banner is inscribed with the image of a broken hammer surrounded by a single flame. Their drums ring throughout the mountains as more of their kind join the procession. I follow them as their path takes us closer to the goal. After the twelfth day as the sun sets, the army makes camp as usual. Working efficiently as a solid fortress is hewn out of the surrounding cliffs. Their speed and craftsmanship as impressive as always. However, this time, it¡¯s different. Just as the last rays of sun disappear, the ground begins shaking. The dwarves immediately man the walls as I spot several officers issuing commands. Soon an army of undead come into sight. Hollow Armor in the vanguard. A volley of arrows from the dwarves prove ineffective as the undead army closes in. Not long after, a storm of boulders fly through the air. Prevailing where the small projectiles could not. Crushing armor and bones as the stones fly through their ranks. I look closely to spot a group of dwarves handling a strange wooden machine. It has dozens of rope attached to slings. Rocks collected from the construction of the fortress laid out next to them. Several dwarves loading the machine before it begins to twirl. A hail of rocks being shot into the air. Showing no fear, the undead army marches on. Drawing ever closer to the thick black liquid surrounding the stone fortress. As the main body comprised of skeletons and zombies cross, a new command is issued by the dwarven forces. Fires lighting at the ends of the archer¡¯s arrows. They trace a path of light through the dark night before reaching the earth. A blazing inferno swallowing the undead as they take heavy losses. The sound of a horn is heard as the remaining undead retreat. A cheer ringing out from the dwarves signalling the end of battle. Chapter 14: Dwarves Versus the Undead It¡¯s the fourteenth day. The undead have been assaulting the dwarven army every night on their march. Every time the undead horde is driven back. Suffering heavy losses, but they always return with their ranks full. The fatigue is starting to show on the dwarven army. Not making much progress during their march as they stop for frequent breaks. Day sixteen, and the dwarves are almost at a standstill. The undead forces heckling then even during the day. Even the cheering that used to accompany every battle has died down. Day seventeen. There has been a shift in battle. For the first time, the dwarven army has suffered casualties. Giant skeletons and hulking corpses have appeared. Hurling their smaller brethren past the walls. Occasionally a spectre also slips past under the cover of night, dragging their victims off their stony perches. Day eighteen. Things look bleak for the dwarves. They lack rest, and their casualties serve to swell their enemy¡¯s ranks. Dismay painted on their faces as skeletal dragons have also taken to the sky. The undead dragons drop in and secure a foothold as swarms of undead swarm out of their ribs. It was only through the heroic efforts of a few powerful individuals that they managed to survive that night. On the nineteenth day we finally arrive at our destination. The dwarves encircle a giant castle hewn from the black mountain where storm clouds gather. Lightning flashes through them as a deep rumble echoes throughout the mountaintops. I observe the castle itself. Just at a glance the place looks impregnable. A series of walls made of solid stone surrounds the castle. The black stone dotted with holes where you can spot a brief glimmer of metal as lightning illuminates them. The only way in seeming to be a bridge that¡¯s already crumbling in places. It seems unguarded, but if you observe closely you can spot wisps of shadows that are thicker than normal. There are a multitude of caves around the base of the walls, but they teem with glowing eyes dissuading any who would venture in. As well as the fact that I don¡¯t know if they would even lead inside. ¡°Mace, go find us a route into the castle.