《World Isekai》


 Chapter 1: [And win]

    "Hey Mom, I beat another world boss, Asmodael!"


    The hospital room was sterile and cold. The monitor next to her bed flickered with a soft blue light.


    Her presence wasforting in the otherwise depressing environment.


    Jack attentively stared at the monitor as her thoughts turned into text.


    She had no sensory input, the machine she was hooked on was the only thing letting her be in ''reality'', and ''reality'' was expensive.


    The only thing he could afford was hearing. Even then, it was only for short moments when he came to see her, otherwise, she spent her days in a senseless void.


    The only thing they offered was tranting her thoughts into text on the monitor next to her bed.


    The monitor beeped, and her words appeared.


    [Nice! Did you enjoy the fight?]


    "Yes, he had depth and purpose, unlike most viins that just start swinging. I felt bad the whole time. I''ll be honest, I didn''t expect all of that. Truly good."


    [Good. Good antagonists make the yers question their actions. It puts everything in perspective.]


    "You did a good job, Mom. Everything''s so immersive like I was truly there. I don''t mean the technology, but how you wrote everything, from characters to the plot to include us - the yer."


    [I''m happy you ¡ªenjoyment¡ª ¡ªenjoyed it.]


    "Damn software! Can''t they just upgrade you for free? DiveCore wouldn''t be anything without you."


    [It is okay. It is not a bug, but a feature. Haha.]


    Jack forced augh, his eyes distant.


    "Good one, Mom. Alright, let''s get you some food."


    [Thank you. Could not have a better son.]


    Jack dragged his chair closer and grabbed the bowl on top of the tter.


    [What is on the menu today?]


    "Porridge, again. I''ve asked them to provide better food, but they insist we need to upgrade. It''s alright, though, I made a special dessert¡ªcake."


    [Oh! Sorry. Forgot it was your birthday.]


    Jack''s fingers tightened around the spoon.


    [It is hard to keep track like this. Do not worry. I cannot taste the food anyway. Eat the cake for me.]


    Jack''s hands trembled as he grabbed the bowl, his words barely making it through his teeth.


    "It''s your birthday."


    She took a moment to answer.


    [I''m sorry son. I will have some.]


    Jack fed her the porridge, she wouldn''t normally be able to eat anything solid, but DiveCore''s technology was truly advanced.


    Surprisingly, the solid food upgrade was less costly than the IV option.


    Jack guessed that people simply paid more to save time, as the nurses wouldn''t feed solid food, forcing rtives toe every day.


    [Have you ever tried ying as the antagonist?]


    As the monitor beeped, Jack turned to look at it.


    "It''s daunting. Being with the bad guy makes me feel horrible. Your heart has to be freezing if you choose toplete the game with them. They''re doing atrocities. My mind ain''t twisted enough for that."


    [To the bad guys, the good guys are horrible.]


    "But only the bad guys are doing the awful acts. The good guys are just trying to get peace. You''re the one who taught me peace. Forgiving my enemies and all that?"


    [Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not be a monster.]


    She paused, taking a moment to think.


    [Forgiving enemies is important. Understanding how they came to be your enemies too. Things are always moreplicated than they seem.]


    "Well, I''m d you taught me right from wrong."


    Jack chuckled at the irony, as everything in that hospital was wrong.


    "DiveCore''s evil. Every day the fees get higher, it''s as if they don''t even want people to be better. They could literally fix you for good."


    The monitor beeped, but nothing appeared, making Jack frown but quickly dismiss it.


    Jack started ying with his hair. His hands slightly trembled while his eyes went around the ceiling as he organized his thoughts.


    "Listen... It''s been on my mind for a while; remember when I was 13, and school started?"


    [Haha. Yes. Around 7 years ago? You were adorable.]


    Through Jack''s eyes shimmered memories manifested as tears dropping from his face.


    He fought against the words he wanted to say.


    They struggled to get out, he felt horrible. It was as if something had his heart in its grasp, tightly holding it.


    "I told you- I told you were an unfit mother...that you were horrible, that I hated you..."


    Jack was inhaling in short bursts, almost out of breath, his vision blurry.


    "...I told you I wished you were-"


    [Enough.]


    His mother''s thoughts were transcribed faster, rapidly appearing on the monitor as if she was rushing everything out.


    [I have been unfit many times. If I could restart I would change many things.]


    "But what I said..."


    [One thing I would not want to change is you telling me all of this. I could only be a better mother for you after that moment. The person I became would not exist if you had not emptied your mind and trusted me that day.]


    "I went too far. You''ve never been unfit, and I''ve never hated you. I love you, Mom, and every day I spend here with you reminds me that nothing else matters."


    [I love you too. But don''t neglect your girlfriend and painting. Both of those things are your future. Speaking of your girlfriend, did you guys fight?]


    Jack wiped his face.


    "We didn''t fight, but it feels like it won''tst much longer."


    [You say that all the time. What happened?]


    "Rtionships areplicated..."


    She paused but decided not to press it further.


    [Did you make friends to beat Asmodael?]


    "Ah, they removed the online feature a few weeks ago. I beat him alone."


    [Alone? He was designed for a group of 5 minimum.]


    "I worked hard for it, it was mostly because of you."


    [What do you mean?]


    "You created the evolutive gaming technology. Being able to influence other characters as if they were humans made everything easier. I turned another demon against him, and made a move after their fight."


    [Wow. It is a good way to do it. But turning a Demon Lord against another should be hard. How did you do it?]


    "Asmodael is the acting ruler of the demon realm, his decisions usually went toward the demons he vowed to protect. Not everyone shared his protective approach."


    [I am proud. Not many cared to understand this much.]


    "Well, the demons don''t want to kill every human, but they''re still doing it..."


    [Would have been more fun if it was online. Like designed.]


    "Since they moved on from the full-dive technology it made little sense to keep the servers up. Barely anyone yed."


    [I understand.]


    "Ready for the cake? It''s pretty good, if I may say so myself," he smiled.


    [Yes. Bring it on, Chef Jack.]


    It wasn''t the best he had made but as he found the recipe the previous day, it didn''t feel like that bad of a result.


    [It''s pretty good.]


    "You can''t even taste it," replied Jack.


    [The aura it gives... is tasty?]


    Jackughed.


    "Having no sensory inputs anymore awakened your 6th sense, Mom? Are you bing daredevil soon?"


    [Youugh now, the day they make a mecha I will be the first in line to be a pilot. 6th sense daremecha.]


    "Daremecha? Are you writing fanfiction in your free time?"


    Jackughed, momentarily forgetting his sorrows. As he did, he looked at his watch.


    "Maybe we should finish the rest tomorrow? I want to prepare for the painting contest, I have high hopes this time..."


    While talking, Jack noticed the headset she wore blinked red.


    It was screwed to her head. Two circr metal domes covered her ears, and a metal band went around, also screwed into the bones.


    The monitor beeped again as she kept sending messages.


    [Good luck with your painting contest, I believe in you! Also, maybe we can y together with the new technology? Do you think it works with me? Only if you can. Maybe you could put some money on the side for that. It''s not a priority.


    Think of yourself first. Jack?]


    [Jack?]


    [Jack?]


    [Jack?]


    [Jack?]


    [Jack?]


    [Jack?]


    [Jack?]


    [I can''t hear you anymore. Time goes by too fast when you are here. Maybe you fell asleep. I hope you don''t get home toote. Good luck with your contest. I love you.]


    Jack wasn''t silent.


    He was yelling and crying.


    He couldn''t even poke her head to tell her he was around, she wouldn''t feel it.


    "Your bills are unpaid, we won''t be providing the hearing option for her anymore," the nurse announced while entering the room, her tone devoid of empathy.


    "What the fuck do you mean?! Giving hearing costs you nothing! It''s already fucked up you won''t let her taste anything! It''s her birthday!"


    The nurse''s expression hardened. "We have policies. If we made exceptions for everyone, it would be chaos. Providing sensory inputs incurs a fee. If you can''t pay, we can''t provide."


    She then whispered to herself. "You''re lucky we''re even taking care of her."


    Jack''s face was bright red, but ultimately there was nothing he could do.


    He walked past the nurse, insulting her one more time as he headed home.


    Maybe if I tell Jessica I just need to get hearing she would help me? Hearing isn''t that expensivepared to the other ones...


    He exited the hospital and headed home.


    He walked for about an hour before reaching his apartmentplex, he lived on the 69th floor.


    The residential area he lived in was poor, with many apartment buildings towering up to 100 floors built in close proximity.


    While it was one of the poorest parts of town, he couldn''t afford it.


    The hospital bills kept piling up. He worked full time in a ''dive cafe'', a ce where people could just sit and dive into virtual reality without a care in the world.


    Ironically, others paid to escape reality, while he struggled in it.


    They came in, pressed a button and that was it. The microchip would activate and they were gone.


    His mother was maybe right. He already had the chip, and giving her one shouldn''t be too expensive,a few months of work at most.


    After that, as long as they could keep the subscription going, paying for sensory inputs wouldn''t be necessary, they could just meet and talk virtually.


    The only issue was money.


    The only way he could make ends meet was with his girlfriend. He met her two years ago, back when his mother was still healthy.


    Jack arrived at hisplex, quickly reaching the elevator as someone held the doors for him.


    "Thanks," he said, out of breath.


    An A.I voice spoke up through the speakers.


    [The elevator isn''t in your residential n. You need to upgrade.]


    "Since when?! I''ve lived here for two years and now we need to pay for the elevator?"


    He got closer, reading the new rule.


    [The elevator won''t go up as long as someone without the n is on board. We advise changing elevators in such a situation.


    Thank you.


    DiveCore.]


    "What?!"


    "Listen kid, we''re on the 49th floor. Just let us go up, maybe try the next elevator or something," said the father with his kids.


    "Alright! Alright! I''m getting off!"


    "Nothing against you," the father said as the doors closed.


    Jack walked back, sitting on the floor in the lobby, mentally preparing to climb 68 floors.


    The elevator beeped. Jack turned his head and saw Jessica getting off, bringing a smile to his face.


    "Ah, perfect timing-" but he didn''t finish his thought.


    Exiting with her was Kyle, who used to be his best friend.


    As they walked toward him, Jack used the wall to get himself up.


    "Wait for me outside. I''ll be right there," she told Kyle.


    "What the hell, Jessica?!"


    She simply ignored him, typing on her phone.


    "You said that it was truly thest time!"


    "It''s over," she simply said, raising her eyes.


    "W- What do you mean over? We can at least talk about it..."


    "There''s nothing to talk about, most of your stuff is already moved in the lobby."


    Jack scanned the lobby in confusion. "What? There''s nothing."


    She shrugged.


    "Why the hell would you do that?! I''ve lost everything! Where''s my brushes and paint?!"


    She rolled her eyes. "You don''t pay rent, you don''t pay utilities, and you don''t even pay for food."


    "I''m eating one meal a day! I can''t even afford more than that while you''re eating takeout in front of me almost every day! You won''t even let me have the leftovers, you''d rather throw them out!"


    "Because you didn''t pay for it. How much more should I be giving you? How much more do I need to sacrifice? You stay here for free."


    "If I don''t pay the hospital bills you know they''ll pull the plug! How can you say that, when two years ago you said my mother was your mother too! Now that she''s like this it changed?"


    "Yeah, everything changed. I pitied you at first, but it''s been a year and this won''t work for me."


    "I can''t believe you..."


    "Ah, and DiveCore came around, since you haven''t paid today, they''ll be stopping the services for your mother."


    "What?! When?"


    Jack patted himself down. In his back pocket was an envelope with his month''s earnings.


    "I don''t know, maybe half an hour ago."


    "And you didn''t text me?! They''ll pull all services!"


    "I was busy."


    Jack quickly turned around, exited theplex, and made sure to bump into Kyle as he ran to the sidewalk.


    He got his phone out, speed dialing the hospital, crossing his fingers someone would pick up.


    After it rang a few times, a monotonous - dead - voice picked up.


    "Hello, I was there earlier, with my mother in room 508..."


    <...>


    "No, I''ming back right now,"


    <...>


    "What?! The money is on me, I need to physically..."


    <...>


    "Listen, it''s on me..."


    <...>


    "LISTEN,"


    <->


    "What the fuck, she hung up?!"


    I''ll never make it in 20 minutes! What''s wrong with them?!


    His body couldn''t keep up, he felt like copsing but ran even faster, sweat running down his body.


    He barely paid attention to the lights as he crossed, or the other pedestrians staring at him.


    After a while, out of breath, he got his phone out again.


    [22:25]


    "5 minutes?!"


    I''ll bete, but not by much, it should be fine.


    He barely noticed the rain as he kept running, soaking wet.


    His phone dinged, breaking through the sound of his frantic footsteps in the pouring rain. Jack nced at his notifications, his heart pounding.


    He stopped abruptly, the world around him fading.


    [Son.]


    [Life might seem unfair at times.]


    [Living this way made me feel unfit. I thought maybe you hated me for holding you down. For anchoring you to me, forcing you to work even harder.]


    [But I was happy.]


    [Be happy too. Find purpose. And win.]


    [I will always love you.]


    [I will wait for you in the respawn room.]


    [Mom]1


    Ah. So that''s how it is.


    The phone slipped from his grasp; the screen cracking against the wet pavement.


    He stood there, alone and broken as the rain washed over him.


    He turned around and looked at both sides of the road.


    Ah, there.


    As a truck approached, he let himself fall in front of it.

 Chapter 2: [Glitch]

    Jack fell right in front of the truck, his whole body hitting the ground.


    His eyes were closed tight, as he expected the truck to hit him at any time.


    He noticed he couldn''t hear anything anymore.


    The rain falling, the truck moving toward him, nothing.


    Am I dead already?


    He opened his eyes and quickly rolled a meter back.


    "What?!"


    The truck was right in his face, but not moving.


    Jack could see the driver''s face frozen in fear.


    The rain around him had stopped falling, levitating around.


    As it levitated, it kept glitching. It was snappy. The rain would reappear slightly higher up and fall a few centimeters again, repeating that process.


    The traffic lights further down the street were stuck on yellow but kept going to red for a split second.


    He got up and walked back to the sidewalk, looking at everything around him.


    "What''s happening? Is this how death works?"


    "No."


    Jack jumped and looked up, to where the voice came from.


    The only thing visible was the sky darkened by the clouds, bringing this torrential rain.


    He blinked, and the scenery in front of him changed from the street to a white room.


    He quickly looked around, turning on himself.


    It wasn''t a room, but arge open space. It was extremely bright. Everything was so white he felt like an asylum patient.


    He walked forward, his footsteps barely echoing.


    He turned around again, and a white desk made of marble appeared where he stood before.


    Behind it was an empty white chair that looked like it belonged to a James Bond viin.


    In it slowly materialized someone. They looked... entric, Jack thought.


    They wore a white top hat with a white suit. It was a man in his thirties at most.


    His mustache was caricatural at best, and his facial expression unique, he was permanently arching a single eyebrow.


    He got his pocket watch out.


    "Alright, let''s do this," he said.


    The man pointed toward the seat in front of the desk.


    Jack finally noticed the modest white chair.


    "Jack Law, 24, male, in good health...- Ah, scratch that, depression... okay."


    The man was looking inside a folder, quickly turning the pages as he read through them.


    Jack sat down, without saying a word.


    "A cheating girlfriend, betraying best friend, sick dead mother... Not the best life huh? haha, alright... You had a lot of time before you..."


    "Is this judgment?" asked Jack.


    "Why?" asked the man, raising his second eyebrow as he looked above the folder.


    "For the life I''ve lived? The people I''ve hurt? The way I treated my mother? If you''re expecting me to beg, you''ll be disappointed. I don''t have the energy for all of that anymore."


    "Huh..."


    "What?"


    "I don''t want to be rude, but you''re kind of trauma-dumping right now. It''d make me morefortable if you kept your problems to yourself."


    Jack frowned, unsure of what was happening.


    "So, to keep going... yup - perfect, a nice and easy profile."


    "Aren''t you Death?"


    "Oh. You think you died? No, you didn''t. Although let''s say my timing was quite good, you''d be in a different room otherwise... haha - lucky you."


    "...So you saved me?" slowly asked Jack.


    "How about you stop trying to exin to me what''s happening, and you let me do it? How about that? Wouldn''t that make more sense?"


    The man''s snide remarks would''ve normally made Jack upset, prompting an insult or two.


    But he just looked at him.


    Jack''s stare wasn''t one of anger, or full of questions. It was a stare void of emotions,cking purpose.


    Many thoughts went through his head, but nothing felt real.


    His mother was dead.


    "Good, alright..."


    The man dropped the folder on his desk, snapping Jack back to reality.


    He was holding a piece of paper which he slid toward Jack.


    "Here''s your form. I''ll ask the questions, and they''ll appear on it. Your answers will too."


    "A form for what?" asked Jack.


    "You''re going to another world, one that resembles ''Elder Heir Online''."


    Jack opened his mouth but quickly closed it before any sound made it out.


    "Good, you learned."


    Jack sighed loudly, while the man kept exining.


    "Elder Heir Online. Your mother ''created'' that universe in your world. I''m what you would call a ''moderator''."


    "Forgive me for asking," started Jack.


    "Forgiven."


    Jack paused, taking a deep breath.


    "My mother created a universe?"


    "She imagined it, and so it is."


    Is creating a new universe this easy?


    "So I''ll be transported into that game..."


    "No. The game exists in your world, the universe that expanded from her imagination isn''t a game."


    "You''re making thisplicated..."


    "Just think of it as creating the game, also created the universe. That universe is close to the game, but isn''t an exact copy."


    Jack scratched the back of his head as he took in the information.


    "What if I refuse?"


    "You can''t. Even if you could, a truck is waiting for you."


    After a moment, as Jack wasn''t replying, the man continued.


    "Good! Let''s start with the form, shall we?"


    "Sure."


    The questions started appearing one by one as the man asked them.


    [Will you need a tutorial?]


    "No."


    [Do you have a favorite race?]


    "No."


    [Do you have a favorite ss?]


    "No."


    [The Agent exined this new world is real?]


    "Yes."


    [You understand death will work ording to that universe''sws, not your previous one?]


    "I understand."


    [You understand we y no role in anything that happens there, and everything will be a result of your own actions?]


    "Yes."


    "Alright, this was thest..."


    The moderator paused and raised his head to look at the white void. He raised both arms, palms up as if he was yelling ''Really?!''.


    "Of course," said the man aloud, rolling his eyes.


    "What?"


    "You''re allowed a few more options than most. I''m told."


    His tone was full of disapproval, but Jack couldn''t care less.


    He continued with the extra questions.


    [You are the first to go through this process, you have the option to choose between two sides, the heroes or the antagonists. You will have a special role within the respective side.]


    Jack frowned while looking at the form, bothered.


    After a moment, the moderator asked. "What is it? Can''t choose?"


    "It says I''m the first. Will there be others?"


    "Yes."


    "Who?"


    "Almost everyone."


    Jack''s eyes widened, his eyebrows almost reaching his hairline.


    Almost everyone? That''s literally the end of the world.


    "Everyone that has a DiveCore microchip will be sent to the Elder Heir Online universe, and more than 90% of the poption has those, which means I''d rather you answer faster."


    Through Jack''s dead gaze flickered light. Like a pile of burnt wood that had been extinguished, with a single ember remaining trying to set the whole thing aze.


    "Even if they get to choose, they would take the safe choice of going with the heroes..."


    "Who do you mean?"


    "All of them."


    The moderator was confused but simply shrugged.


    "And because I know they would go with the heroes, I choose antagonist."


    While his answer was registering on the form, the man cleared his throat. "Huh, you know that will be much harder, right? Their side is much smaller, they have no real allies - even among themselves they..." his voice faltered.


    He slowly stopped talking.


    A shift urred.


    Jack''s eyes gleamed with unsettling intensity, a cold, calcting glint that sent shivers down his spine.


    The moderator could feel his own heartbeat quicken, each thump echoing in his ears like a drum.


    The air around them seemed to grow heavier; thicker; darker. They were in an infinitelyrge space, yet he felt suffocated by Jack''s presence.


    His eyes were ice cold, calcting, and devoid of warmth. It was as if his mask had slipped, revealing his true visage.


    His expression was unnatural; inhumane.


    The moderator found a sliver ofposure and straightened his back. He raised his eyebrow again and took his usual tone, despite it remaining shaky.


    "And here I thought you were just a weak, ambitionless human. Files only go so far, huh? You know, I''ve read it, so I get it," the moderator nodded, "-I truly do. But this world isn''t so kind. You might be the most motivated person out there, but being with the antagonists will most likely kill you before you get a chance to have your revenge."


    The man''s eyes darted around, as Jack wasn''t answering.


    "Alright! Alright! Next question."


    [What region do you want to spawn in?]


    The moderator took it upon himself to add some precisions.


    "Just so you know, you could spawn anywhere in the region you choose, and in any situation. While you choose your side, it doesn''t mean they''ll treat you as an ally, so I''d advise you to keep that in mind."


    Jack nodded, deep in thought again.


    It took him a moment, but the entric man didn''t push him.


    "I''ll take Griswald''s domain."


    "Interesting choice..."


    Everything glitched, from the desk disappearing to the man''s expression,


    Everything fluttered until everything faded to ck.


    Thest echo he heard - "Good luck."

 Chapter 3: [Welcome to Elder Heir Online]

    [Wee to Elder Heir Online.]


    Huh. Interesting.


    Before Jack floated text.


    [What name should you be known as?]


    It doesn''t matter much.


    [Name: Memento Mori]


    [Region: Griswald''s domain. (Dangerous)]


    [Tutorial skipped.]


    [Good luck, have fun, and win.]


    ¡ª~~~¡ª


    Everything faded to white.


    ring light blinded him, his head tilted backward as it stared at the ceiling.


    Arge chandelier was hanging, brightly illuminating the room.


    He tried blocking the light with his arms, but they stopped after briefly moving.


    As they came to a full stop, a metallic clinking made him fear the worst.


    He tilted his head down, slowly adjusting to the light, and looked on both sides.


    I''m chained to a wall?


    He tried moving his arms again, pulling on the heavy chains but they were tightly fixed.


    After looking closer, he noticed his skin was powder white. Where the metal cuffs held his wrists, his skin was slightly pinkish.


    His hands looked delicate, just like his arms which had barely any muscle mass.


    He quickly scanned the room he was in; it was a bedroom.


    Arge canopy bed was to his left. The frame and corner posts were of a darker wood. It had sheer curtains attached; the bed was cleanly made.


    The furniture around was also maintained properly.


    A wardrobe, a dresser with a mirror, a drawer, a writing desk - They were all made of the same wood and in pristine condition.


    The room was tidy, nothing (beside him) littered the ground, and nothing cluttered the surfaces of the furniture.


    It''s a woman''s room.


    He could tell just from the mirror and the bed. There was also that sweet fragrance, it was fruity. Jack knew little about perfume, but he could tell that much.


    He could see on the wall next to the bed an opened window. It let in a cool gentle breeze, and through it he could see it was the middle of the night.


    He waited hours for anything to happen, any sort of event, but nothing.


    Can I ess my profile mentally?


    Just thinking about it, he could see it floating in front of him.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 1]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: ursed Novice 0/1000]


    [Health Points: 5/5]


    [Cursed Energy: 10/10]


    [Magic: 10]


    [Strength: 3]


    [Defense: 2]


    [Agility: 1]


    Cursed Sovereign, never heard of it in the game. And cursed path? What does the counter next to it mean?


    My ss even changed what should be Mana to Cursed Energy.


    After taking a good look at his stats, he switched to the skills.


    [Hex Harvesting]


    He activated it.


    [ursed Novice 1/1000] +1


    The counter next to his Cursed Path steadily went up. The rate was slow, but he estimated that by morning he should reach 1000.


    I don''t know what it''ll give me, but hopefully it helps.


    Two hourster, as the counter reached 300, a loud noise could be heard across the door at the end of the wall on his right.


    Footsteps gently approached, the doorknob turned and someone entered.


    Jack stayed silent.


    The person who entered didn''t bother looking at him or even acknowledging his existence, only a single nce his way before sitting on a chair in front of the writing desk.


    It was indeed a woman.


    She spent around an hour writing at her desk.


    The next hour, she reached out and grabbed the first book that was lined against the wall.


    [ursed Novice 517/1000] +1


    I''ll just get rid of her, whatever this ''path'' may give.


    She kept yawning, as the night progressed, wiping her eyes every time she did.


    Jack studied the room, but even if he could get out of those chains, nothing resembled a weapon in the room.


    His strength was at 3. Even if he was a man, he yed Elder Heir Online enough to know that gender mattered little, stats did.


    His leading n was to hit the back of her head with the chair she sat on.


    He tried ying with the chains a little, but there was no weak link.


    Where the chains connected to the wall was a metal te which was welded with the chain.


    If I get her close enough, I could bite her neck, and bleed her to death.


    She kept reading, and yawning while Jack sat still, thinking.


    He hadn''t forgotten how DiveCore treated his mother during herst days. He hadn''t forgotten how Jessica chose to not tell him they hade around to collect the money.


    He would get them. No matter what.


    But depending on how long he was stuck in this room, it could be harder.


    DiveCore was bound to know the right spots to farm to get stronger, and where the stronger items were.


    Theirpany had millions of employees around the world, just those numbers were scary to imagine, and a lot had worked on Elder Heir Online or just yed it.


    Jack was staring at the floor, his eyes still.


    Something moved in his field of view, snapping him back to reality.


    She had gotten up from the desk, after carefully cing the book back.


    She went toward the wardrobe, which was in front of Jack, on the opposite wall.


    As she walked, she took her silk robe off, letting it slide along her shoulders before reaching the ground.


    She had a slender figure. Her exposed body was pale, almost as much as his.


    She looked like a work of art, sculpted for an exposition someone like him would never be allowed in.


    Every curve, from her long graceful legs to her slender rosy breasts was perfect.


    The shadows cast on those curves by the chandelier highlighted her gentle, toned features.


    Her lips were of a soft red. It didn''t look like she had lipstick on, yet it contrasted her pale skin elegantly.


    Her long white hair was well-maintained, moving with her body like silky sheets left to dry in the wind.


    As she arrived at the wardrobe, she opened it and picked the first nightgown she could find, lifting her arms to let it fall down her body.


    She finally turned toward Jack.


    Her head was held high as she looked down on him.


    She studied his face, and the chains, and took a deep breath.


    She walked toward him, her naked body showing through her clothes, without an ounce of shame.


    She stopped a meter away from him, frowning.


    She spoke, her voice quiet as if she hadn''t spoken before. "Your kind only knows lust, sex-craved creatures no different from animals, and yet..."


    She took a step closer and raised her leg.


    "And yet."


    She struck his face, her kicknding on his cheekbone, throwing his body to the right, pulling on the chains holding his left wrist.


    "If I couldn''t tell any better, I''d think you want me dead," she said.


    She got on her knees in front of Jack as he sat straight again, the side of his face bright red.


    He looked at her; she was close.


    "That look," she said, "I hate it."


    "Just be careful. Someday, you might be the one chained," replied Jack, looking at her neck.


    "I am, already. But pigs shouldn''t get used to shrieking inside the house,"


    She pped his face with surprising force, making him pull on the chains again.


    As he got his head straight again, she used her left hand to violently grip his hair and pull his head down, touching his shoulder and exposing his neck.


    He tried moving, but her grip was strong. She held his head still with one hand, and his shoulder with the other.


    He watched as she leaned forward, ferally biting into his neck.


    He could feel her gentle lips and her tongue repeatedly caressing his neck after her sharp teeth punctured it.


    He could hear and feel her heavy breathing against his neck, while her hands tightened on his hair and shoulder.


    She was creating a mess. He could see blood stter around as she drank. Her gulps quickly seeding every exhale she did, as if she had been famished a while and he might be herst meal.


    [-1 hp]


    [-1 hp]


    [-1 hp]


    Is this it?


    She was initially leaning forward, but she was now sitting on top of him. Her breasts pressed against him as her breathing became a mix of grunts and moans.


    She held his hair so tight that he feared she might break his neck by mistake.


    His vision was getting blurry, he started to feel weaker by the second.


    Yet, her intensity only rose, the sounds she made louder, her lips repeatedly striking his neck, her tongue getting every single drop.


    "Stop-" started Jack, barely staying conscious.


    His voice was weak and barely loud enough to make it through the sounds she made.


    "I''ll die," he whispered.


    I knew this region would make it harder, but this...


    She was holding him even tighter than before, as she slowly stopped.


    She licked and caressed his neck a few more times, heavily breathing, it felt as if she was kissing it.


    After a moment, her breathing slowed down while she kept kissing his neck.


    Her grasp became loose, and her kissing and licking eventually stopped.


    Jack slowly opened his eyes, as he got his head upright again.


    His neck terribly hurt, but mostly from how hard she had been pulling his head to the side.


    She was still on top of him, looking at him.


    "You''re pale," she said.


    Jack opened his mouth to say something but suddenly felt dizzy, his head falling forward.


    She quickly lifted his head, holding his chin.


    "That''s how you look at me?"


    He was unknowingly staring into her eyes.


    They were a soft shade of red.


    Jack lightly frowned again, lost.


    "You looked like you wanted me dead earlier, and now that I almost killed you, I see sadness."


    Sadness? There''s no way.


    Yet, tears dripped down his cheeks.


    He could feel it, hisst moment.


    I can''t believe I won''t even get my revenge.


    She tried tilting his head back but the wall and the chains made it tooplicated. She simply bit her bottom lip.


    Thest thing he could see before losing consciousness was her red lips getting closer to his.

 Chapter 4: [Hex harvesting]

    The door closed, waking Jack from a dreamless slumber.


    She had just entered the room, walking toward the writing desk.


    Like a distant dream, he quickly recalled everything that had happened.


    His mother''s death, the encounter with the moderator, and this girl sucking his blood. It was all real.


    He took a deep breath and opened his profile.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 1]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: ursed Novice 595/1000]


    [Health Points: 3/5]


    [Cursed Energy: 10/10]


    [Magic: 10]


    [Strength: 3]


    [Defense: 2]


    [Agility: 1]


    I guess it doesn''t go up if I''m unconscious.


    He activated [Hex Harvesting] again, but he noticed his cursed path was getting the points much slower.


    The girl turned on her chair, looking at him for a moment.


    She went back to writing but stopped as Jack spoke.


    "What''s your name?" he asked.


    "None of your business."


    "Alright. but-"


    Jack stopped mid-sentence, hit with a sudden dizziness.


    He heard her pen loudly hitting the desk as the girl got up, pushing the chair back as she quickly approached him.


    She was wearing a dress, and her exposed skin, while still pale, had more color.


    Her eyes also felt brighter and more captivating. She lifted his chin, looking at his neck.


    She then put a hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.


    She loudly exhaled. "You''re fine."


    "Why did you stop yesterday? Why not kill me?" asked Jack.


    She let go of his chin.


    Her face barely showed any emotions, a standstill at a neutral position.


    "You''re my food, now."


    "Why did you kiss me?"


    She narrowed her eyebrows.


    "I didn''t kiss you."


    "I lost consciousness, but I remember vividly."


    "I was feeding you my own blood. It pains me to know it entered filth, but it''s my fault for not knowing you were this weak."


    Jack frowned, concerned.


    "Wait- you fed me your blood?"


    "You would''ve died."


    "Will I turn into something like you? A vampire?"


    Her face hardened.


    "How do you know my blood is needed for that?"


    "I think everyone knows."


    "Well," she said dryly, "it''s part of the ritual. But the vampires born from that process are pale imitations. It would be like turning filth into... filthier filth."


    She stumbled on her words, barely making the end of that sentence cohesive.


    "Was that a ritual then?"


    "Like I said, there''s no point in turning humans into vampires."


    Jack looked at his arms and hands again and asked her, "Could I already be one?"


    She arched her eyebrows, barely hiding her surprise.


    "Shouldn''t you know what you are?" she asked.


    "...I don''t. Not really."


    She looked him up and down, then sat before him.


    "I did hesitate at first. You''re quite pale for a human," she said, "But no. Your teeth are normal, your nails while narrower aren''t as sharp as ours. And when you opened your eyes, it confirmed it."


    "They aren''t red?"


    "They''re white. As if you were blind, yet you''re not."


    "Huh," Jack''s voice barely hid his surprise, "What am I then?"


    "You forgot what you are? I did read a novel with such a plot, however..."


    She looked up, trying to recall what she had read.


    "Did you hit your head, or drink some sort of potion? Did you anger a witch?"


    Jack wasn''t sure how to exin his situation, and giving too much information wouldn''t be good.


    However, he noticed she suddenly became slightly friendlier as she thought of novels she read.


    Good. Maybe she''ll end up freeing me, herst mistake.


    "I''m from another universe. I just arrived, along with many more. I don''t even know how I got into your room."


    "Hm", she voiced, barely surprised. "I heard father mention this but didn''t think it was real. I found you in our gardens, unconscious..."


    "My name''s Mori," suddenly said Jack.


    He was staring into her eyes, awaiting an answer.


    "My name is Aura, but I''m only telling you, so you don''t annoy me about it."


    Jack was about to talk, but quickly cut off.


    "I keep you here for your blood, but if you n on talking your way out it won''t work. The only thing you''ll do is annoy me until I decide to cut your tongue."


    She''s not so dumb, I guess.


    She got up and headed to her desk but suddenly stopped.


    She turned her head toward the door, silently waiting as if she could hear something.


    Her face was rigid, and the softness she wore quickly left for dull emptiness.


    She quickly started walking, exiting the room and shutting the door behind her.


    After she had left the room, since he had nothing to do, he simply closed his eyes and let his mind wander while harvesting hexes.


    [ursed Novice 605/1000] +1


    Jack spent the next hours harvesting. He did his best to understand the process, but it was quiteplicated.


    His first realization was that his hitpoints not being full made the process slower, proven by how much faster it was once he went from 3 hitpoints to 4.


    And, if my hitpoints affect the harvesting, it''s safe to assume beyond physical integrity other things affect magic here.


    In Elder Heir Online, activating a spell was all one needed to do. Being healthy or not, tired or not shouldn''t matter.


    That''s how he realized harvesting hexes wasn''t just a toggle spell affecting his system profile, but something physically happening.


    When he closed his eyes, he could feel the energying in, the ''hexes''.


    If spells and magic aren''t just something activated in a sort of system, and something physically happening, this changes everything. Those who just activate spells without trying to feel them or polish them will have the most basic versions of that magic...


    Every minute that went by, his theories were confirmed. Activating [Hex Harvesting] by mentally using the system simply gave a basic input of cursed energy, while concentration easily doubled the input.


    Not only was he able to double the input, but he also activated the spell without mentally using the system.


    He simply closed his eyes, concentrated, and felt as the energy crawled toward him.


    It wasn''t like other games he had yed, where energy resembled a golden hue going toward his body, building up courage, faith and will.


    The energy he was umting resembled small eldritch creatures crawling toward him, eerily dragging themselves.


    When he closed his eyes and concentrated he could ''see'' them slithering and skittering toward him, like moths to a me.


    They looked like nothing he had seen before, some gtinous gooey ck masses crawling at a constant speed by detaching from their bodies what resembled pointy legs and reabsorbing them once their step was made.


    They went up his legs and arms, entering his ears, nose, and eyes.


    At first, he stopped multiple times in panic, out of breath.


    After realizing nothing happened to his physical body, he closed his eyes again, surfacing on the ''other side'', where those creatures were waiting for him.

 Chapter 5: [Branded Curse]

    Hours had passed before Aura came back. As he heard her footsteps approaching, he looked at his profile onest time.


    [ursed Novice 978/1000]


    He was almost there, just a little more, and he would finally reach the maximum amount.


    It had taken some time, as he tested many theories, but now that he understood the process it wouldn''t take long.


    Weird.


    It wasn''t the first time he heard hering, but her footsteps were dragged and heavy.


    The doorknob turned, his heart pumping faster as he hoped it was her entering.


    She finally did, but he barely recognized her.


    The first thing he noticed was the ankle on her right leg waspletely broken. It was swollen and purple, her foot was at a weird angle as she dragged it.


    Her right leg was covered in shades of grey, blue, and purple.


    As his eyes went up her body, her right arm left him speechless.


    It was broken too, bending backward and smashed in several ces. It was mostly dark grey, her usual smooth skin was now rough and cut everywhere.


    Her face was no better, the right half badly injured. Her lip was busted, her eye closed as it had swollen, her cheek and temple dark blue.


    He quickly looked at her clothes, but they seemed fine.


    She dragged herself to the wardrobe, sliding her dress down her body as if he wasn''t even there.


    Luckily, beside a few broken ribs, nothing else added to her injuries.


    "What happened?" he asked.


    But no answers.


    She didn''t bother putting on a nightgown, she turned toward him, staring.


    She''s gone.


    Her eyes were a bottomless void. She was staring at him with a face expressing no emotions, not even pain.


    She stood still, looking at him as if she couldn''t process him being there.


    It felt like her mind was gone, but her body acted automatically.


    Seeing his captor hurt pleased him, but it would cause more problems than it would solve.


    "Drinking my blood will heal you, right? Just take it."


    She didn''t move or flinch.


    He noticed her eyes and lips were pale, almost the same way they were before she drank his blood.


    He was annoyed, deeply.


    He sighed, contemting the naked vampire standing in front of the wardrobe.


    This is just great. She''s a broken doll.


    [ursed Novice 999/1000] +1


    [New Path Unlocked]


    [Cursed Path: Hexed Initiate]


    Finally.


    [New curses unlocked]


    He sighed again in relief.


    He truly hoped that reaching 1000 would unlock something new.


    Staying locked in that room with a broken vampire wasn''t in his ns, now all he needed was any spell that could let him out of these cuffs.


    He quickly opened his spell list.


    Let''s see. Weak curses, brands, bad omens, weak hallucinations, weak seals... Most of these have conditions to activate.


    His eyes stopped on something.


    "But this... this could work."