¡± The skeleton next to me starts shaking, but nods nonetheless. I¡¯ve found that it would go to any lengths for me. For what reason, I don¡¯t know, but it doesn¡¯t matter. Mace rambles off towards one of the closer caves before the dwarves¡¯ encirclement is complete. They don¡¯t give chase as breaking formation for one lowly skeleton could result in dire consequences. However, I need to get myself in a position to enter the place should Mace successfully find a route in. Perhaps I can pass myself off as a traveling mercenary. I should probably do so soon as the dwarves seem anxious to start the fight. I get up from my position and angle myself towards the dwarves¡¯ command center. A small fortress they¡¯ve prepared marking the spot. ¡°Stop right there, and state your business.¡± A mean-spirited dwarf calls out as I approach. His thick red beard the only thing visible due to his helm. I stand nearly two times his height, but his stocky body and wicked halberd makes him still seem formidable. He points the tip of his weapon at me. ¡°I¡¯m a passing mercenary. I was on my way to rejoin my company past this mountain range after being aided by the kind people of Carus village.¡± I lie, my voice steady as I meet his eyes with mine. ¡°Then be on your way. This here fight¡¯s a personal one. We¡¯ll win it through our strength alone.¡± He responds as he sets the halberd upright. No good, huh? As I think of the next course of actions a different voice calls out from above.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that Vrim. We could use all the help we can get.¡± I look up to spot someone familiar. We aren¡¯t acquaintances, but I¡¯ve seen him a couple times as he stands out from the rest. Not in appearance, but in strength. The dwarf atop the walls is in full plate made of some blueish-green metal. A giant sword made of the same material strapped across his back. His red beard is in two separate braids. A winged helm on his head, the visor raised. He was part of the group that had managed to subjugate the skeletal dragons, playing a big role in destroying any foothold the airborne beasts created. ¡°But lord Grimvl. Using a soldier who doesn¡¯t even know our signals could lead to disunity. I also can¡¯t bring myself to trust in his strength as well. The great general himself said an army is only as strong as its weakest unit.¡± The guard retorts, bits of spittle flying out of his mouth to land on his unkempt beard. ¡°Problem¡¯s solved if I take him into mine, isn¡¯t it?¡± Grimvl responds, his eyes never leaving me. ¡°Say mercenary. What¡¯s your name?¡± My name? ¡°Alistaire.¡± A false name is still a name, and this is the only one I¡¯ve known since waking up in that rickety cart. ¡°The Liberator, eh? I have even higher hopes for ya. Cmon in. Open the gates!¡± He yells the last bit at some dwarves behind him. ¡°No need.¡± I respond. Getting a running start, I leap up, my feet finding purchase on the wall, leaving small cracks as I scale it. ¡°As strong as its weakest link, eh?¡± Grimvl says, a low chuckle accompanying the words. I look down to spot Vrim¡¯s slack jaw. As I stand next to Grimvl, I notice just how much of a monster he is. Standing tall enough to wrap his solid arm around my shoulders. ¡°Now, let¡¯s go introduce you to my mates, eh?¡± He says guiding me past the dumbstruck soldiers. We make our way through the throngs of dwarves, more than a few glancing our way. ¡°Oi Grimvl, who¡¯s that?¡± Asks a dwarf with particularly long dark brown hair as we enter a tent. The speaker¡¯s voice is husky. ¡°Ah, Alevia. Interested in this young man here are ya?¡± Jokes Grimvl. That¡¯s.. a girl? I observe her closely to spot small but unmistakable mounds on her chestplate. She doesn¡¯t sport the full beard that I¡¯ve seen on so many others, a long braided goatee on her face instead. ¡°You¡¯ve brought another strange thing.¡± Another voice calls out from a pile of thick armor surprising me. What looked to be giant sheets of metal begin to move as it stands. ¡°Korv. This here¡¯s our newest member. A full unit is made of four, and since we lost Keev¡­¡± ¡°That weakling was holding us back.¡± Alevia cuts in. Korv remains silent, and Grimvl whispers in my ear. ¡°She¡¯s just being bashful. We value our teammates a lot, and you¡¯re already one of our own.¡± ¡°That so..¡± I respond. The now familiar drums beat out, signalling the start of war. ¡°Well, we can get to know each other better after this. For now, let¡¯s go bash some fucking skulls eh?¡± Grimvl says. The others grab their weapons. Alevia wielding some strange bow, while Korv heaves a giant metal club. We head atop the walls, and I see the dwarves falling into rank. Golems and metal constructs take the vanguard to protect the siege engines as they advance. ¡°I don¡¯t spot any magicians.