    He looked up again. She was still there, immobile.


    He cast his first spell.


    "[Posession]"


    It felt like his ''spiritual'' body was pushed outside his physical one.


    He couldn''t properly see around like he could while harvesting, but he could ''feel''.


    There were a lot of soft glows, some bigger and some smaller; all living things.


    Right in front of him, where Aura stood, was a soft red hue. It was calm and still.


    Without overthinking it, he collided with her.


    His consciousness shed with hers, fighting over control.


    She barely fought back.


    <~~>


    He reopened his eyes. His point of view had totally changed.


    Before him was someone chained to a wall - him.


    As he looked down, he could see Aura''s naked breasts, and to his right were the broken arm and leg.


    He tried taking a step but fell forward.


    He couldn''t feel any pain as he possessed her, but he could tell something was wrong.


    How did she even make it back here?


    Her body could barely move. His right side was mostly unresponsive, and his vision was limited because of her swollen eye.


    He looked up at his own body.


    I do look ambiguous.


    His body was extremely pale, and his hair was short and white, just like hers.


    He tried opening his profile, and surprisingly it worked.


    He could see his stats, and his Cursed Energy was slowly depleting.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 1]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Hexed Initiate 1000/2250]


    [Health points: 5/5]


    [Cursed Energy: 998/1000]


    [Magic: 10]


    [Strength: 3]


    [Defense: 2]


    [Agility: 1]


    He didn''t wait any longer and started crawling forward using the only arm and leg working.


    He dragged himself, pulling on the wooden floor the best he could with the strength she had left.


    When he reached his own body, he climbed it, and put her arm around his back, lodging her head on his shoulder.


    He went toward the neck, and nted her teeth into it, quickly stopping the possession curse as he did.


    He automatically traveled back to his own body, which resembled an empty puppet.


    He opened his eyes. Her naked body was on top of his, and her teeth were still nted into his neck.


    She wasn''t moving, she just hung in there, as blood slowly dripped down his chest and shoulder.


    It took a minute, but eventually he could feel her slowly moving.


    At first it was her tongue, then her lips, followed by her hand instinctively grabbing his neck.


    As the taste of his blood awakened her, she fervently started drinking.


    Her nails slowly sunk into his neck as she lost control. Her drinking became messy and chaotic.


    "Aura?"


    She didn''t answer, her nails kept sinking, drawing more blood than necessary while she savagely drank what she could.


    He tried moving but her grasp was tight, and the chains quickly reminded him of his predicament.


    [Health points: 3/5] -1


    Already? She''ll kill me before she realizes it...


    His main option was to possess her again, he had more than enough Cursed Energy remaining.


    However, there was another spell he wanted to try, while he was unsure how useful it would be, it could prove useful.


    Without overthinking it, he cast it.


    "Thanks for telling me your name, and drinking my cursed blood, Aura," he whispered.


    "[Branded Curse]".

 Chapter 6: [Free]

    "Stop."


    She didn''t, but ultimately broke away, her tongue out, disying a brand.


    Her tongue was sizzling, he could see ck misting out of it while the brand was glowing purple.


    "Mori? What happened?" she asked him.


    Her eyes didn''t feel as empty as before, but her demeanor remained changed.


    "You were about to kill me, again."


    "Huh. Sorry."


    Sorry? Since when do you apologize?


    She confusedly looked around and at herself. Realizing she wasn''t wearing anything, she walked to the wardrobe to put a nightgown on, as the day was about to break.


    Her body looked mostly fine, her leg and arm while still colorful, weren''t broken anymore.


    "Why is my tongue burning?" she asked.


    She went in front of the mirror, taking a closer look.


    "You did this to me?" she asked.


    "I told you, eventually you would be the one chained."


    "How?"


    "Your only mistake was giving me your blood, ironic isn''t it?"


    "Take it off," she said.


    Aura sat down on the chair, heavily breathing as she looked closer in the mirror.


    "Let me out of those cuffs."


    She ignored him, touching her tongue between her fingers, still inspecting the brand.


    Mori could see in the reflection mist dispersing out, as the mark started to glow purple.


    The mist increased, and Aura''s breathing got heavier as the pain became stronger.


    She got up quickly and walked to him.


    In two swift strikes, she shed the cuffs open with her nails, making them fall along the wall.


    Mori''s wrists were red-purple, he quickly massaged them as he got up for the first time.


    "Finally free..."


    He stretched, while Aura rushed toward the mirror again, the mark had calmed down.


    "What did you do to me?!" she asked, turning around.


    She rushed toward him, raising a hand.


    "Stop moving."


    She quickly did, her face grimacing in pain.


    "How dare you, Mori, you filthy..."


    "Shut up."


    "..."


    He closed his eyes and tilted his head back while smiling.


    He breathed in all the air he could get, then exhaled deeply.


    There was a soft smile on his lips. When he reopened his eyes she was waiting before him.


    Her fiery eyes were staring at him, he could feel the hatred emanating out, yet he couldn''t care less.


    "Ironic. You''re clearly pissed, yet you held me prisoner for days."


    "..."


    "Only answer my questions and say nothing else."


    He then opened his profile.


    "Can you see something floating before me?"


    [Memento Mori] [Level 1]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Hexed Initiate 1000/2250]


    [Health points: 5/5]


    [Cursed Energy: 378/1000]


    [Magic: 10]


    [Strength: 3]


    [Defense: 2]


    [Agility: 1]


    That brand cost me a lot of energy, or maybe it''s all themands I''ve given?


    "So?"


    "Your profile. I can''t see what''s on it unless you make it so."


    Her tone was dry and arrogant but did not bother Mori at all.


    "This is Griswald''s mansion, am I wrong?"


    "No."


    "Is he here now?"


    "Yes."


    "He knows about me?"


    "Yes."


    He quickly opened his profile again.


    [Cursed Energy: 153/1000]


    I''ve got around onest question.


    "Is Asmodael''s ring in this mansion?"


    "yes."


    At first, it was as if he was choking, but quickly it became clear he was chuckling.


    "It paid off."


    Aura frowned, unsure of what he was talking about.


    He sat on the bed, letting his body fall on it while Aura was standing still.


    "Alright, you can talk now, or move now. I have more questions, but it''s your choice to answer or not."


    The truth is I can''t use the brand anymore. Worse, is she might realize she could just power through the pain.


    She turned toward him.


    She took a few steps his way but he quickly stopped her.


    "If you kill me, that brand will kill you. Just so you know," he said with a straight face.


    She grabbed him by the shirt, lifting him toward her.


    His face was extremely close to hers, he sustained her stare unbothered by the proximity.


    "All I want is the ring."


    She threw him back on the bed.


    He internally sighed, since she wasn''t calling his bluff.


    "You''ll never get it."


    "Why not?"


    "It''s the only thing protecting us, here. Father will never give it away, especially to you."


    It had been on his mind for a moment, so he simply asked. "Is he the one who did this to you?"


    She looked away, betraying the truth.


    "Why?" he asked.


    "He''s protecting me."


    "He broke half your body."


    "It was my fault."


    Mori arched his eyebrows, but she was sustaining his gaze.


    "What did you do?" he asked.


    "You can probably tell, I''m sick."


    She lifted her arms, bringing Mori''s attention to her features.


    She was indeed pale, but that was quite normal for a vampire.


    "Aren''t you supposed to look this way?"


    "We are pale, but not this much. The way I was after drinking your blood is how I would look if I was healthy. Eyes bright red, lips the color of blood, it was my first time."


    Mori frowned, but let her continue.


    "I told my father I felt better. That I could probably go outside."


    "You''ve never been out?"


    "Never further than our gardens and the forest around."


    He cut to the chase. "He did this to you?"


    "He''s concerned about my wellbeing. Your blood is temporary relief, but he''s close to a breakthrough. He gave me something to consume in the meantime, I should be fine for theing days."


    "You were practically dead when you came back."


    She ignored him, changing her tone as she continued talking.


    "There''s a few options for you," she said. "First, you need to take this mark off me, and second you''re getting back into cuffs."


    Mori scuffed. "Why would I?"


    His tone became colder.


    "Because Father will kill you if you don''t. You know him since you''re after the ring. You know what he can do. I''m the only thing keeping you alive here, so unless do what I say, you''re a dead man."


    She was standing tall, her hands on her hips as she was using the same look she gave him when he was chained.


    One full of hate and disdain.


    The same look everyone gave him when he did his best to just let his mother live another day. The same one Jessica had used when she let his mother die.


    "I''m a dead man?"


    He got up, he was taller than her, something he couldn''t tell when he was chained.


    He walked closer, pressing his chest against hers, pushing forward as he looked down.


    His face got closer, yet she sustained his gaze.


    Their faces were so close, their foreheads almost touched.


    "You know what I think?" whispered Mori.


    "..."


    "I think... Your father doesn''t know I''m here. I think you''re hiding me."


    She stepped back, her legs touching the desk behind her.


    She started looking around while biting her lip.


    But as she took a step back, Mori took a step forward. She used both hands to hold the desk behind her. She tried getting further back, making the desk hit the wall.


    He caressed her lips with his thumb, then held her chin.


    "You know what I think? I think if your father knew, more than half your body would be broken."


    He grabbed her throat with one hand. Her frown deepened, etching lines across her forehead as her eyes darted around.


    While he held her throat, he pushed his fingers into her mouth. She tightened her jaw but his grasp on her throat tightened as well, making her giving in.


    He grabbed her tongue between his fingers, applying pressure.


    "It''s me you should fear," he said as mist emanated from the mark.

 Chapter 7: [Cursed Apprentice]

    Aura was wriggling, desperately trying to get out while her eyes became teary from the pain.


    He let go of her tongue, keeping his grasp on her neck.


    "I..."


    Mori was immobile, waiting to hear what she possibly had to say.


    "I''m sorry..."


    She looked at him, but his expression remained unchanged.


    "I''m sorry for holding you captive... I''m sorry I''ve treated you like cattle," she continued.


    I''m in control now.


    He slowly let go of her neck, his hand imprint remaining.


    She was ufortably moving, ultimately asking, "The window..."


    "What?"


    "The- Please, the curtains..."


    He turned his head to his left. The sun had appeared above the trees through the windows.


    He took a step back.


    She quickly went to the window, swiftly closing the curtains.


    She took a moment, facing the closed curtains, but ultimately turned around.


    "...What now?" she asked.


    Her expression was different.


    When he was chained to the wall, she seemed confident.


    Now, however, she was the opposite.


    She was scared.


    Mori walked toward her writing desk, running his finger through the books lined up. He couldn''t read their titles, something he mentally noted.


    There was some paper lying around. He lifted a few of them but couldn''t read what was on them either.


    As he went through her things, something was on his mind. "What do you know of sovereigns?"


    She was taken by surprise, not expecting that question.


    "You mean Kings and Emperors?"


    He walked toward her, she instinctively tried to step back but was already against the window.


    He opened his profile once he was next to her, ensuring she could see its content.


    "No..." she whispered.


    She had raised her hand in front of her mouth, her eyes going up and down, repeatedly reading his profile.


    "I shouldn''t have brought you up here," she said under her breath.


    He closed his profile, "What''s this ss? I''ve never heard of it before."


    She hesitated, but asked, "You knew about the ring and Father, but you don''t know what Sovereigns are?"


    Mori twitched, exhaling, "Just answer."


    "Sovereigns are the embodiment of power..."


    "I know there are other sses using curses."


    "That''s exactly it," she said, her eyes dodgy. "They use curses, you don''t use curses."


    "Are you-"


    "You don''t use curses: you are curses. Sovereigns are the embodiment of their pantheons."


    He nodded, in thought.


    "Sovereigns aren''t normal, they''re monsters."


    "Go sleep."


    "Huh?"


    He pointed toward the bed.


    Her expression was miserable, and she looked exhausted.


    "...Alright."


    She climbed onto the bed, lying down on one side. He could tell she wasn''t sleeping.


    He guessed stress probably kept her awake.


    He sat crossing his legs at the end of the bed. He slowly opened his shirt, looking at his torso.


    He froze.


    There were four holes under his corbone. They ranged from one to two centimeters wide.


    A ck void filled them, with nothing to be seen on the other side.


    Back then?


    He remembered hexes entering those specific spots in his body while he was harvesting.


    He joined his hands together and closed his eyes.


    He breathed in, then deeply exhaled.


    He was in a darker version of Aura''s room when he reopened them.


    As he looked around, he could see the small eldritch creatures crawling toward him.


    They went toward him, going up his legs and arms, entering his mouth, and going down his throat, through his ears, into his head.


    They kept going in, one after the other, barely giving him a moment of respite.


    As he was concentrating on the harvesting, his mind wandered.


    He remembered that one time she had brought him to the studio she worked in.


    She was proud, stopping him from reading every two seconds so she could present him to her coworkers.


    It was truly annoying, yet he missed it.


    Fuck.


    He quickly snapped back to reality, as one of the creatures had punctured a hole in his chest.


    I guess if I don''t pay attention they take the shortest route.


    He realized his concentration was necessary. Thinking of his mother made him drift away.


    He spent the next hours harvesting in control.


    He already thought of a n for his current situation, but he had truly been blessed with those powers.


    A dark smile had formed in his mind.


    As the hexes poured in, his next steps solidified in his mind.


    He was recalling the spells he had unlocked, reviewing all their activation conditions and preparation needs.


    His smile only widened.


    He slightly felt sorry for Aura, but that thought quickly vanished from his mind.


    [ursed Novice 2249/2250] +1


    [New Path Unlocked]


    [Cursed Path: Cursed apprentice]


    He opened his eyes, quickly opening his spell list again.


    So my older spells be stronger, and I also gain new ones. Some of these seem useless, while others seem quite useful.


    Cursed chains and cursed binding wille in handy.


    He closed his eyes again, harvesting again while mentally reviewing his spells, but was quickly brought back by Aura sitting upright and inching toward him.


    "I see you," he said without turning around.


    She jumped, "I''m- I''m not-"


    "I told you, if you kill me..."


    "That''s not it," she replied.


    "What is it then?"


    "If you keep doing whatever you''re doing, even Father will realize..."


    Huh? She can sense it?


    He quickly stopped and stepped to the window.


    It''s still daytime. I could do it today...


    His ns shouldn''t be too hard to execute.


    There were a lot of things he had deduced since he arrived.


    He chose Griswald''s domain for the ring. There was nobody here besides him, his daughter, and probably some maids.


    "You know," he said as he looked outside, "maybe it''s time we meet him."


    "No... Whatever he does to me, what he''ll do to you will be worse."


    A low rumbling reverberated through the ground, making Mori smile.


    "I think he''s awake," he said.


    The door quickly opened, they both turned, it was an olderdy who quickly entered and closed the door behind her.


    She was dressed like a maid and looked exhausted.


    When she realized Mori was there, she jumped backward.


    "Who the hell is this?!" she eximed.


    "I''m Mori."


    "Ohh this is bad. So bad... My poor heart. Now you woke him up from his slumber and you know he hates it..." she said, shaky. "Once he realizes there''s someone here... You need to leave."


    "She''s right, it''s daytime, you could probably leave," said Aura.


    "Maybe I should."


    Aura exhaled, the weight of everything suddenly lighter.


    Mori opened the curtains, letting daylight in. He turned to the maid.


    "Make sure you go get the ring," said Mori.


    "What ring?"


    "Asmodael''s ring. If you care about her," he said pointing at Aura.


    The maid''s expression turned from surprise to horror.


    Aura, still in bed, shared the same expression.


    "[Cursed Chains]"


    He lifted his arms, pointing his hands toward Aura.


    Chains quickly emerged from his palms, making a straight line toward Aura.


    The tip of those chains was in a cone shape, in less than a second it reached her, piercing her calves.


    The cold metal then wrapped around her leg, firmly holding them.


    Aura screamed, a piercing shriek resonated as Mori pulled her toward him.

 Chapter 8: [Cursed Chain]

    He opened the window and inhaled the fresh summer breeze.


    He looked down; they were on the second floor.


    He had a spell that would''ve been useful to jump down, burning some of his energy in exchange for strengthening his legs.


    He also could''ve resonated the damage he would''ve taken to someone else with another curse, as he fell t to the ground.


    But it wasn''t necessary, he used the chainsing out of his hands, tied to Aura''s legs, and jumped down.


    Her body was quickly pulled toward the window as he came down.


    Once he got close to the ground her body followed through the window.


    She used her arms, hanging by any means to the window, trying to get back inside.


    "Please, let me inside," she pleaded.


    "Let go of the frame."


    She fought against the pain, but eventually gave up, falling on the grass next to Mori.


    She was groaning, and wriggling, the chains still tightly attached to her legs.


    The fall barely scratched her. The sun, however, was slowly making her wither.


    It looked likeyers of her skin kept burning, revealing anotheryer underneath.


    There wasn''t much space around, directly around the mansion was only grass.


    A little further, the forest started. He slowly walked toward it dragging Aura on the ground behind.


    Once he reached the trees, Aura''s painful groans diminished, the shadow cast by the leaves relieving some of her pain.


    He let go of the chains,ing out of his hands, they simply fell to the ground.


    He cast it again.


    "[Cursed Chains]".


    This time, they went around a tree branch, then straight for her hands.


    They pierced them, then bound them together while she screamed.


    "Stop it," she pleaded, her eyes teary.


    He pulled on the chains while marks appeared on his body like tattoos. They were purple, and a slight mist emanated from them.


    He raised her against the tree, hanging from her hands.


    The tip of her feet barely touched the ground.


    He attached the chain around the tree, ensuring she would stay there.


    "Why are you doing this..." she asked.


    "Would you have stopped butchering my neck if I asked you?"


    "But I did," she said, her voice shaky.


    "Only once I was about to die so that you could repeat the process."


    She was debating with the chains, but every time she pulled, it pressured her pierced hand.


    "My father..."


    "Yes. ''My Father'', ''My Father''," he mocked.


    He walked a few meters further and picked up arge branch.


    He broke it, keeping around thirty centimeters of it.


    He got the tip of a chain out of his right hand, using the cone-shaped end to strike the branch.


    He was making a stake.


    Aura peeked down.


    "What... You can''t kill me, I''ve done nothing wrong..."


    He ignored her, taking his time with his amateur woodwork.


    He looked up at the window he jumped from. Someone was looking at him, he could tell.


    Once the pointy end was done, he started carving symbols into it.


    "Listen, I''ll let you go, I won''t tell my father, please," she said.


    "It''s toote, he knows," he said.


    "I''ll exin it to him..."


    "Yeah, I''m sure he''s quite the good listener."


    She kept debating with the chains. Despite theck of direct sunlight, she was still burning throughyers.


    "You weren''t supposed to be here. Normally, it should''ve been your mother."


    "You know my mother?"


    "A version of her, at least."


    He could still feel that person watching him from the window, calmly waiting.


    "This isn''t against you," he continued. "I knew Griswald was challenging, but he''s old."


    He had finished carving the stake.


    "He''s old, weak. As long as I waited for daytime, I could''ve gotten away with stealing the ring. Hell, I know he''s also keeping Firestone potions in the same room, not the smartest man."


    "How do you know that?!"


    "I''m not the only one to know, a lot of people who arrived in this world possess knowledge even I don''t have. I''m just the only one who started here."


    "What? You make no sense! Someone must''ve sent you... One of Amosdael''s minions, I bet."


    "I know he''s drinking your blood," said Mori.


    "What? No he''s not, he uses it to find a cure."


    "Is that right? Griswald? Are you close to finding a cure?" yelled Mori.


    A shadow grew in the window, it quickly went down and reached the ground.


    Draped in a ck cloak, a man with extremely pale skin and short white hair walked toward him.


    His eyes were glowing red, and his expression betrayed his anger.


    "Father, I''m so sorry..."


    The man didn''t bother looking at his daughter, sustaining Mori''s stare.


    "Who are you?" he asked.


    "Not from this universe," replied Mori.


    "That''s why you know so much."


    "So it was true? Father! Tell me it wasn''t."


    He kept ignoring her. "I was told yesterday some people from your universe happen to know a lot about ours. Talk about an unfair advantage."


    "Are they already in action, the ones from my world?"


    "The human kingdoms are in turmoil, although that doesn''t change much from how humans usually behave."


    "Yeah, I expected as much."


    Griswald took a step forward, but Mori took a step toward Aura, raising the stake to her torso.


    Griswald stopped moving, raising one hand while his expression was frozen.


    "Don''t."


    Mori smiled.


    He walked around her, holding the stake to her body.


    "Do you think he wants to save you?"


    "Obviously-" started Griswald.


    Mori pressed the stake against her chest, making her squirm.


    "He''s keeping you weak on purpose, whatever he''s been giving you has been weakening you. Didn''t you think it was weird that feeding me your blood didn''t fully heal me?" asked Mori.


    Aura frowned, as she looked at him, then his father.


    "Why is it, you think, that he got upset beyond control once you were the healthiest you''ve ever been, after drinking my blood?"


    "Aura, everything I do is for your sake," said Griswald.


    "He needs you, Aura."


    Mori caressed her neck with his fingers.


    "You see, your kind lives extremely long, but eventually your powers be weak until you have nothing but your physical body remaining. He''s using your blood to keep some of his strength, but it''s a downhill battle isn''t it?"


    Griswald didn''t answer.


    "Is it true?" asked Aura.


    "Oh, it is, and furthermore, he''s nning to sacrifice you. He would''ve done so with his wife, normally, but in this world, I guess you''re the lucky one."


    Aura''s tears started flowing, quickly drying up as they left her face before reaching the ground.


    "So for the past hundred years, all of this..." she said.


    Griswald took a step back.


    He emphasized every word. "I need the girl alive."


    Aura had stopped struggling against the chains.


    "I am close to done. All I need is a little time. Give me 10, or 15 years, and the ring is yours. The ring, money, whatever you want."


    "Yeah, that won''t be possible..."


    "Listen."


    Griswald''s tone had be somber.


    "Even if you kill her, I can find her useless mother and drag her back here. You, on the other hand, will end up a dead man."

 Chapter 9: [Gamble]

    "See?" asked Mori toward Aura.


    She was crying, staring at the ground.


    "You''re weak, I can tell. I sensed the negative energy earlier, you might have a few spells up your sleeves but none that can deal with me," said Griswald.


    Mori was about to answer, but the maid entered his field of view. She was walking fast, panicked.


    Griswald frowned while Mori smiled.


    As she got closer, she slowed down, trying to catch her breath.


    "Please... don''t... kill the young mistress," she said.


    As she got closer, she lifted her fist toward Mori, opening it.


    As soon as she did, he raised his hand toward her, a smaller chain quickly exited his palm and went through the ring she had.


    "And now, I have it," said Mori.


    "You pathetic... Betraying..." said Griswald.


    "Seems like she''s the only one who cares about you," said Mori to Aura.


    "And what now?" said Griswald raising both hands toward the sky. "You''re forcing me to kill you? How are you winning, here? That ring has no powers useful inbat."


    He put the ring in his pocket and threw the stake on the ground.


    "Don''t need this, anymore," he said to himself.


    He walked a few steps forward, then turned sideways, raising a hand toward Aura.


    "[Cursed Chains]"


    Aura''s stomach was pierced by a new chain that went cleanly through her and the tree behind.


    Along the chain ran her blood, before falling to the ground, evaporating.


    She barely reacted, staring down at her new wound.


    The chain was glowing purple.


    He closed his eyes for a second while holding it.


    His lips moved as if he was saying something, but no words made it out.


    Griswald raised both arms, he used his nails to sh both his wrists.


    Blood started flowing from them, and as it did, he started moving his arm, his blood fluidly following his movements like whips were attached.


    Griswald exhaled loudly, "Like I said..." He had a disappointed tone. "All you''re doing is prolonging the process by a short amount."


    He started whipping his blood around, making the trees on both sides of Mori and Aura fall to the ground.


    The maid''s body split in half before them, as well as everything else around.


    He didn''t look even look at her.


    He was iling his arms around, not a care in the world, as he slowly walked forward.


    "You''ve achieved nothing," said Griswald.


    Every time his whip cracked on the ground, it made it vibrate more intensely than an earthquake.


    How powerful is he?! The game described him as weakened but if that''s him weak, I''m d I''m not facing him at full strength.


    He did his best to keep his bnce, calmly watching as Griswald approached.


    He eventually got rid of every tree in a hundred meters, besides the one Aura was hanging from.


    Griswald kept walking, dragging his whips behind him until he was finally in arm''s reach of Mori.


    "All of this for that? Do you not have any fight in you? After your whole speech?"


    Surprise struck Griswald''s face, as he heardughter.


    Not Mori''s, nor his: Aura''s.


    It was like a low rumbling, but she quickly startedughing loudly as she looked up, tears falling from her cheeks.


    She keptughing, slowly ying on Griswald''s patience.


    "So that''s how it was, Father," she said between chuckles. "You just kept drinking my blood and hoped to find your old powers through me. You then gave me those potions because I was growing too strong? Or maybe it was to keep me here, protected by you?"


    She kept chuckling while spitting blood at the same time.


    "No matter, you''ve already lost. I just realized it."


    Griswald''s expression hardened.


    He grabbed Mori by the throat, raising him a foot above the ground.


    Mori was still holding the chain going through Aura''s body.


    "Once I kill him, you''re going into the dungeon, and you''ll remain there until the day you die. I''ll make it painful, I assure you."


    Her chuckles were now extremely soft, barely audible nose exhales.


    "Do you know what he is, Father? A sovereign."


    She looked down, staring at her father.


    "He knew when you broke half my body and that I wasn''t healing, that something was wrong. He guessed you were drinking my blood, and he was right."


    She was smiling.


    "What does it matter?!"


    "He''s the Cursed Sovereign, Father."


    Griswald looked down, shaking his head, "Why should I care? He could be the Sun Sovereign for all I know, at his level-"


    "-Father, don''t you know how curses work?" she asked.


    "It''s the worst kind of magic. If you think that scares me... Do you think he''ll curse me as he dies? He won''t even have a moment to do that much."


    "You drank my blood, Father. The moment he pierced me with his chain, you lost."


    Griswald''s heart started pumping harder as he rapidly started recalling everything he knew about curses.


    "I had a lot of time to think, as I was harvesting energy."


    Mori breaking the silence made Griswald Jump.


    "I''ll admit, curses are the weakest magic. If you know it''s happening, that is. I know this world, and I''ve fallen for some nasty curses myself while exploring it... Surprisingly, most of them while low level packed quite a punch."


    Griswald''s eyes followed the chain Mori was holding, up to Aura''s body, still bleeding from it.


    "Resonance... You''ll resonate the curse through her blood, and since I''ve been drinking it..." whispered Griswald.


    "See, he''s not that dumb after all," said Mori while looking at Aura. "Ah, she passed out."


    A chain rapidly cut through the ground, piercing Griswald''s wrist.


    It rapidly reeled in, bringing him down to one knee and forcing him to let go of Mori''s neck.


    He raised his other hand, but it was also quickly pierced, bringing Griswald down on both knees.


    The tension in the chains was strong, he fought to keep bnce.


    "You pathetic coward!" Yelled Griswald.


    Two other chains appeared, piercing both his shoulders and reeling him backward,ying him t on the ground.


    "Curse users! All a bunch of cowards!"


    "Ironic."


    Both his ankles were also perforated, holding him tightly to the ground.


    Griswald bit his tongue, blood quickly rose from his mouth but after half a second fell back into it.


    He turned his head sideways, spitting it out.


    "Fuck!"


    Mori slowly walked toward the stake he had made earlier, picking it up and going back toward Griswald.


    "Don''t you dare! If you kill me I''ll curse you from the other side! You''ll never be rid of me, you hear me?! I''lle back! And I''ll get you..."


    "You''re not going to the other side."


    Mori raised the stake above his head, and quickly brought it down, piercing Griswald''s body.


    Griswald screamed while insulting Mori with all his being.


    Once it was cleanly in, Mori started stomping on it with his foot, pushing it further down.


    I should probably mark him beforehand...


    He raised his arm above the stake, cut his wrist with a chain, and let his blood drip down.


    He noticed his blood had grown into a darker shade of red.


    Probably their fault, thought Mori recalling the hexes crawling into his body.


    "You''re lucky. This branded curse is stronger than the one I used on your daughter. I don''t even need a drop of your blood. All you need is mine."


    "You piece of-"


    "Shut up."


    He stopped talking.


    "You''ll now be working for me, take good care of me, alright?" said Mori, smiling.


    From under him, bands of white cloth started wrapping him tightly, starting from his feet.


    Griswald repeatedly looked down, struggling, but the chains were tightly holding him down.


    His angered gaze, at the end, was a scared one, before his eyes disappeared behind the white cloth.


    A mummy-wrapped Griswald was all that remained, with a stake poking out of his chest.


    Mori slowly turned around.


    He was looking at Aura, her still body dangling from a tree, with dried blood and withering skin.

 Chapter 10: [Harvest]

    Mori detached the chain from the tree, letting her body hit the ground.


    "Still breathing?"


    He could see her chest slightly moving.


    "Alright."


    He undid the chains and sat her down against the tree.


    As he looked behind it, he could see the sun slowly setting, orange shades through the clouds in the sky.


    A cold wind had picked up, blowing through his hair as he looked back at the manor.


    I guess I''m not done with this ce.


    He kneeled and picked Aura on his back, holding her arms.


    He went around the manor, following the wall until he found an entrance.


    It was a door leading to what seemed to be the kitchen.


    It looked abandoned, with barely anything decorating it, and ayer of dust.


    He went through it, reaching a dining room.


    He felt Aura move on his back.


    "What are you looking for?" she whispered in his ear, weak.


    "The dungeon he mentioned."


    "To the left."


    He went through the door on the left, it connected to a hallway.


    "Left," she said.


    He opened the closest door on his left, revealing stone-carved stairs going down.


    It was dark, but he could still easily see the contour of things as he started going down.


    I guess my white eyes are useful for something.


    As he went down, he could feel Aura''s heart beating against his back, slowly.


    Her breathing also slowed down, her exhales softly brushing against his ear.


    "Ironic," said Mori.


    "What... is?" she whispered.


    "You waited your whole life for a treatment. You thought you were sick, yet you weren''t. You were hoping for a cure, but you were slowly ingesting poison until the day you would eventually be killed by someone you trusted."


    "Is... it... ironic?"


    His grip on her arm tightened as he kept going down. "More than you would think."


    As he reached the dungeon, it was a singr room, a wide rectangle.


    There was a stone bed in the middle, with a table next to it disying various tools.


    On the walls were unlit torches, and across most of them hung different tools he couldn''t recognize.


    "Kill... me?"


    He sat her on the stone bed, then carefullyid her on her back.


    Her head tilted to the side. She stared at him with a nk expression.


    "Not yet," he replied. "I''ll be using you one more time."


    He walked on the other side, next to her head, and pushed the wrist he had opened above Griswald''s stake against her lips.


    Her mouth opened. He could feel his blood still dripping.


    She closed her eyes; she wasn''t biting or sucking.


    He let his blood drip down for a few minutes and stopped before feeling too dizzy.


    He withdrew his arm and stared at her eyelids until they finally opened.


    "Why are you doing this," she asked.


    "I''ll be using you," he said.


    "Not that. Why did youe here? Why did you need the ring?"


    Mori''s jaw tightened while his eyes remained emotionless.


    "I knew someone like you," he said. "Someone who was sick, but was betrayed by everyone, and died."


    "Huh. I guess you''ll do to them something worse than what you did to Father."


    She smiled.


    He took the ring out of his pocket and slid it up her finger.


    "Asmodael needs this ring. The dome protecting this forest and the mansion in it is caused by it. Only with it will I be able to bargain with him."


    "Huh. Bargain with Asmodael? I guess you might be able to. Why are you giving it to me?"


    "You can keep it safe for now, I won''t need it."


    As they talked, her eyes and lips were gaining their red color back.


    She slowly sat upright.


    "So you want me to keep it until you need it?" she asked.


    "Yes."


    She turned and got off the small stone tform.


    Mori sat sideways on it and took his shirt off.


    Aura arched both eyebrows, looking at him.


    "What are those?"


    His gaze went down. "Ah, those. They''re the consequence of me losing focus while harvesting hexes."


    "Harvesting hexes?"


    "That''s the source of my power. Those pesky things tend to take the shortest route if I''m not looking."


    "So when you were sitting on my bed earlier, you were harvesting hexes?"


    "Yes."


    She looked at the multiple holes scattered across his chest.


    She raised her arm toward him, but he didn''t move.


    She inched closer and ran her fingers across his body.


    "That''s... Horrible." She stared into his holes. "You need to keep better control."


    "You care about me, now?" mocked Mori.


    She didn''t answer, but sustained his gaze.


    "Huh. Well, the brand stays on your tongue, whatever it is you''re nning. I''ve taken care of adding a stronger one while I gave you my blood minutes ago."


    She took his wrist and started licking it. He was surprised, but quickly felt relief.


    "Ah, I guess without that, most of your victims would die from blood loss."


    "If I had any victims," she said.


    His open wound slowly closed until only a scar remained.


    She let go of his hand and looked around.


    "So what are we doing here?"


    "I need to harvest more hexes. Griswald was right. I''m weak, and lucky he drank your blood. I won''t have that kind of advantage over my next enemies, so I need to grow stronger. After that, I''ll take the ring back."


    She looked down at her hand wearing it.


    "Alright..."


    "Those are your officialmands: Keep the ring safe, keep the barrier on this domain up, and keep me above all else, safe."


    "I will."


    "Sadly, it''s probably toote for the maid, but you might want to keep some animals around if you need blood and feel hungry. Worst case, just drink mine."


    "Ah... My father usually provided me with some if I needed any. Probablyced with something too."


    "It reminds me, don''t take the stake out of his body."


    Aura frowned, but agreed, unsure why he gave her all those instructions.


    "Avoid unnecessarily moving me too, I don''t know what those things can do to you."


    Moriid against the stone, pulling his legs onto it.


    "When will you wake up? You''re making it sound like it''ll be a while."


    Mori closed his eyes, his head against the cold stone in the humid dungeon.


    He breathed deeply, preparing himself to go under and harvesting hexes.


    He spoke onest time.


    "In a year."

 Chapter 11: [1 year]

    Mori slowly woke up to the dungeon ceiling.


    His head felt incredibly heavy, just opening his eyes made him feel dizzy.


    His whole body was like a rock.


    He blinked a few times and moved his stiff neck to look down.


    Really?


    Heid his head against the cold stone again, closing his eyes.


    Aura was sleeping on top of him, her body heavily pressing against his.


    She slowly moved, repositioning herself.


    As if she had felt something, she suddenly spoke up.


    "Mori?"


    He opened his eyes again; the dizziness wasn''t gone, but the ceiling was, reced with her face inches from his.


    She hadn''t changed much, but he expected as much from a vampire.


    No. She did change.


    Her eyes were now of a deep and dark purple.


    He tried talking, but his throat couldn''t produce any words, only letting out a growl.


    She quickly got off him, stepping onto the cold floor next to his sacrificial bed.


    "Are you okay?" she asked, holding his cheek, then the side of his neck.


    He tried to move his arm, but it barely moved more than an inch.


    "Probably because of how long it''s been," she said.


    She raised her hand, and her short nails grew a few centimeters.


    She''s still wearing the ring.


    She grimaced, extending her tongue out, and proceeding to quickly cut it clean in half, the tip falling on the floor.


    He watched from the corner of his eyes as she approached, blood heavily flowing out.


    She held his face between her hands as she pressed her soft purple lips against his, forcing her tongue inside his mouth.


    He could feel the warm liquid flow down his mouth, and as it did, he started feeling his own blood flowing through his veins, from his heart to the tip of his finger.


    It felt as if he was a desert suddenly hit with a downpour.


    It wasn''t just delicious; it was intoxicating.


    He tightly grabbed her hair, his grip firmly holding her there, pressing her lips harder against his as he started sucking the blood out of her tongue.


    His other hand grabbed her back, his fingers applying pressure as he tightly pulled her body against his.


    After a good minute, he slowly stopped sucking, yet she didn''t try to break away.


    He let go of her and pushed her away.


    "Enough."


    She took a step back, closed her eyes for a few seconds while frowning, and opened them again.


    She pulled her tongue out of her mouth, inspecting it. It was back to normal.


    Mori rested his head against the stone surface before Aura loudly gasped.


    "Your... Your chest..."


    Mori looked down, the gaping holes he had across his chest had ck arms reaching out of it, grabbing at the surface around.


    They had eldritch features; the arms had multiple joints and bent in ways that weren''t human.


    The number of fingers itself seemed to be chosen at random, if it had any. Some of these arms resembled tentacles more than anything else.


    "Ah, they''re just excited to be back."


    He sat upright and looked at them while muttering.


    They slowly retracted, going back inside.


    Aura still disyed shock as she stepped forward and handed him a new shirt.


    He took it and quickly put it on.


    "Have you been down here the whole time?" he asked.


    "No, only the past year."


    He frowned. "How long was I gone?" he asked while getting up.


    "It''s been four years."


    He stopped moving, his gaze momentarily absent.


    He raised his hand and threw it forward, barely stopping it in time before pping her across the face.


    His visage twitched, he looked down at the floor and then at his hand next to her face, grabbing it with his other.


    "Why didn''t you try to dodge?"


    "If you wish to hurt me..."


    "Ah! No matter!" he yelled, furiously turning around.


    He punched the stone surface, causing his hand to bleed.


    "You will do as I say," he said, looking down. "No. I am in charge. Without me you''re NOTHING."


    "Mori-"


    He quickly turned around and punched her, her body hitting the wall meters away.


    "AH! You made me do it... Ah... Look at what you made me do... Look..."


    He turned around again and started pacing around the room.


    Aura was on the ground, she touched her cheek with slight disbelief before getting up again.


    "Mori," she said.


    "WHAT?!"


    "What happened?"


    His eyes darted around the room but ended on her. He started pacing faster.


    "If you continue... I''ll have no choice."


    "What choice?"