¡± I say to Grimvl, and he nods before responding. ¡°It¡¯s no secret that we dwarves aren¡¯t as magically adapt as the other races, but we make do. Once in awhile you do find the odd pyromancer, but they¡¯re more valued smiths than fighters.¡± ¡°So, what¡¯s our role in this battle? I¡¯d like to be a part of the vanguard.¡± I continue. ¡°Hoh? We¡¯re like of mind. Nothing beats bowling through the enemy with unstoppable force!¡± Korv cuts in with deep booming laughter. ¡°Ugh, two meatheads.¡± Alevia says. Apparently not one to keep crude remarks to herself. ¡°A bit lightly armored for that, aren¡¯t ya lad?¡± Grimvl asks, a smirk on his face. ¡°What need is there for armor when an enemy cannot land a single strike?¡± I ask rhetorically. Grimvl finds my remark humorous. ¡°Well, well, you better hope that holds true. Our task is to destroy any of those damn undead dragons that show face. One hit, and you¡¯ll be in trouble.¡±Grimvl remarks. The beating of the drums stops, apparently the signal for the siege engines to let loose. A hail of boulders fly through the air, landing against the black walls of the undead fortress. Chips of rock fly off as the first wall collapses.. As if disturbing a bee¡¯s nest, wave after wave of skeletons and zombies come pouring out as a result. They crash into the golems, being decimated as the giants crush them underfoot. The dwarven line holds strong. The situation unchanging until giant skeletons come lumbering out. The giant skeletons and golems begin hurling nearby rocks at each other, dealing massive damage where they land, but the dwarves still seem to hold the advantage. My head snaps to my left as I hear something click. The strange bow in Alevia¡¯s hands letting loose a broad arrow as it shoots towards the sky. I follow its path to spot a host of dragons, both made of bones and rotting flesh. They were probably hidden in the clouds. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s already our turn.¡± Grimvl says unsheathing his sword. I look around, my eyes alighting on a small boulder. I hoist it, and throw. It flies through the air and crashes through a skeletal dragon¡¯s wing. Sending it tumbling down into the golems below where it begins wreaking havoc. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Grimvl shouts, giving me an approving look. ¡°Here.¡± Korv says handing me his iron club. I begin to protest but stop as I see him start hoisting a giant shield twice his size, and half as thick. We charge off the walls and into the fray. Chapter 15: Karalis The dragon swings at us with a skeletal claw, and Korv rushes up to meet it. He¡¯s barely pushed back due to his heavy armor and innate strength. Grimvl takes the opening to run up its arm, his blue blade slashing out as he runs. Bones being cut cleanly. As I rush up, I spot Mace in the distance. Waving frantically from the entrance to a cave. How I even picked the skeleton out from the rest of the throng¡­ I¡¯ll just attribute that to our long travel together. It wasn¡¯t just my attention Mace gathered though, as I spot Alevia ready her mechanical bow, aiming it towards Mace. I can¡¯t let that happen. I toss the iron club in my hands, and she leaps to the side. ¡°Altaire?!¡± Grimvl shouts, a look of confusion crossing his face, but he¡¯s forced to pay attention to the dragon as it makes to bite at him. ¡°I fucking knew it! I¡¯ll kill him!¡± Alevia screams, but I¡¯m already halfway to my skeletal companion. A few arrows whizz past me as I run in a serpentine manner. As I get closer, I spot another undead that was hidden in the shadow of the cave, but pay it no more attention as it takes all my effort to dodge Alevia¡¯s arrows. Soon, the undead in front of me begin parting, making a path as I run. ¡°That treacherous! He¡¯s been in league with them this whole time!¡± Alevia¡¯s screams fade as I shoot past Mace and into the safety of the cave. I find myself face to face with a spectral horse. An armored skeleton riding atop it. He¡¯s wearing an exquisite feathered helm, Red eyes glaring at me. His regal armor shows signs of battle, and a dark crimson blade hangs at his side. Secured there by black chains and without a sheathe. ¡°Karalis awaits.