    "NOT YOU! Fuck! Isn''t she annoying? YOU WANTED THIS. Okay. This is what you want?


    Alright."


    As he was pacing in circles, things were trying to escape his body. They were getting out of his torso, one arm even grabbed his throat.


    Aura took a step toward him, but he quickly stopped her.


    "STAY AWAY. Against the wall."


    She took a few steps back, her back now against the wall.


    Mori took a few steps toward her, prompting her to close her eyes, but he quickly turned away again.


    "You''re forcing my hand..."


    She was holding her hands tightly together.


    A loud noise made her jump and shriek.


    She opened her eyes to dozens of chains going through his torso and piercing the walls on the other sides;


    "Mori!"


    "You asked for this," he said between groans.


    The chains were fairly small. They slowly detached from the walls, then wrapped around his arms and torso like he was wearing a straitjacket.


    It even went up to his neck, making a turn around it.


    The chains tightly held everything together, the unused extremities of it brushing against the floor.


    His upper body was fully bound.


    He turned around, his eyes glowing purple as he stared at her.


    "You''re safe," he said, breathing heavily, "For now, at least."


    "You''re finally back," she said.


    "You''re acting weird."


    "A lot happened."


    He turned toward the entrance.


    Griswald was standing there, looking at the both of them.


    "You freed him?"


    "I had to," she replied.


    "So, you want revenge, now?" asked Mori, turning toward him.


    He stepped forward; the chains clinking against each other on the ground.


    "He can''t talk," said aura.


    Ah, yeah. That was thest order I gave him.


    Before he started walking toward the exit, he opened his profile.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 1]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Fateweaver 1879892/2,216,838]


    [Health points: 5/5]


    [Cursed Energy: 1476892/1477892]


    [Magic: 10]


    [Strength: 3]


    [Defense: 2]


    [Agility: 1]

 Chapter 12: [Fresh Air]

    Mori walked up the stairs, his chains nking loudly as they trailed behind him, resonating on the walls with every step.


    Griswald''s face was a nk te, his former smug arrogance reced by a hollow emptiness that made him seem like a shadow of his former self.


    Mori broke the silence, "What happened during those four years?"


    "The first year was quite normal, but starting from the second year things changed."


    They were finally out, turning into the dining room, which remained as it was, neglected.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Attacks became a lot more frequent. People knew how to go through the ring''s defensive dome."


    After a few more steps, they were finally outside.


    The smell of fresh air filled his lungs, recing the dusty and damp atmosphere he had been breathing for years.


    The sun was up; it was early morning. Mori nced at Aura and Griswald but they seemed fine, their skin not tearing or burning.


    Before him, the scenery had changed from what it was years ago.


    The treeline had receded significantly, revealing a terrain of uneven dirt, with craters that appeared to be the aftermath of explosions.


    When he looked left, he finally saw it.


    A gruesome mountain of corpses loomed before them, reaching two meters high.


    The stench of decay hit Mori, a grotesque disy of fifty lives lost in brutalbat.


    "We didn''t know what to do with the corpses," said Aura.


    Some corpses still had decaying skin, while others were mainly skeletal. He could see all kinds of wounds, from burn marks to clean breaks.


    "You did all this?"


    "Yes."


    "Good."


    He noticed a soft smile as heplimented her. She stood there while he looked around.


    "So, what happened?" asked Mori again, turning toward her.


    Before she could answer, Griswald slightly bowed and went inside the mansion.


    "Ah, yes. We have something for you, he''ll retrieve it," she said.


    She looked innocent, but her eyes hinted at something darker, a shadow lurking in the depths of their purple hue.


    "Most of them are ''adventurers''. They''ve beening at us for a while. In increasing numbers, and stronger," she said.


    "Why did you say Adventurer that way?"


    She looked at the pile of corpses for a short moment, recalling distant memories.


    "Adventure Divers. That''s what they called themselves. I don''t know what it means."


    The chains on Mori''s body began to rattle as if something inside him was fighting against them.


    His face twitched with the clinking noise, and though his eyes burned with anger, he smiled.


    The chains suddenly became loose, letting his arm out of his straitjacket.


    As they undid themselves, he raised his right arm toward her head. She froze, holding her breath.


    "Good job," he said, patting her head.


    She softly smiled as he turned his gaze toward the pile of corpses.


    "Did they say anything else?" he asked.


    "They also knew about the ring. From what I understand, the bounty on this ce kept increasing. Eventually, people who came here knew about me, some even asked me to join them."


    Mori looked at her again, but his smile was gone.


    "Would you?"


    His voice betrayed his emotions, but it made no difference to Aura who knew the answer.


    "No."


    She sustained his gaze until he turned toward the pile again.


    He took a few steps forward, dragging the chains behind him while raising both arms toward the sky.


    "My sweet babies, my precious children... Go out there, and experience the world... Bring those ''Adventure Divers'' back home..."


    His body contorted, his human shape deformed by shapes visible to even Aura, who took a step back.


    They looked like an amalgamation of creatures. Some of them had insect features, while others looked like something out of the deep sea.


    All of them were pitch-ck, making their way out of his body.


    They crawled, rolled and walked toward the corpses.


    Mori closed his eyes as they kept pouring out.


    One of them was going toward Aura who took a few steps back. "Not that one," he stopped it.


    One by one, the corpses started moving as the eldritch beings entered them.


    The corpses were contorting, their shape changed their features, making some corpses taller with longer arms, while others were smaller.


    Some had horns, ws, scales, shark teeth... They all got in line before him, waiting.


    The chains went back up, tightening around Mori into a straitjacket again, making his devious expression soften.


    Before he could talk, Griswald had just arrived, with a folded piece of cloth in his hands.


    He bowed forward, offering it to Mori.


    "What is it?" he asked Aura.


    "A cloak, one of the adventurers had it. It helps hide one''s mana, Father thought it was an important item so we kept it. Now that you''re out of the dungeon, it''s easy to tell your cursed mana reaches far and wide, it''s actually raising the hair on the back of my neck..."


    "Give it to me."


    He turned, letting Aura put it on top of the chains, tying it around his neck, and resting it on his shoulders.


    As she did, she identally touched them, quickly withdrawing her hand.


    Mori sighed and turned toward her once she was done.


    He loosened his chains again, letting his arms out.


    He seized her neck, pulling her closer. His fingers dug into her skin as he used his other hand to pry open her mouth.


    She squirmed, taken by surprise.


    He grasped her tongue, scrutinizing it intently. Then, he traced a finger over her lips, feeling their texture.


    When he finished, he met her gaze, captivated by the striking brightness of her purple eyes.


    His grasp became tighter, his face close to hers.


    "Your brand is gone."


    She held onto his hand, her eyes teary while her face slowly became red.


    "Are you betraying me?" he asked.


    "What?!"


    Her tone wasn''t scared or apologetic, but mainly infuriated.


    She started squeezing his hand with ease, making him frown in surprise while his grip became weaker.


    "If I wanted to betray you, I would''ve done so a long time ago."


    Mori''s frown became deeper, as they both stared at each other.


    He had to let go.


    He gazed at Griswald, trying to feel the brand he put on him.


    "He has his, still."


    Mori waved his hand. Griswald simply bowed and walked toward the raised corpses and stood among them.


    "So," his tone was back to normal. "What are you still doing here, if your brand is gone?"


    "I''ve been a prisoner for 150 years. The whole time I thought I was sick. If you hadn''te here, I would still be in that room, reading books while slowly drinking poison until the day I''d be killed."


    "For that reason?"


    "Yes."


    He had a shortugh, surprising her.


    "You''ve done what I asked you 4 years ago, you''re free, now."


    But unlike what he expected, she stood still, not even smiling.


    "I know nothing of the outside world. People like us, vampires, don''t fit. Still, I want to see what this world-"


    "The world you''ll see with me won''t be pretty."


    "I don''t mind."


    Mori smiled.


    "You surprise me, Aura."


    She blushed while ying with her hair, her gaze holding his.


    "There''s also this," she said while running her finger on her lips. "After a while, drinking your blood started changing me. I can''t be satiated by human blood anymore."


    He stared a moment, in thought, then extended his index finger, the tip of it touching her neck.


    He closed his eyes while a hex slid around his arm, up to his finger.


    It wrapped around her neck, settling into her skin like a tattoo.


    "Another brand?" she asked, as the hex stopped moving.


    "You won''t be able to lie or betray me."


    "It''s not needed."


    She was touching her neck, but couldn''t feel anything from the mark on it.


    "Now that you''re awake, what are we doing?" she asked.


    "My n still holds. We''ll meet Asmodael."


    His hands started twitching and contorting, his fingers cracking as they moved back and forth.


    He wrapped his arms around his torso, the chains quickly absorbed them again.


    "As for you," he said, turning toward the corpses. "You know what to do."


    Griswald bowed as the corpses started walking toward the forest.


    "If you somehow survive, and raze the towns sending these adventurers, I''ll let you speak again."


    He stopped bowing and joined the corpses, who left a broken path behind them, disappearing into the forest.


    "We''ll be on our way as well," said Mori.


    Aura nodded, and they started walking the opposite way.

 Chapter 13: [Bad Omen]

    [On The Road]


    "So, where are we going?" asked Aura, her curiosity breaking the silence.


    They walked along the main path leading out of Griswald''s domain.


    The sky was a blue tapestry with barely a cloud, and the heat was just shy of ufortable.


    As they distanced themselves from the mansion, the cacophony of nature reasserted itself, birds chirping and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze.


    It was the first time he left that old mansion, and while he had seen all of this while ying the game, being there for real was another feeling.


    "The demon realm''s capital, Dustriver."


    "And what then?" she asked.


    "We''ll hope giving Asmodael the ring will win his favor. DiveCore has moved fast. Those "Adventure Divers" are probably fixing the poption problem."


    "What poption problem?"


    "I see no reason to send that many adventurers to Griswald''s domain. They just used you to help cull the poption in nearby towns."


    "How many came from your world?"


    "From what I''ve heard, billions."


    Aura arched her eyebrows. Billion wasn''t a number used in everyday life.


    "So, DiveCore is our enemy?"


    Mori stopped walking and grabbed her shoulder, sinking his fingers in.


    "They''re to be killed on sight."


    "Yes. I got it. On sight," she replied.


    He let her go, looking at his own hand confused.


    "Let''s just go."


    They finally arrived at their first crossroad after walking half an hour.


    They continued on the path forward.


    The nature wasn''t changing much; they were surrounded by greenery and wildlife.


    A little further down the road on the horizon, he could see a carriage at a standstill.


    "Can you see what''s happening there?" he asked Aura.


    She narrowed her eyes. "There''s demonfolks attacked by an ogre and some humans. It''s an impressive one too, two and a half meters tall."


    "Are they winning?"


    "No. Should we help them?" she asked, ncing at him.


    He looked behind him; he was still wearing his chains that were dragging on the ground.


    With his thoughts, he reeled them in, hiding them under the cloak.


    "We''ll see."


    As they drew closer, it became evident that the demonfolks were struggling.


    The humans, meanwhile, lounged back, watching the ogre''s rampage with cruel amusement.


    The ogre swung its enormous club, each strike sending tremors through the ground.


    "It''s controlled, look at its neck," said Aura.


    "The metal choker?"


    "Yes. One of them is most likely its master."


    As she said that, she started massaging her own, inscribed on her skin.


    "I''m not your ''master''. You''re free to leave whenever you want," Mori reminded her.


    She red at Mori, who ignored her.


    The humans'' equipment was rudimentary. Basic leather and cheap metal tes.


    One wielded a sword, another a staff, while thest seemed unarmed.


    "I''m telling you! With this, I''ll have a nice promotion. I might be a DiveCore Manager before you," said the taller one.


    "You''re lucky your ss lets you enve monsters easily. All I''m good for is swinging this junk," said the swordsman.


    "Just tell the ogre to stop ying. We don''t have all day," said the third, a hint of impatience in his tone.


    "There is this [Bad Omen] I''ve prophesied. If you move, it''s death," Mori intoned, his voice resonating with a dark authority.


    They spun around, their shoulders jumping from the surprise.


    "What... are you?!" asked the first one looking at Mori.


    He seemed to be stuck on his hair and eyes, and while they were barely visible, the chains under his cloak.


    "That one''s a vampire!" pointed out the other one. "Probably that bitch that keeps killing adventurers at Griswald''s mansion! I thought she couldn''t leave that ce."


    "Makes sense. That''s next door."


    They exchanged looks, uncertainty clouding their judgment.


    "Hey, uh, you think we can handle a vampire?" whispered the swordsman.


    He was trembling, barely holding his sword while cold sweat ran down his face.


    "Uh, I don''t know. Never tried. You just do it. Go ahead," said the unarmed man.


    "A damn vampire, and during the daytime too?!" he muttered to himself.


    He lifted his foot, but it froze mid-air, trembling uncontrobly.


    Panic overtook him as he copsed, clutching his head.


    "What are you doing?! Just keep going! Fuck it, OGRE, Come back here," yelled the tall man.


    The swordsman shrieked, holding his head in his hands as if his eyes were going to pop out. "FUCK! FUCK! I can''t do it!"


    "What the fuck is your problem? And you wonder why you can''t get promotions?! Alright, you''re a mage right?" he turned to the one with a staff. "Just throw something at them, until the Ogre gets here."


    "There is this [Bad Omen] I''ve prophesied. If you use magic, it''s death," coldly said Mori.


    They were all startled again.


    The man didn''t even lift his staff, he simply stood there frozen.


    "Y''all getting scared cuz of his threats?!"


    Mori started walking forward, followed by Aura.


    "Deal with Ogre," he said.


    "Got it," she replied, blurring past them.


    "You keep ming your friends, but you haven''t taken a single step yourself," said Mori, a meter from the man.


    The man''s attempt to step back was futile.


    His pupils dted, breathing in ragged gasps, fingers twitching uncontrobly.


    "What is it? Are you too scared? Do you feel shortness of breath? Do you feel impending doom? Are you having a heart attack?" Mori''s voice was a cold, relentless whisper.


    "F-f-f-f...." he stuttered.


    "F-?"


    "I-I ha-v-ve a f-f-family."


    "There is this [Bad Omen] I''ve prophesied. If you don''t stab this man, it''s death."


    Their eyes darted around as they processed what they heard.


    "G-guys! Don''t listen to him, y-you can''t-"


    Panic set in. The one with the staff grabbed a knife, while the swordsman pointed his de toward him.


    The knife plunged into his stomach repeatedly, each thrust apanied by a guttural scream.


    Blood sttered, his cries echoing through the road. The swordsman joined in, their frenzied assault unrelenting until the many silent and still.


    Mori watched impassively as they continued stabbing the lifeless body, a grim ritual to stave off their terror.

 Chapter 14: [Titan]

    "How long will they stab him?" whispered Aura.


    "I don''t know."


    They stood there, watching as they kept stabbing the lifeless corpse with desperation in every movement.


    Aura nced at Mori''s expression, but couldn''t figure out what he was thinking.


    He was eerily staring at the scene without disying any emotion.


    A voice grabbed their attention. "Thank you."


    They turned around, two demonfolks were standing next to each other.


    The first one, a woman, had two short but pointy horns. Her hair was jet-ck, and while her slender figure was beautiful, the one thing that stood out was a scar going all around her neck.


    The man next to her looked simr, with equally ck hair and simr horns but no scars.


    Brother and sister?


    "I''m Maya, this is my brother Torryn."


    "Why were they attacking you?" asked Mori.


    They both confusedly looked at each other.


    "We left our assigned town," she answered.


    "Assigned town?"


    "You... don''t know? I guess you''re not demons, but still, a vampire and ... whatever you are should know. What are you, actually?" said Maya.


    "We''re not from around here," answered Mori.


    "Alright, keep your secrets. Can''tin after you saved us," she softly smiled. "Every non-human is assigned a city. We didn''t have the money to leave our assigned city, and there was no work there for us, besides the mines. Both of us have no mining affinity, and just renting the mining equipment ate what we made."


    Mori looked up in thought, confusion on his face.


    "I doubt Asmodael would do such a thing. The demon king? Did hee back already?" he asked.


    "No... Humans did. You''re really not from around here... Been 3 years now that they''ve taken control of half the continent. They keep expanding to the north, which is the only hope we have."


    "Why are you heading toward Dustriver, then?" he asked.


    "The border is tightly guarded and in constant battles, but there''s a rumored demon in Dustriver who can help us cross it. That''s what we''ve heard."


    The atmosphere around Mori was heavy. His chains were rattling, he closed his eyes but his face still betrayed his emotions.


    The two demonfolks took a step back, while Aura stood there.


    "What is it?" whispered Aura.


    "It''s my fault," he said between his teeth.


    He turned around, looking at the ogre Aura had killed.


    He took his cloak off, letting it fall to the ground, his chains undid themselves and started iling around as if a heavy wind were moving them.


    "This is all my fault."


    His voice was dark, deep, and coarse.


    As he spoke, his throat twisted and his body contorted in unnatural ways.


    Something big wasing out.


    Nothing like the small hexes he had summoned earlier.


    Maya and and Torryn ran back to the carriage, hiding behind it with its driver, while Aura took a few steps back.


    His head was thrown backward and his mouth opened as something huge was getting out of it.


    It was not humanely possible, yet something meters wide and tall was getting out.


    Its eldritch features were as grotesque as all the other ones, but its dreaded aura was heavy.


    The air was thicker and heavier; the sky felt darker; happiness was as good as gone.


    All that remained, was fear.


    It slowly got out, its limbs reaching out on all sides. It towered above everyone, it had no eyes and not even a face.


    The ck mass made its way to the Ogre, slowly entering it and deforming its body.


    The Ogre was already tall, but its body was breaking up.


    The joints broke, and the arms and legs extended.


    It was getting taller by the second, its skin burning up revealing a skeletal figure behind it.


    The whole body had a red glow in-between bones and inside the eye sockets.


    Its clothes were now rags barely covering it, the tips of those rags lighting up, glowing red from the heat generated and creating thin smoke lines.


    Even Aura who was used to Mori''s cursed energy was frozen in fear.


    This thing was easily 15 meters tall, the tree branches were burning up as they came in contact with it.


    "I''ve waited too long. 4 years is all it took them to bring their dystopian ideals into this world," said Mori coldly.


    "DiveCore?" asked Aura.


    "Yeah."


    The raised titan kneeled down, setting his open hand on the ground.


    As he was going toward it, a voice stopped him.


    "What are you doing?"


    It was Maya who spoke up; she hade out of her hiding spot, slowly walking toward Mori while still staring at the monster.


    He turned around, "I''m going to Dustriver."


    "And what will you do, once you''re there?" she asked.


    Mori''s cold stare was worth a thousand words.


    "Take me with you," said Maya.


    "Are you crazy?!" her brother spoke up.


    "Someone as strong as him can do it! Look at this thing!"


    "That''s not enough! He''ll do some damage, but once they dispatch heroes he won''tst long. Even Asmodael lost."


    Maya turned to Mori. "You can do it? Can''t you? Free Dustriver?"


    "Free Dustriver? I''ll kill as many humans as I can. Whether Dustriver is freed is up to them."


    "But, aren''t you human?" asked Aura.


    Mori''s re was cold and intense, causing her to quickly break eye contact.


    "Take me with you!" said Maya again.


    "Stop it! Maya!" said her brother.


    She ignored him. "I know the way and the city. We were born there before being disced. I can tell you where the humans live."


    "Hop on." He pointed toward the titan''s open palm.


    "Maya! What are you doing?! This is too dangerous, you don''t even know this guy."


    "We would already be dead if that''s what they wanted. You''ve seen what they did to the ogre. This person might be able to do it. They just might..."


    She hopped on the hand, and turned around looking at her brother.


    "I''ll be fine. Don''t worry about me."


    "You''re crazy if you think I''ll let you go with this person alone..." he said between his teeth as he stomped his way toward the titan''s hand.


    As Torryn hopped on the hand, Mori looked at the carriage. The driver was hiding behind it, peeking out once in a while.


    Aura approached Mori, concerned.


    "We can''t possibly attack a whole city..." she said.


    "Stay here, if you''re scared."


    She pped him; the sound echoed to the siblings. They both raised their eyebrows, in shock.


    "How about you stop treating me like I''m unimportant?" said Aura in a dry tone.


    Mori took a step closer, grabbing her dress and violently yanking her toward him.


    She held his gaze, as he stared her down, their foreheads practically touching.


    She was meeting his eyes, until he pushed her back, and pped her as well.


    She stumbled a few steps back, palming her cheek but still holding his gaze.


    "Fine," he said. "You want me to use you so bad, then I will. Step on the hand. Now."

 Chapter 15: [Titans shoulder]

    Mori stood on the shoulder of the titan with Maya by his side, while Torryn and Aura were on the other one.


    The titan was slowly walking forward, its step loud and heavy.


    "What''s your name? You never told us," said Maya.


    "Mori."


    "So, you''re not from here, are you?"


    "No I''m not."


    "Are you a necromancer?"


    Her questions annoyed him, but her innocent tone was slightly soothing through the rage-filled sea he was navigating.


    He sighed. "I''m the Cursed Sovereign. I can''t bring the dead back, but I use their bodies to host those hexes I''ve gathered."


    He looked her up and down. "I probably can do it with alive ones too."


    Maya''s shoulders slightly jumped as shivers ran down her spine.


    "Yeah, I''ll pass, frankly."


    He was staring at the horizon before him, in thought.


    She broke the silence again. "Still. A sovereign. It''s impressive, There''s only a dozen of them. Even heroes would have a hard time against you, unless they''re sovereigns themselves."


    Mori was barely listening, but something came to his mind. "Why didn''t the Ogre drop anything?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "He didn''t drop precious stones, gold, that kind of stuff."


    "Ah. That''s what you mean. Monsters give exp and loot, but this one was named. Once you tame a monster or give it a name, it''s not considered a monster anymore. The same goes for the big guy here," she said pointing at the titan.


    Makes sense. Otherwise, summoners would be Exp factories. I''m still level 1. My Cursed Path is strong, but I''ll need a higher level to handle higher-level cursed spells.


    "Are there any interesting dungeons in the area?" asked Mori.


    She held her chin, grimacing while thinking.


    "How can you be so rxed? My cursed energy is strong. While I''m wearing those chains and this cloak it''s toned down, but the titan''s aura is still heavy."


    She looked at him, surprised.


    "I guess you''re right... It is strange. My brother and I are used to it. We were often sent to the deepest parts of the mines, and simr energy was umted there. Of course, on the days we couldn''t afford two sets of equipment, I would go without it. He often says I''ve gone crazy because of that," she said, brightly smiling.


    He patted her head. "You''ve been strong."


    "Thanks, I tried, at least."


    There was a turmoil in Mori''s mind. As he patted her head, watching her smile, something horrible was rising inside him.


    On the other shoulder, Aura was looking at the scene, concerned.


    As the evening went by, the sun was about to set. Maya talked the whole time, but Mori learned to tune her out.


    "My feet are sore, and my back hurts. How about we continue tomorrow?" she said.


    "Alright."


    The titan kneeled, raising both hands to his shoulders to offer a ride down to the ground.


    Once they were on the ground, the titan remained motionless, while they walked around the area.


    They had found a small clearingrge enough for all of them.


    "I''ll get some wood for a fire," said Torryn.


    "I''ll help you!" said Maya, happy to be moving around.


    Aura slowly approached Mori as the other two left into the woods around.


    "Aren''t we going too fast?" she asked, concerned.


    "Not fast enough. I should''ve only been gone a year. I''ve given them too much time."


    "You think they''re behind everything?"


    "I know they are."


    He sat on the ground, looking up as the sun set under the trees, shades of pinkyered through the clouds in the sky.


    Aura sat next to him, their shoulders slightly touching.


    "Just do it," said Mori.


    She looked at him, confused.


    "I''ve seen how you look at me. You want some of my blood. Just take it."


    Her pupils narrowed, brightly glowing purple as she looked at him.


    Without waiting any longer, she sat on hisp, facing him.


    The chains loosened up, giving her more space as she slowly inched forward.


    Her hands slowly approached his neck, she repeatedly looked into his eyes.


    "It''s not your first time. Just do it."


    Nails sunk into his skin as she started grabbing it tighter.


    Her face approached his, her lips gently caressing his cheek while not quite touching it.


    He could feel herbored breathing while her hands trembled. She was trying to stay in control.


    She gently kissed his cheek, over and over while slowly going down.


    Reaching for his throat, she pushed him t on the ground,ying on top of him.


    She tightly grabbed his hair, licking his neck while her breathing steadily became faster.


    Her nails kept sinking into his skin, she couldn''t control it anymore. Her teeth pierced his skin sshing his blood around.


    Gargling sounds mixed with her exhales right next to his ear, she was so close he could smell the same perfume he did in her room all that time ago.


    One thing he noticed was how the blood sttering around wasn''t as red as it used to be.


    Maybe that''s why her eyes and lips changed color.


    "I think we''re interrupting something..."


    Maya''s voice, apanied by Torryn''s.


    "Let''s give them space?"


    "Yeah."


    Mori grabbed Aura''s shoulders, pushing her back.


    His mouth, however, froze open as he saw what she looked like.


    Teeth in a triangr shape, as if she were a shark or a feral dog snarling.


    Blood dripped from her mouth while it slowly regained its normal state. Her teeth changed form while her pupils dted back to normal.


    "It''s fine. We''re done," said Mori.


    Aura, still on hisp, started fixing his wound while the siblings hesitantly came forward.


    "Sooo..." started Maya, "Is she really a vampire? Looks like she was trying to eat your neck."


    "She is."


    Or was.


    "We''ve got the wood, at least."


    They dropped branches on the ground, making an awkward pile.


    Have they never made a fire before?


    "Aura?"


    "Yeah, I''ll get more, it''s starting to be cold."


    "Was this not enough?" asked Maya.


    "It''s fine," smiled Aura.


    Once Aura returned, they all sat around the fire, staring at it silently while it sputtered through the night.


    Maya and Torryn used sticks to prepare what looked like bread dough. It smelled good but Mori had no appetite.


    He simply watched them as they alternated who would get the next piece, adding cheese that melted on top of it.


    "Tomorrow, we''ll reach Dustriver."


    Maya and Torryn turned toward Mori.


    "Already?"


    "We were already close."


    "I''m surprised you know the ce so much while not being from here," said Maya.


    "We''ll continue by foot once we''re close. I''ll leave this titan in the outskirts."


    "Did you change your mind about killing the humans in there?"


    Mori''s eyes met Maya''s.


    She could feel the murderous intent in his gaze, making her drop the bread.


    Her hands trembled as she quickly picked it up.


    "They will remember that deathes for everyone."


    "Then why are we leaving this thing on the outskirts?" asked Torryn.


    "We''ll find that person who''ll help you cross the border first," said Mori.


    Aura frowned while looking at him.


    As if he could read her mind, he met her eyes.


    "The n didn''t change. We''ll just find that person first."

 Chapter 16: [Dustriver]

    "What does he look like?" asked Mori.


    "I don''t know," said Maya.


    He rolled his eyes.


    They had been walking for around an hour, leaving the cursed titan far behind.


    "Someone must''ve told you what to do once in Dustriver?"


    "All I know is that he''s called the Ferryman. We nned to look around the demon districts, ask around."


    Mori sighed and looked at Aura.


    "What do you think?"


    "We could start with taverns. Information circtes around those ces."


    "You''re right."


    They were walking through an open field, the high walls of Dustriver were right ahead.


    The walls went high and wide, the gate impressivelyrge as well.


    As they approached a line of people formed before them, most of them demons who wore rags and chokers.


    A hardened expression painted Mori''s face as they went to the back of the line.


    "The carriage''s driver was our way in. How will we get in?" whispered Maya.


    "It''ll be fine."


    As if an electric shock suddenly went through their bodies, both Aura and Mori quickly looked up at the sky.


    "It''s cursed energy, sent our way on purpose," said Mori.


    Narrowing their eyes, they tried to look through the clouds but couldn''t see anything.


    "You see it?" asked Aura.


    "No."


    "There," she pointed, "He''s hovering."


    Following her finger, he could finally see it. Someone hovering through the clouds in the sky, wearing a long ck robe that looked like torn rags.


    "What is it?" asked Maya.


    "You think he''s one of them?" asked Aura.


    "Impossible to know," replied Mori.


    "Guys, answer me? What is it?" said Maya.


    Clouds slowly engulfed the person, leaving no trace behind.


    "We''ll have to be careful," said Mori.


    "You''re doing this on purpose, aren''t you?" said Maya.


    "Someone was watching us," said Mori.


    "Who?" asked Maya.


    "We don''t know. It doesn''t matter."


    "I felt nothing," said Torryn.


    "Same," said Maya.


    "It doesn''t matter. It''s almost our turn. Let''s deal with this first."


    After slowly advancing, a step at a time, it was almost their turn to deal with the guards.


    They were human, wearing full-te armor. It was boasting a version of the DiveCore logo Mori recognized.


    It looked like a half moon, and a crescent moon crossing each other.


    They seemed to hate their job, barely looking at what people handed them.


    Most humans easily went through the gates, their backs only straightened when it was demons waiting in line.


    Behind the gate were a lot more guards, sitting at tables ying card games and drinking beer despite it only being early afternoon.


    Whenever it was a demon''s turn, two of them would rise from a table, and take the new arrival away in chains.


    "You can''t do this! I have a permit!" yelled one of them.


    "Yeah yeah, Next!"


    Mori took a step forward as he watched the man being taken away.


    "Ah. You''re... Human? Paul! Paul! Come."


    His colleague slowly walked toward them, stumbling on the even ground.


    "Yeah. Human... What''s with your eyes man?"


    "I was given a fortune teller ss, my eyes can predict if something good or bad will happen to you."


    "Really? You''re a fortune teller?" the man stumbled closer, holding Mori''s shoulders while approaching his face.


    Aura twitched, but remained silent, staying behind Mori with the other two.


    "What''s my future?" he asked, his breath reeking of alcohol.


    "Come-on Paul, you''re holding the line now."


    "It''s fine! Just a qu- uhh, quick fortune telling."


    Anger was flowing through Mori''s veins despite his expression not showing.


    He suddenly felt Aura''s hand on his shoulder, slightly calming him down.


    "I see your future."


    "Yeah?"


    "You''ll die a horrible death. You won''t be remembered. Those who love you won''t grieve you for long, because they''ll die too."


    Paul stumbled backward, frightened.


    "He''s messing with you man," said the other guard.


    "b- but..."


    "Just go sit, you''re barely standing."


    Once he left, the other guard approached.


    "Alright, you didn''t need to go that far. So, are they with you?" he asked, pointing at Aura, Maya, and Torryn.


    "Yeah. I bought them recently."


    The guard raised his eyebrows, "Two females, and a male... That''s fine. But uh, is she...?"


    "A vampire? Yes."


    "You must be rich to have one of those..."


    "I was just lucky."


    "Huh."


    The guard was rubbing his chin, looking at each of them.


    "Alright, just show me the ve contracts and I''ll let you in."


    ve contracts?


    "Just let us in. We''ve been on the road long enough, and we''re tired."


    The guard grabbed his hilt while taking a step back.


    "The contracts."


    The other guards heard him raise his voice, half of them standing up to join him.


    Mori''s chains started rattling under his cloak, the pressure intensifying.


    The guard started unsheathing his sword, but before he could finish, their attention was diverted to the ins on the right.


    Everyone''s head turned as a whistling sound started intensifying.


    "Not again..." said the guard, walking past Mori. "Guys another one''sing!"


    The whistling sound intensified until something struck, the vibration echoing through the ground.


    Smoke quickly dispersed, dirt propelled on all sides from the impact.


    "Fuck! Fuck! Guys I need everyone!" yelled the guard.


    Mori could see the remaining guards taking their equipment from the tables, awkwardly putting on their helmets and taking their swords as they headed outside.


    "Y''all better ignore everything she says, or I''ll kill you myself, you fuckers!"


    In the impact zone, Mori finally noticed the person standing was a female.


    She had pinkish skin, her eyes were ck, yet her irises were purple.


    Her skimpy clothes revealed her erotic hourss figure.


    Her body proportions were outrageous, thought Mori.


    As he looked at her, she quickly nced at him, smiling and blowing him a kiss.


    "You know her?" whispered Aura.


    "No."


    The guards kept pouring out until none remained at the tables.


    "Remember! Avoid looking into her eyes. She could charm you."


    They quickly encircled her, weapons drawn ready to strike.


    Suddenly, she softly used her chin to point toward the gate, prompting Mori to react.


    "Let''s go, she''s distracting them."


    Quickly, they ran through the gate together. As they crossed it, a table was hidden behind the wall.


    One guard remained, too scared to even step outside, figured Mori.


    "Hey! You can''t..."


    Mori''s chain quickly detached from his body and went from under his cloak toward the guard.


    It reached his throat, piercing it before swiftly retracting back toward him, sttering blood on the ground with every spin.


    The guard tried screaming but couldn''t. He held his wound, unable to keep it from bleeding, slowly falling to his knees.


    They kept running forward, taking the first turn they could, fading into the narrow backstreets of Dustriver.

 Chapter 17: [Succubus]

    "Aren''t we far enough?" asked Torryn at the back.


    Everyone slowed down, Maya and Torryn sat down against the darkened wall, catching their breath.


    The backstreets were extremely narrow, running while avoiding the trash littering the ground wasn''t an easy task.


    Breathing was also a pain, the rotten egg smell following them no matter how far they ran.


    Torryn and Maya didn''t seem to be bothered, while Aura''s nose clearly looked ufortable.


    "How... are you not tired?" asked Maya out of breath.


    Mori and Aura looked at each other and shrugged.


    "We only ran 10 minutes."


    "Well... it felt like 30," said Torryn.


    "So, this is a city, finally I set foot in one," said Aura while looking upward.


    "We''ll have time to admire itter, let''s go back on the main roads. We need-" Mori paused.


    Everyone looked at him, waiting for him to continue. After a moment, Aura broke the silence.


    "Mori?"


    "Huh."


    "What is it?" asked Maya.


    "Money. We have none."


    "You guys are like super strong, don''t you even have a little? How about you, Aura?" asked Maya.


    "I didn''t think about it," said Aura. "There''s a lot of gold at the mansion..."


    "I can use [Bad Omen]. What we do now won''t matter much in a few days," said Mori.


    "Really?"


    Everyone turned around, behind them was the same person who had fallen from the sky moments ago.


    Pink and smooth skin, her body''s shape so perfect it was vulgar.


    Her breasts were barely held together by her skimpy top, she was practically walking around in underwear, showboating her indecent figure.


    Her thin waist just made her ass look that much bigger, and since she was rather tall, it just meant more to look at.


    Torryn''s eyes were stuck, unable to look away from that obscene body. Maya quickly used her hands to obstruct his sight.


    Torryn tried to stop her, but Maya was stronger.


    "Should I kill her?" asked Aura with her nails up.


    "Kill me? We just met... and I saved you."


    Her eyes were stuck on Mori, who noticed her irises were heart-shaped.


    "She''s a subus, she has a passive charm spell. Keep Torryn''s eyes closed. It wouldn''t hurt him, but he''d probably do stupid things."


    "What?!" said Torryn.


    "I wouldn''t mind if you did stupid things to me," she said to Mori.


    "Alright, I''ll kill her," Aura''s nails grew taller and sharper.


    "What''s your name?" asked Mori, as he grabbed Aura''s shoulder.


    "Le, and I take it you''re Mori."


    "How does she know?" asked Maya.


    "She''s been following us," said Aura.


    "And only Mori noticed," she said, slowly licking her lips.


    "Thanks for the diversion," said Mori, "but I''ll kill you myself if you get in my way."


    Her casual expression faltered a moment.


    "What do you want?" asked Aura.


    "We could tell, you''re kind of strong. However, you mustn''t do anything rash in the next few days. I fear our ns might collide."


    "Who''s ''we''?" asked Aura.


    "It''s a secret," she replied with her usual erotic smile.


    "Oh-hoh, is it?" asked Mori,ughing.


    nking noises made Aura look behind her. Le realized something was up as she saw shadows moving between Aura''s feet, but it was toote.


    From under Aura, Mori''s chains quickly went toward Le who had started her jumping motion.


    Maya quickly grabbed Torryn and ran behind Mori whose chain had reached Le mid-jump.


    Her upward motion was stopped like a dog getting yanked by a chain around their neck.


    "Where are you going?" asked Mori with an arrogant tone.


    "You little..." started Le.


    Aura who had stepped sideways, quickly grabbed the chain and pulled it in one quick motion, her hands slightly burning as she touched it.


    Le''s expression was one of pure fear, as she hit the ground head first, her bodyying t on the cold stone.


    Mori put his feet on the chain right in front Le''s face, she tried moving but she was stuck on the floor.


    "What a lewd smell, everything about you is vulgar," said Mori.


    "Let me go! Ahh!"


    Mori''s foot was on top of her head, slowly pushing down.


    "Why''s my magic not working?! What did you do to me?!"


    "Those chains have sealing properties, but they''re weak. I can barely seal myself with them, it just means you''re that much weaker."


    Mori moved his foot from her head to her neck.


    He applied pressure, making her choke while she drooled on the floor. Her hands were grabbing around, looking for a hold.


    Using a second chain, he whipped her back, leaving a bloodied line behind.


    As he did, a new feeling rose in him. Something he had never felt before.


    He whipped it again, again and again. Her back was bright red, blood dripping on both sides.


    Then her ass. He kept striking without thinking twice about it.


    Mori''s eyes were intense, fixated on Le who was making noises at every crack of his chain.


    He was barely in control, as if violence was second nature to him. The chains were rattled, the nking intensified and his cursed energy became heavier, leaking out despite his cloak and chains.


    "Stop."


    Mori''s head quickly turned toward Aura who spoke up.


    "You want what she''s having?!"


    Both his eyebrows raised as she loudly pped him, adding some color to his pale cheek.


    "She''s clearly had enough."