¡± He simply says. Tugging the reins so his horse turns. I look back at Mace, and the skeleton nods. Telling me it¡¯s fine. All of this seems a little sketchy, but I doubt Mace would ever do anything that would bring me harm. I have little evidence of that being true, but it¡¯s something I can feel. We pass a multitude of gleaming eyes. Their owners¡¯ bones glowing ever so slightly due to the light cast by the spectral horse our guide rides. The sounds of battle having long since faded, we walk on. An occasional tremor reaching us even this far. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. After what seems like hours in this timeless darkness, a faint light comes into view. Later revealing themselves to be torches held inside sconces. Casting a faint blue light, shadows dancing in tune with the flames. The uneven rock makes way for chiseled stone, and we find ourselves in front of a dead end. ¡°Through Nox we find purpose.¡± The mounted skeleton rasps out, and after a brief shimmer, the wall disappears. Revealing a long hallway with a worn rug running straight down the middle. As we walk down this new path, forks appear periodically. We never stray, moving in a straight line. Soon, a robed figure appears in our path. The robe is made of silk, dyed black. The hems are an emerald green. I spot a dark wooden staff clasped in a bony hand, the staff itself formed in the shape of a dragon¡¯s claw, a captivating emerald eye with a slit pupil in its grasp. ¡°Karalis?¡± I wonder out loud. ¡°What an honor, but that is not I.¡± A thin voice, oddly feminine, that scratches at my ears responds. A pair of gleaming emerald orbs fixing on me. ¡°Though why our master wishes to meet with one of the living I wonder.¡± ¡°Ultear, it¡¯s rude to keep the master waiting.¡± The mounted skeleton speaks. ¡°No skin off my back. Ufufu. It¡¯s you who¡¯ll be in trouble Piros.¡± Ultear responds. Piros draws his red blade, it grates against the chains as he does. ¡°I will fulfill my duty even if I must cut you down, elder lich.¡± He says. ¡°Oh my, how rude of me to bar the great warrior king¡¯s path.¡± Ultear says as she performs a sweeping bow in mocking fashion. As we walk past, an odd image begins to form over the elder lich¡¯s bones as perfect white skin covers them. Looking under her hood, I spot a beautiful face. Silky black hair frames her face as her beautiful emerald eyes observe me. Her soft lips a pale pink, drawn into a smile, almost seductive. An illusion? I shake my head, and hurry to catch up to Piros. Apparently having stared at her long enough to create some distance between us. Mace is glaring at me. Trembling, but not in fear. Anger? I hear a peal of laughter from behind as Piros leads us further away. We pass into what seems to be a hall for guest receptions. Old tables that would have been masterpieces of a renowned carpenter laden with empty bowls, plates, and faded utensils. Piros dismounts as we head up the grand staircase, and pushes open the large doors. As we step through them, I notice a change in the atmosphere. A sense of dread and foreboding that only grows with each step we take. I glance over at Mace to find the skeleton in a daze. Walking towards the source of this ominous aura. I¡¯m a bit concerned at this point. It wouldn¡¯t be hard to move a skeleton to your will when you command legions of them, but I continue following regardless. Even I couldn¡¯t survive against their overwhelming numbers. I came here to find some answers, to reclaim my past. Should I fail and have my life taken from me, it shouldn¡¯t matter. I¡¯ve already lost it once. We stop in front of a pair of oversized doors. They¡¯re gilded with silver turned black. No doubt responding to the poisonous aura that leaks out of the room. Piros simply stands there. Nobody makes a sound as the minutes pass, painfully slow. Then with the creaking of rusted hinges, the doors swing open of their own accord to reveal the throne room. A once resplendent red carpet, now faded with time, marking a path all the way to the throne. A figure sits atop it. Purple miasma seems to pour out of his entire being from under the black robe. Gold inscriptions of runes are sewn all along the hems of this robe. A collection of equally impressive staffs floating around him. His presence is overwhelming as my body moves to bow before him. The heavy doors slam shut behind us as he rises. ¡°Bow, for you are in the presence of a god.¡± His words hang tangibly in the air. Chapter 16: Liberty The cold... it fades. No longer biting. I reach out. Fingers trembling. My body seeks freedom. So I dig. Despite my body¡¯s compulsion to obey, I stand tall. I can¡¯t help but feel that it might be a test, but I¡¯m proven wrong as Piros strikes the back of my knees with the back of his blade. Pleased, the lich begins to talk. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you. Ever since that matter with the black skeleton, and I have to say I¡¯m quite pleased.¡± The black skeleton? A sharp pain assaults my head. An image of a golden haired blue eyed youth flashes in my head. Then to a skeleton, cut in half, green orbs dulling as the life leaves her. Pain, anger, loneliness. The sounds of a fight. Bones scattered everywhere, cut clean. A hulking figure as it pummels me into a wall. Rage. My blade meets a fist. It¡¯s black, devoid of skin. I grip my head, teeth clenched as information overloads my brain. The lich gazes down at me. The hollow rasp of his laughter filling the room. ¡°The intervention of my benefactor, and her guidance to me. I am blessed to receive such great materials to work with.¡± His benefactor? Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°Now, be good. I promise the death will be swift.¡± ¡°I¡­ will not..die.¡± I respond, only to have Piros draw his blade. Placing it on the back of my neck. The heavy pressure from Karalis denying any movement on my part. ¡°Seems you still need some convincing. Kill him.¡± As Piros begins to swing, my eyes alight upon a nearby altar. ¡°What.. is that?¡± I manage to say before the statue atop it begins to shine with light. ¡°Alistaire!¡± Karalis shouts as the light wraps itself around me. I suddenly find myself standing upon a plain of clouds. Warm rays of sunlight dyeing the surroundings in shades of red and orange. ¡°So, they call you Alistaire.¡± A deep voice from behind causes me to whirl around. The man who spoke to me looks to be no man at all. The first thing I notice are his wings. Three pairs curve around his body. A full helmet and armor covering the rest of him in its radiance. ¡°And you are?¡± ¡°A being who shares the name.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure I understand.¡± ¡°I am Alistaire, and you are¡­ a conjoined soul.¡± ¡°A conjoined soul?¡± ¡°An imperfect merging of god and man.¡± ¡°Wait, the quest...¡± ¡°The Call of Lumox¡­ was it not? I was merely dangling the promise of your memories in front of you to get you to rush towards this meeting. You just needed to get to one of my temples. I was quite alarmed when you followed some undead to the heart of their lands.¡± ¡°The quest told me that¡­¡± ¡°The quest system is not infallible. That was a careless mistake on my part. Nox most likely altered the message.¡± ¡°Why would she-¡± ¡°To protect her own champion. That accursed black.¡± ¡°The battle¡­ the one in the mires. What happened to turn me the way I am?¡± ¡°You offered yourself to¡­ yourself I suppose, and as you approached to join your champion as an avatar, someone interfered. Trapping your body on the mortal plane.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°No more questions. You will know all you need to know once you wake. Oh, and do change your name.¡± Alistaire speaks as he grabs my head in his hands. A searing pain flows through my entire being, and I black out. Chapter 17: Back From the Grave A blood curling scream rang through the forest as a skeletal hand, black as the abyss, pierces through the earth. It grasps at the barren soil as flocks of birds take off towards the skies. A second hand clawing through following the first. A black skull with gleaming eyes bursts forth from the ground. Burnt soil bursting upwards as its displaced. A full skeleton breaks free of its prison, standing a moment in the center of a burned out crater. Moments later, it topples over. Jyun Asamoto POV I¡¯m laying on my back. Mind blank. Enjoying the solitude that the darkness brings. Time flows strangely in this world I find myself in. Seeming to last an eternity in mere moments. So I was unaware of when or how I came to find myself in an unfamiliar room. Shadowy figures, clearly feminine, were moving about. Their arms laden with trays of food, and pitchers of what seemed to be wine. I barely twitched when I noticed that my skull rested upon the lap of an unknown woman. ¡°So he wakes,¡± she says, her fingers tracing the curves of my jaw. ¡°...