    "I decide what''s enough."


    Mori stared at Aura, who wasn''t budging.


    "Mori." Aura''s tone was extremely dry, stopping at every word. "She''s. been. moaning. every. time.


    you. hit. her."


    Mori''s eyes narrowed. He looked down, Le was out of it, her zed eyes stared into oblivion while her legs trembled.


    "Fuck."


    He let go of her, undoing the chokehold he had on her with his foot.


    Only the chain around her neck remained.


    "I can''t keep his eyes closed forever, guys," said Maya.


    Mori turned around and kneeled in front of Torryn. He raised a finger, a small ck me appearing at the end of it, approaching it toward the middle of his eyebrows.


    Maya quickly grabbed Torryn and took a step back. "What are you doing?!"


    "A perception curse."


    Maya eyes darted around, looking at Aura forfort.


    "Just do it, already," said Torryn.


    "But," started Maya.


    "Listen, at this point it would make no sense for Mori and Aura to do something to us. They probably wouldn''t waste their time like this. Just let him do it, so I can finally open my eyes."


    "Alright! Alright, just do it."


    "Good," said Mori.


    He touched the middle between his eyebrows, a small symbol appeared like ink on his skin.


    "You''re now cursed, Torryn. I''ll tell you how to undo itter."


    Behind him, Le was still softly moaning, they looked at her unsure what to do next.

 Chapter 18: [Xannos]

    Mori stood there, staring at Le''s back, lost in thought.


    Inflicting pain was so... easy. It felt natural; good, even.


    Is this who I am? Have I always liked this?


    He felt Aura''s hand on his shoulder.


    "We should go."


    "Sure," replied Mori.


    They turned around and headed for the main streets, leaving Le behind.


    Exiting the alleyways brought a nice breeze they couldn''t feel earlier, changing the foul smell for something tolerable.


    The road was significantlyrger but had fewer people than he remembered while ying the game.


    Mori pointed right, "Alright, you see the fountain there?"


    Where a few roads converged a fountainid in the middle, a statue representing demonkind.


    It was a real demon from the demon realm holding a half-demon.


    There were no real demons in this realm; or shouldn''t be any at this stage, yet.


    Both looked quite different, but it was beautiful in its own way.


    "We''ll meet there at sundown."


    "Are we splitting up?" asked Maya.


    "Yeah. Make sure to find out if this ''ferryman'' exists. See you all at dusk."


    Mori turned around and started walking down the street while the others tried to figure out what they wanted to do.


    Finally. I won''t be bothered for a while.


    Walking down the street, he looked on both sides, most shops looked empty, barely any people in them.


    Most people who were shopping looked like human adventurers. They all wore DiveCore''s colors, walking around like they owned the ce.


    His heartbeat sped up at the sight of that logo, his gaze nk with rage.


    He took a deep breath.


    Everything in due time. Whether it''s now or in a few days.


    While walking, he opened his profile and looked at his professions.


    Everything was at level 1, and most of these professions he knew he''d never level up.


    [Woodcutting][Mining][Gathering][...]


    He wasn''t paying attention to the street until that one shop caught the corner of his eye.


    It had a giant parchment paper with a rune in the middle of it.


    He went toward it, opening the door which rang the bell attached to it.


    The air inside was dry, it smelled like any old library, with a stronger ent on the ink with its distinct smell.


    There wasn''t much inside besides some paper, ink or feathers to buy, it all looked the same to Mori.


    He could hear someone running from the back, all the way to the door behind the counter.


    It mmed open, revealing a younger man with horns. He looked exhausted, with dark bags under his eyes.


    His right hand seemed to be uncontrobly trembling, as he held it with his left.


    "Wee to Engrave Encounters! Anything you need for your inscription deeds!"


    Is that really the name of this ce?


    "I''d like to learn the inscription profession."


    The man''s eyebrow arched. "For what purpose?"


    "Is it a problem?"


    "Well no, but, most people disregard it nowadays."


    Mori''s expression disyed genuine surprise.


    Then again, I yed this game solo, so I don''t really know what the ''meta'' was.1


    "Inscription is one of the best professions. Whoever doesn''t think so is simply stupid," said Mori.


    "RIGHT? RIGHT? Oh man, I''m telling ya, ever since these humans arrived nobody paid attention to inscription. I''m barely keeping this shop running."


    The man''s tone had suddenly changed for something more casual.


    Mori didn''t mind, rather, he thought he was lucky to find someone passionate.


    "I''m level 1 in inscription. I have no money, but I could really use a teacher to get started."


    The man looked Mori up and down.


    "Well, it''s gettingte..." the man was biting his lips, in thought. "Okay, let''s do it tomorrow. I''ll teach you, but if clientse around, they''ll be my priority. "


    "That''s perfect with me."


    "Just curiosity, but are you looking to seal your cursed energy?"


    Is it that obvious?


    The man continued. "Ah, don''t worry. I don''t mind it. It''s pretty weak, but I''m assuming you''re hiding most of it with that cloak."


    "I''m using this cloak, and under it chains with sealing properties. The chains are restraining and undoing them every time I need my arms is tedious."


    "Hmmm." the man was in thought, staring at the ceiling.


    His gaze went back to Mori.


    "The art of inscription has its uses. It''s a lot weaker than the enchanting profession, but a lot more versatile and precise. With inscription, you wouldn''t need to do dungeons to drop soulstones on monsters to recharge anything."


    The man was now pacing back and forth behind the counter, his face brightly smiling.


    "You could even absorb that energy... Why didn''t I think of this?! If enchanting can do it, so can we... But how? We''d need something to inscribe on, with a big mana capacity. If we found something specifically good with cursed energy...


    How much are we dealing with? Can you show me?"


    Despite his exhausted face, the man truly looked energized by the conversation, his eyes wide open and his smile shining brightly.


    "I can''t," Mori pointed toward the windows. "It''s too much. You''ll get unwanted attention."


    "Ah don''t worry, I sealed this shop with a lot of different things when the humans came. Your energy shouldn''t leak out."


    "Alright."


    Mori undid the cloak, letting it fall to the ground. His arms were then reabsorbed by the chains swirling around his chest.


    As the cloak dropped on the floor, the air became heavier. Breathing was moreborious as if Mori''s energy reced the oxygen.


    The man''s hands were on the counter, as he struggled to stay up. He was sweating, and his eyes were stuck on Mori.


    He had a wide smile, his eyes were wide circles. He looked entranced by the disy.


    As he looked toward the windows, Mori could see the inscriptions on the walls activating, probably keeping his energy in.


    After a few seconds, he picked up the cloak and put it back on.


    "This... This-THIS is amazing. I''ve never seen that much energy. Your mana is pure cursed energy... and that''s with the chains?! You must be quite strong...


    We''ll need stronger inscription than what I did here. Man, just absorbing this will require quite the artifact."


    "So I take it you''ll teach me inscription?"


    "Oh.. yes,e back tomorrow," absently said the man. "What ink should we even use? We could inscribe the chains... his skin? Oh the pain, but maybe he''d do it...


    If he doesn''t mind the pain we could carve his skin... I do have the right feather for it... oh where did I put it..."


    As Mori headed for the exit, he stopped muttering.


    "Ah! What''s your name? Forgot to ask. I''m Xannos."


    "Mori."


    "Make sure toe back tomorrow, Mori!!! Ah, where''s my skin-carving feather... I always lose it when I need it..."

 Chapter 19: [The Wild Boar]

    The fountain depicting demonkind used to be a popr spot, but it was clearly not as popr anymore.


    Benches were empty, and most people around were humans.


    He was early, so he just sat by the fountain, contemting.


    The sound of flowing water behind him, and the quiet flutter of people walking added to that sea of tranquility.


    He tilted his head backward, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.


    As the breeze brushed against his hair, his thoughts floated in his mind with little weight.


    "Enjoying the evening?"


    Mori opened his eyes to look at the person sitting next to him.


    "Who are you?"


    "Ah, sorry," he gave an embarrassed smile. "I''m Jeff, captain of the guards stationed here."


    "Oh."


    An awkward silence settled in. Jeff was wearing full-te armor, with a longsword attached to his belt. He looked like a typical guard with shinier armor.


    "I was told someone had entered my city during amotion at the gate."


    Mori deeply exhaled, "And so you''re here to arrest me?"


    "Oh no. All those procedures are from above. Honestly, I couldn''t care less. Still, just wanted to make sure you weren''t a threat. That Subus did quite a number on our guards, some even lost their lives."


    "DiveCore looks like a bigger threat to me."


    Jeff awkwardlyughed, scratching the back of his head with his right hand.


    "Haha, yeah I can see why it looks that way. We don''t have the best reputation. Well, you''re one of us so you''re free to roam around. Here, take this."


    "What''s this?" asked Mori as he was handed a small bag.


    "You came here empty-handed. It''s easy to tell you''ve had a rough couple of years, is it your first time reaching a major city? Did you perhaps escape from the north?"


    "Something like that."


    Opening the bag, there was a sizeable amount of gold in it.


    "You''re just handing out gold?" Mori frowned.


    "This amount is really nothing. Should be enough for a month or two in this city. If you truly need more, I''d suggest heading to the east, the human capital."


    Mori was baffled, counting the gold coins in his hand.


    "There''s more than 10 gold coins in there. How can you give me this much yet everyone here is poor?"


    "Poverty is indeed an issue, we''re truly working on it. I''m trying to make this city better, where everyone can live freely. Once I''m done, they might even consider moving the capital here! Haha."


    Mori studied Jeff''s face, it seemed genuine. He was brightly smiling, heughed and stood up.


    "Enjoy the city with your ves, I gotta go!"


    Ah true, that''s what I told the guards.


    "Thanks."


    He watched as Jeff walked away, joining other guards who were waiting for him.


    Maybe humans aren''t totally lost after all.


    "Who was that?"


    Mori didn''t need to turn around to know that was Maya''s voice.


    "Jeff. He runs this ce, apparently."


    "Huh. Well, we asked around but couldn''t find this "Ferryman". Still, we took a moment to show Aura the nicer sights in town."


    Aura visibly blushed, looking away.


    "It''s fine. You''re finally out of that mansion, you should profit and see as much as you can."


    She smiled, "Thanks, I will!"


    The sun was beginning to set, and the sky darkened by the minute.


    "Let''s find an inn to sleep at. That guard just gave me 10 gold coins and a bunch of silvers."


    "10?!" said Torryn.


    "How?!" asked Maya.


    "How much did you guys make in the mines?" asked Mori.


    "Not even a fraction of that. What we make per day is counted in copper," said Maya.


    "Whatever''s left at the end of our stay, I''ll give it to you. I have no use for gold, we''ll get by just fine. Just use it to start your life in the northern region."


    Maya brightly smiled at her brother, as they high-fived each other a few times.


    Mori gave the gold to Aura, and after stretching his legs, got up.


    They walked around, looking for a ce they could eat and sleep at.


    A few looked decent, however, the amount of guards in them made the siblings ufortable.


    "We''ll find something better, no problem," said Mori.


    They progressively got further away from the center of the city.


    The night finally came making it harder to see.


    After turning another corner, a ce with lights showing through the windows shone upon the street.


    "''The wild Boar''. There''s nobody inside, let''s go there."


    "Yeah, that''s perfect," Maya smiled.


    The contrast truly hit them as they stepped inside, the warmth of the lobby trulyfortingpared to the cold of the night.


    "Wee to the wild boar!"


    A young woman greeted them. She was skinny, her face barely had more than bones. The horns on her head were also quite long,pared to the siblings.


    "You have rooms avable?"


    "Yes! How many will you need?" asked the innkeeper.


    He looked behind.


    "We''ll stay in the same one," said Maya.


    "Alright, then it''s 3 rooms."


    Aura looked like she was about toin, but ultimately stayed silent.


    "Ah, and we''ll be eating too."


    "Oh..."


    The innkeeper looked at the ground, ufortable.


    "Hum, truly sorry sir, you''ll need to pay in advance."


    "Ah, is that it? No problem. How much is it?"


    "5 silver coins should cover everything."


    "Here''s 10. Make something for yourself too."


    Her eyes opened wide, her hands shook as she approached the coins Aura set on the counter.


    She held the coins up to her eyes and made sure they were real.


    "That''s too-" As she was about to politely decline, she quickly stopped mid-sentence. "Thank you. Sit at any table, do you have any special requests?"


    "Whatever you prefer."


    She brightly smiled. Mori could clearly see tears sliding down her cheeks, every time she blinked, she tried her best to wipe them with her sleeve.


    "Okay! I''ll be a moment. I''ll go buy the ingredients and I''ll be back."


    She quickly ran out. They watched as she ran past the window.


    "Why was she crying?" asked Aura.


    Mori shrugged.


    "She was clearly upselling the rooms and food. She probably expected you to bring the price down to 1 or 2 silver coins," said Torryn.


    They sat at the table, waiting for her toe back.


    "You don''t think she ran away, right?" said Torryn.


    "I guess at this time of the night she had to wake someone up to buy ingredients to cook with," said Maya.


    Maya and Torryn talked together while waiting, Aura jumped into the conversation, while Mori closed his eyes and sat back in a chair.


    The inn smelled of damp wood, but it wasn''t bad, thought Mori.


    The whole ce seemed old, and while it didn''t look like it had any clients recently, there wasn''t a speck of dust around.


    Themps were lit, the counter was clean, and the tables were spotless.


    After a moment, she finally appeared through the window, running in the middle of the street.


    "Finally! I was getting hungry," said Torryn.


    "We get to keep our bread and cheese for another day," said Maya.


    "I''m back!" She said, out of breath as she entered. "Sit back... I got this... Shouldn''t be too long."

 Chapter 20: [Inscription]

    The sound of a feather''s tip repeatedly hitting the paper filled the room.


    The strokes were usually constant, yet at times a quick session could be heard paired with an exhale.


    "Having a hard time?" asked Xannos standing by the doorway.


    "I just need to get used to it."


    "Those are the easiest inscriptions you can make. Let me show you one more time."


    Xannos walked to the table, dragging some paper toward him and taking the feather from Mori''s hand.


    "Alright, so this ink we''re using has enchanting properties. Instead of casting the spell out loud, we''re casting it through the ink on the paper."


    "Yes, that much I know."


    "You''re basically casting fireball by yelling ''HotSphere''. Meaning is close enough, but not quite there."


    From what I''ve learned about magic, this ain''t true. Still, I guess he''s right about inscription.


    "So because my lines aren''t perfect it''s like a different spell," said Mori.


    "Exactly. Now, inscription, like enchanting, has a lot of uses. You''re now learning the two-step process, but eventually ¡ª and after some guidance ¡ª you''ll go through a single step inscription."


    "Two steps is when I inscribe the spell on parchment, then use the parchment to apply it on what I initially wanted to. Single step is doing it directly on what I want enchanted."


    "You''ve listened! Good. Well, two steps is the easiest way to do it, so if you can''t learn to draw proper line on paper doing it on your own body will take forever."


    He''s not wrong.


    "I''ll try again."


    Mori took the feather back, and the sound of a feather tip dragging across the paper filled the room again.


    The day had started well; the innkeeper made them quite a breakfast, a true feast.


    Her culinary skills were good, her cooking level must''ve been pretty high, Mori guessed.


    It wasn''t only the cooking, however. The ce was spotless, she kept it clean all by herself.


    On top of that, the sheets and towels smelled ofvender, which meant she had done them recently.


    With barely any clients, she went through the trouble and hard work of redoing the rooms, where anyone else would''ve probably just let them be.


    She took her work seriously and listened to any request they had.


    Someone with a work etiquette that strong shouldn''t be struggling, yet she was.


    "Alright, just keep going until you make one that''s right. Just 1 is what''s needed for level 2. Eventually it''ll be easier."


    Mori nodded as Xannos left the room, heading back into the shop.


    The concentration he needed was tremendous. Until he found a way to better seal the hexes, undoing the chains to use his arms proved to be a rough process.


    The hexes yed with his mind in ways he had gotten used to, but anything requiring concentration proved difficult.


    He kept trying, over and over again. Inscription wasn''t that hard, but a small mistake is all it took to mess up the whole process.


    "Finally."


    [Inscription level up!]


    [Inscription Level 2.]


    Xannos quickly appeared in the now open doorway.


    "You did it? Show me."


    He walked around the table, looking at Mori''s work while nodding and making ''hm'' sounds.


    He tapped around the key parts of the inscription with his fingers, following the structure.


    "Yes, it looks quite right. Use it now, on the feather perhaps."


    Mori grabbed the parchment and used it, it slowly burned in his hand, yet there was no heat.


    The small fire eventually consumed the whole thing, leaving his hands empty.


    "Good, now try to bend it."


    Mori took it in his hands and tried to bend it. It was surprisingly quite sturdy despite him being able to bend it.


    "You should feel some resistance. Don''t worry, it''s weak so you can still break it, but as you level up you''ll get better results."


    "I know. It''s just good to get started, can you give me a whole kit I could travel with? So I can keep training?"


    "Yeah, I''ll prepare something for you, I''ll give it to you on your way out. About carving your skin..."


    "We''ll see."


    "GOOD. Good. Does your neck bleed a lot? You know what... we''ll see as we go... yes..."


    Xannos was looking at the ceiling, rubbing his chin as he kept muttering on his way out.


    The next hours proved to be easier, mainly due to the additional level gained.


    The biggest hurdle was truly getting the first inscription done, after that, it was smooth sailing.


    Repeating the same process, he made almost a dozen, the progress slowly decreasing around level 6.


    After boredom finally conquered him, he decided it was time to leave, making sure to grab the inscription kit Xannos prepared on his way out.


    A dark leather backpack filled with parchment, feathers and ink.


    Additionally, a small handmade instruction manual for the early level inscriptions he could practice.


    "Before I leave, do you know anything about the Ferryman?" asked Mori.


    Xannos frowned, visibly in thought as he pondered the question.


    "Hmm. The Ferryman? Can''t say it rings a bell. Who is it?"


    "He apparently helps people get to the north."


    Xannos'' face darkened.


    His eyes darted around, looking at the front window and then at Mori.


    "You want to get us killed?! They ever hear you saying that and your head is a good as gone! And honestly, if that happens, it means you didn''t have much of one in the first ce..."


    "I understand the risks. Still, I need to find that person."


    "Hmm."


    Xannos started pacing behind the counter.


    "I''ll ask around, but I can''t guarantee anyone will know about him. But If you want my opinion, the north isn''t much better than here."


    "What do you mean?" asked Mori.


    Xannos deeply exhaled.


    "I know how bad we have it, here. Still, we don''t face certain death as long as we follow some rules. Since the war broke out, the North is only holding out by forcing people into their armies."


    "Should they let them conquer them, then? Force them into their ideals? Do you know what they''re capable of, here?"


    Xannos pinched his nose between his eyes.


    "Listen. It''s clear you don''t like what''s happening here. Just keep in mind both sides have problems, they''re simply different. If I had to choose, I''d say it''s worse here than up north, but going there won''t guarantee happiness for anyone."


    "Well, it''s worth a shot, at least," said Mori.