¡± I stare blankly at the woman. A hooded veil covers all but her glistening pink lips which are drawn upward into a slight smile. The white skin surrounding them seemed to glow. ¡°Speechless? Most are.¡± She continues as her smile grows wider. ¡°...¡± I keep staring blankly. Too tired to respond. ¡°Still weary? Then rest a while¡­¡± she whispers as darkness once again clouds my eyes. Nox POV A sigh escapes my lips as I lean back into the large velvet cushions. Fingers still tracing lines across the skeleton¡¯s skull. I¡¯m entranced by the coloration of the undead being. As the light from the dim chandeliers hits them, you can see a myriad of purple and blue dancing upon the black bones.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. One of my maidens slowly drift towards us. A pitcher of wine ready to pour, but I dismiss her with a short wave of my arm. My thoughts returning to the skeleton in my lap. I had noticed his presence the moment he had entered our world. The first abyssal having appeared after three centuries since the last had been destroyed. A smile unwittingly appears on my lips as I remembered the adventures I had shared with the one named Jack. He had saved me when I was just a small lost girl on the outskirts of a ruined empire. I was wary at first. He was an undead after all, but as we traversed the war torn lands, I came to know him. Despite how aloof and brutal he seemed at times, he was extremely kind. At least to those in his favor. Jack saw the potential I had within me, and went to great lengths to acquire the spellbooks and tomes that I needed to learn the arcane arts. Even going so far as facing entire kingdoms on his own to obtain them. He¡¯d be destroying armies one second, and the next, he was patiently coaching me on how to read the letters. He became a symbol of terror and destruction, but to me, he was something like a father. As I got older, our group slowly grew. A lich having joined us, along with a few skeletal knights. I felt strangely at ease amongst them. I guess it helped that Karalis had begun tutoring me in the ways of magic. Before I knew it, our ragtag group had taken over the entire continent. Jack created an empire for the undead, and made me its queen. Of course, this drew the ire of the gods, and they launched a crusade against us. The war was going badly. The coalition army was far too strong with all their blessings. They carved a path towards the heart of our empire. Jack wasn¡¯t one to sit idle, and rallied our troops to meet them. I tried to go with him, but he put me to sleep, and when I awoke he was nowhere to be found. I immediately began attempting a summoning ritual to gain aid against the invaders. It took time, but I hardly noticed with how hard I was concentrating. So it was a surprise when I could hear sounds of battle from the room I was in. Jack stumbled into the room as I was finishing the ritual. His bones looking as if they would crumble away. He whispered something to me as a lance of light shot through us both. We fell backwards into the circle, and I had found myself here. Reborn as a god, finally immortal, but without my beloved to share it with. A tear trailed its way down my cheek and fell onto the abyssal¡¯s skull. I feel a pang in my heart as he begins to fade away. I realize he isn¡¯t Jack, but¡­ I shake the thoughts from my head as he disappears completely. Jyun Asamoto POV I can hear the wind as it rustles through the surrounding trees. Opening my eyes, I see a familiar copse of trees as I sit up. I look behind me, and sure enough, I see the entrance to Vragska¡¯s lair. I get up on my unsteady feet to stumble towards it. Each step bringing me memories fresh with pain. The sound of squelching mud giving way to the clacking of bones as I journey further inside. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± A voice startles me, and I halt. It sounds familiar¡­ ¡°God, now I¡¯m hearing things.¡± I definitely recognize that voice. ¡°Henderson!¡± I call out, running full tilt.