    Xannos shrugged while nodding. "Maybe you''re right. I truly don''t know what the right solution is. Anyways, I''ll ask around for you."


    "Thanks."


    "Ah, and, before I forget, someone left this here for you."


    Mori frowned, taking a letter Xannos was handing him.


    "Who?"


    "I don''t know. They just came in, left this on the counter and left before I even asked them anything."


    Mori turned the letter around, a pink heart was drawn on the back.

 Chapter 21: [Lilae]

    Mori was slowly walking through the alleyways.


    He encountered nobody besides the asional nameless corpses of demonfolks.


    The rotten smell was strong. It felt as if it soaked his clothes as he walked past them.


    In the real world, homelessness was the highest it had ever been in history.


    He had previously encountered corpses under bridges or in alleyways. However, it was the first time that he could do nothing about it.


    Guards would obviously never help demonfolks, let alone clean up their remains, and if they were left there it was easy to assume their family or close ones couldn''t do much more.


    He was now walking past the third one.


    The old Mori, Jack Law, would''ve had a hard time even walking past them.


    The new Jack, on the other hand, was unbothered.


    He looked at each corpse, making sure they would be on his mind the day he would deal with DiveCore.


    "Took you long enough."


    He had finally arrived at the designated ce.


    "You are terrible at giving directions," said Mori.


    Le was sitting on a pile of boxes, a bit further down the alleyway he had turned into.


    Besides backdoors, trash and puddles, there was nothing particrly concerning.


    He couldn''t feel anyone around, but since he wasn''t an expert in recon, he kept in mind this could be a trap.


    He turned the letter he had received with a pink heart into a tight ball, letting it fall to the ground as he approached the subus.


    "What do you want?" asked Mori.


    "Well, for starters, apologies."


    "I have nothing to apologize for. You deserved what you got."


    "You left me there, after ying with my body, not even taking responsibility."


    Mori''s eyebrows shot up.


    "You''re... deranged. You''re actually crazy..."


    Le''s hands trembled as she squeezed her breasts and bit her lips while staring at Mori.


    "Oh yeah? What else am I?"


    "...You degrading kink bitch."


    "Oh yeah?"


    Mori turned around, going back the way he came before her voice reached him again.


    "Okay, wait."


    He turned around again.


    "What the fuck do you want, then?"


    She suggestively walked closer, and once she reached him, she gently grabbed his chin.


    "Well, all I want to know is if you''re with, or against us."


    He quickly pped her hand away.


    "You-" started Mori.


    No more insults.


    "Maybe tell me who you''re talking about," he said.


    "I know you saw him in the sky when you arrived at Dustriver, he told me."


    "I don''t know who that was."


    "Well, he saw you. We can tell you''re strong, but not strong enough. Whatever it is you''re nning, it won''t work. However, if you join us-"


    "Not interested."


    "You don''t even know what it is we want."


    She was so close, he could feel her breath on his face.


    It was intoxicating, as much as her body odor. Would his mind be weaker, he''d fall for her cheap tricks, but the only thing it brought was irritation.


    He grabbed her neck, slowly reaching for it while she let him.


    As he grabbed it, he turned toward the nearest wall, shoving her against it while tightening his hold.


    "Is that what you want?"


    He grabbed her breast with his other hand, he could hear her squeak as he yed with it.


    "Your tricks might work on others, not on me," said Mori.


    He grabbed her neck tighter, her blush redder by the second as her eyes stared at him. She was still smiling.


    "I see you as a pile of flesh that happens to be self-aware. I couldn''t care less what you and your secret club want, but since it''se to this, we''ll do things my way."


    Mori closed his eyes, a hex rolled and swirled around the arm that held Le''s throat.


    Her eyes disyed a hint of fear as she looked at it wrapping around her neck.


    It was inscribed on her skin, branding her the same way Aura had been days ago.


    "Stop looking at me,"manded Mori.


    She kept staring into his eyes, her face bright red.


    The brand around her neck started sizzling, and the inscribed hex moved around, tightening.


    ck smoke wasing out of it, while blood dripped down from the marks it was causing.


    She kept staring at him; her face disying degenerate pleasure. She ultimately broke eye contact as her eyes started drifting upward, her mouth wide open.


    She dropped to her knees, her head knocking against the wall.


    "h-ah," she barely said, "You- You''d better threaten me with death, instead of pain..."


    Mori closed his eyes, while deeply exhaling. He grabbed his forehead while shaking his head, trying to control his annoyance.


    Of course, it''s the rotten-brained Subus whose degenerate brain enjoys pain.


    "Can- Can you do that again??" she asked between quick breaths.


    Mori tightened his fist, ready to strike, but quickly stopped his motion.


    "No, no, do it. Hit me, I deserve it."


    He closed his eyes a moment, and inhaled.


    "Hey! Stop! Come back," she pleaded on the ground, as he was walking away again.


    He heard her stand up and take a few quick steps.


    "Okay! Stop! I''ll tell you, just promise me to activate this thing again..."


    Mori turned around.


    "I''m listening."


    "The person in the sky was Asmodael, we''re what''s left of his royal guards."


    Asmodael? So he is still around?


    "Why was he up there? Why doesn''t he take back this city, if he''s still alive? I have yet to see any strong humans around."


    "The humans who rampaged through our ranks are gone, sure, but the real problem is who they left behind, he''s named Jeff."


    Mori arched his eyebrows in disbelief.


    "That guy? He''s the one giving you trouble? Really?"


    Le scoffed, "You should rethink that thought. For some reason, the human kingdom in the past 3 years has been uncovering an insane amount of artifacts everyone thought lost forever. We have no idea how they''re doing it, but they just keeping with new tools and weapons."


    So that''s what they''ve been doing. No need to keep your strongest warriors from the frontline if you can give artifacts to the average captain.


    "What artifact does he have?" asked Mori.


    "It''s more a question of what doesn''t he have. He''s not high level, and he''s not the smartest, but he would win against Asmodael."


    That''s... Problematic.

 Chapter 22: [A bit of Light]

    Mori was walking back toward the main street, followed by Le.


    "So... Can you activate this thing?" she asked.


    "If you want pain just hit your head on the wall."


    Le was pouting, walking alongside Mori with her hands crossed on her chest.


    "Why don''t you join us?" asked Le.


    "Why should I?"


    "You''re walking around with a vampire and demonfolks, are you not one of us? You kind of look human, but feels like you aren''t, especially with that weird energy around you..."


    Mori sighed.


    They could see the light at the end of the alleyway, where the street connected. As they approached, more shadows danced around, showing people going about their day.


    Le stopped. "Think about it."


    He heard her take a few steps back, and jump.


    Exiting the alleyway, Aura was on his right, leaning against a wall.


    "What did she want?" she asked.


    "Too much."


    Mori kept walking, followed by Aura.


    "Where are the others?" asked Mori.


    "They''re looking for the Ferryman, still."


    "Good."


    They crossed the city without exchanging many words. They leisurely strolled, watching the everyday life in Dustriver happen before them.


    As they got closer to the inn they were staying at, they came across a green corner; it was pretty small and not well-kept at all.


    Mori sat on the only bench in the middle, walking through tall grass with the asional flower that added some colors.


    Aura copied him, sitting next to him, as he gazed at the different flowers around.


    "What are we doing?" asked Aura.


    Mori leaned back against the bench, looking at the sky.


    "I don''t know."


    "What did she tell you? Why are you like this? You''ve been different for the past days."


    Mori looked at her. "She wants me to join her and the remnants of Asmodael''s royal guards. They want to retake this city, I would guess."


    "Isn''t it what you want as well?"


    "What I wanted was to kill the humans in it."


    "Your goals seem to align," said Aura.


    "It seems to be that way."


    As an awkward silence was taking ce, she finally asked. "Did you change your mind?"


    Mori leaned over, resting his head on Aura''sp while looking at the sky.


    "A few times. What would you do?" he asked.


    Aura ran her fingers through his hair, looking at him.


    "Whether anyone dies or not, honestly doesn''t move me much."


    Well, for a recluse vampire, that much makes sense.


    "I wasn''t able to get attached to either humans or demonkind. The only thing I''ve gotten attached to is you.Before you arrived, I''ve spent countless years in that room, reading the same books and writing my imagination down."


    "Those were novels you were writing? What are they about?"


    Aura visibly blushed, gazing away.


    "Not important."


    After a moment, Mori broke the silence again.


    "I don''t understand how ''rage'' works. I''ve been through hell, going through DiveCore''s system. In our world, Maya and Torryn''s situation was simr to a lot of ours. Despite everything they''ve done, I''m not sure if I still feel the same way."


    "You are human yourself, after all. Maybe you should direct your focus on DiveCore?"


    Mori sighed.


    "Time made the dark tones in my soul pale. I''m not sure of what I''m feeling anymore."


    A couple walked by, looking at them. They whispered to each other with a slightughter.


    Both Mori and Aura were oblivious to such behavior, disregarding itpletely.


    Aura didn''t consider most people ''people'', what they think of her did not matter much, and Mori simply could not care less.


    "Well, our goals do align with Asmodael''s royal guards. Jeff did not seem like a bad guy, however. He says he''ll make Dustriver better, part of me wants to believe it. What if he fixes things here, without us needing to kill anyone?"


    "Like I said, I''m here for the journey, so if that''s how we proceed, that''s fine by me."


    "I wished you helped me here."


    "We''re in no rush, we can stay longer and see how things are. Let''s find the Ferryman, and once Maya and Torryn are gone we can figure out what to do."


    "You''re right, we can wait."


    "But not too long. You sent my father and a bunch of these monsters with him to raze the nearby towns. Once that''s traced back to you, staying neutral like this won''t be an option anymore."


    Mori sighed again, rubbing his eyebrows.


    "You''re right. Let''s focus on the Ferryman. I''ll focus on that instead of inscription."


    "What level are you, now?" she asked.


    "14, it''s a lot slower now."


    Clouds appeared, slowly dragging themselves before the sun.


    The day had multiple hours remaining, however, the color of those clouds disagreed.


    Mori got up from Aura''sp, unable to hear her internal annoyance directed at the weather.


    "Let''s get going. We''ll just hang out at the inn for today, we''ll start looking tomorrow."


    Side by side, they walked toward the inn, eventually getting caught in the rain.


    Once they arrived, the innkeeper was in the doorway, waiting with towels in her arms.


    Both of them thanked her, as they grabbed one and dried their heads.


    Mori took his cloak off, revealing the chains around his torso and arms.


    The innkeeper gasped but said nothing of it.


    They were constantly moving around his body as if it were water flowing.


    He moved around with ease, the chains always making space when necessary. They made little sound.


    In that state, at most only a soft nking noise could be heard, unlike the times he used them actively.


    "Eh. I guess I should keep that on."


    Mori put the cloak back on, the innkeeper''s face softening.


    "The... pressure? is quite intense, when you take it off," she said.


    "Yeah, it''ll dry eventually. Do you have a firece around? I''ll sit close to it," asked Mori.


    "Yes. The dining room doesn''t have one, but we have a lounge as well, it''s this way."


    They followed her, going through a door next to the one leading to the kitchen.


    It wasn''t huge, but it was cozy. The fire was already strong in the firece, its soft crackling adding to the atmosphere.


    There was arger couch with a silver contour, and 3 armchairs with the same design.


    "You can both take any seat you want, I''ll be back with refreshments."


    "Thanks..."


    Mori paused, unsure.


    "Mary. My name''s Mary."


    "Thanks, Mary."

 Chapter 23: [Bad Weather]

    The door to the lounge mmed open, revealing Maya and Torryn soaking wet, dripping on the floor.


    "Maybe you should use a towel-"


    Maya''s face was bright, a smile drawn across it despite the grey weather.


    She ran through the room, throwing herself around Mori''s neck, who was sitting by the fire.


    "And I was just beginning to dry..." he said.


    "We found him! The Ferryman!" she said.


    Mori gave in and hugged her back.


    "Good. You deserve a new fair start, and now you''ll have it."


    Mayaughed, and cried.


    Torryn also walked in, sitting on the floor by the fire.


    "I was considering bringing you across the border myself," said Mori.


    "Before we go, make sure to take that perception curse off, remember, the one for the subus? Turns out every female I encounter looks pretty bad, now," said Torryn.


    "Ah, so now you want to look at girls?" Said Maya.


    "No, not what I mean but..."


    "Just say my name, it''ll undo it. I added an easy break so you wouldn''t worry about it," said Mori.


    "But I said your name a few times already," replied Torryn.


    "It''s the full name, Memento Mori."


    "Memen-"


    "STOP. I''ll tell you when to take it off, it stays for now," said Maya.


    "What?! I''m old enough to have girls look normal, what even is this?!"


    "I need my brother locked in, concentrated as we evade through the border. Final order!"


    Torryn loudly sighed, lying down on the floor.


    Maya sat in the armchair across Mori, the whole group resting inside as the weather grew into a storm.


    The rain became heavier, while the wind kept hitting the inn with all its force.


    To the others, it was simply bad weather, to Mori, it was the best weather.


    When his mother was back from work, she''d always ask him ''With weather like this, we''ll need to do a bnce patch''.


    Whatever he wanted to eat, she''d order the ingredients and he would direct the kitchen. More often than not, it ended up being asagna, although there had been a few pizzas in there.


    While it was in the oven, they would make hot choctes but not just any, the ''Bnce Patched Hot Choco''.


    There was a whole drawer full for this specific beverage. It included but wasn''t limited to mini marshmallows, chocte shavings, cinnamon sticks, caramel drizzle, crushed candy canes, vani extract, maple syrup, gingerbread crumbles, and Irish cream (alcohol-free).


    They chose a movie, depending on whose turn it was, although it was more often his mother''s turn, weirdly enough.


    He never argued, her taste in animated movies was quite good, she said it helped her with designing games, and for him, it was simply enjoyable to watch.


    They would pause it mid-way, eat the food that was cooking, and then finish the movie afterward.


    He barely ever saw the end of a movie, falling asleep on the couch.


    He would however sometimes wake up to the sound of his mother ying games on the television, that one time it must''ve been around 2 in the morning, and she let him y with her for hours, one of the best storms of his life.


    And just like that, while reminiscing about the good old days, Jack Law, now Memento Mori, fell asleep in the armchair by the fire.


    The sound of the wind hissing, the rain tapping, and the asional thunder only left a soft smile on his face as he slept through the night.


    -~~~-


    Morning came around, rain still softly falling while the storm had passed.


    Mori opened his eyes, feeling pressure on his body.


    Really?


    He expected Aura to be the one to do it, but it was Maya who was sleeping on him, her head on his shoulder.


    This can''t befortable.


    He gently grabbed her like a princess, moving her to the couch next to Aura.


    Torryn seemed fine where he was, sleeping like a starfish next to the fire.


    He exited the lounge, meeting face-to-face with Mary.


    "Good morning! I''ll start breakfast!" she said.


    "Ah, thanks, I''ll just sit at a table then."


    This weather two days in a row was calming, although it meant they would get soaking wet when meeting with the Ferryman.


    The first one to join him was Maya, appearing with an exhausted look on her face, as she dragged her feet on the ground.


    "Good morning," she said.


    "Good morning."


    She sat next to him at the table. The smell of what must''ve been bacon filled the room, the distant sizzling a pleasing symphony.


    Aura and Torryn eventually showed up, sitting at the same table as they waited for the meal to be served.


    "So, where do we meet him?" asked Mori.


    "It was in a bar closer to the center of the city, the guy who ran it said he knew him, and he''d ask him to meet us at the fountain today."


    "Really? It''s kind of crowded there," said Mori.


    "That''s what he said, I don''t know much more."


    "What time?"


    "In the afternoon, he''d find us, he said."


    Mori nodded, in thought.


    "Alright, we''ll eat and head out."


    It didn''t take too long for Mary to appear with trays with mountains of food on them.


    She made a few trips back to the kitchen, leaving the trays in the middle of the table, everyone serving themselves what they wanted.


    "Sit with us," said Mori.


    "Nonsense, I''ll eat in the kitchen! You guys enjoy your meal," she replied.


    "Just sit with us, it''s fine, really."


    Mary seemed reluctant but ultimately sat down at the table.


    "Eat with us. Don''t just sit there."


    "I''m not used to sitting with clients..."


    "Nonsense," said Torryn his mouth full.


    Mary smiled, grabbing herself a te, and joining them on that meal.


    "I couldn''t help but hear you''re leaving soon?" she asked.


    "Maya and Torryn are, we''ll be staying a little longer," said Mori.


    "Sorry to see you go. Hope you enjoyed your stay."


    "We sure did. Why don''t youe with us? Start an inn up north?" asked Maya.


    Mary had an ufortable reaction, making Maya quickly apologize.


    "Ah don''t worry about it. It''s just that everything I''ve ever known is here, in Dustriver. Things are bad, but I don''t know how I would manage somewhere I''ve never been."


    "Well, if you change your mind, we''ll be up there, waiting for you!"


    Mary smiled. "Thanks."


    The mountain of food slowly went down, mainly because of Torryn and Maya who had a greater appetite.


    While the others kept eating, Mori turned to look outside, it was still raining.


    "Ready?" asked Aura.


    "I think, yeah."

 Chapter 24: [Cold Breeze]

    "It''s only light rain, let''s go now," said Mori.


    Everyone agreed. While the day was still early, they were expected to meet the Ferryman in the early afternoon.


    They would be fine, Maya and Torryn had a coat and backpacks filled with things they could need during their travel.


    Mary added some prepared meals as well, topping everything off nicely.


    Maya and Torryn said goodbye onest time to Mary, thanking her again for the amazing stay and the food.


    "Until we meet again!" said Mary.


    "Yes!"


    They exited the inn, the streets weren''t that busy and by now they knew their way around pretty well.


    They all walked alongside each other, Maya and Torryn were bickering about the perception curse, asking Aura''s opinion asionally.


    Aura who seemed uninterested at first had slightly opened up to the siblings. Maya''s talent for reaching people''s hearts was unequaled.


    "I know you''ll miss us," said Maya.


    "I won''t," replied Mori.


    "Yeah right. I can see through your tough guy shell... Also, you need to gain some muscle mass to be more believable."


    "I don''t need muscle mass to make you quiver in your tiny boots," said Mori nking his chains under his cloak.


    Maya sustained his stare, breaking only to startughing.


    "Hahaha, you''re trying so hard to be tough!!! You''re probably the nicest person I know, this is just- Hah!!!"


    "Don''tugh so hard, Maya, you''ll piss him off again," said Torryn.


    Mori rolled his eyes, "Listen, I have dozens of ways to scare you, truly I don''t need-"


    "Yes yes, you''re big and strong and scary," she said betweenughs.


    "Wha-"


    Aura put her hand on Mori''s shoulder, shaking her head.


    "Well, next time I''ll use bad omen, we''ll see who''s so tough..." he muttered.


    "Hah- What is it? What did you say?" asked Maya, wiping her tears.


    "See, now he''s mad. Good job, sis, you did it."


    "He''s not mad, he''s adowable, haha- ouch! Why''d you hit me?!"


    "Someone had to," replied Torryn.


    Maya frowned, walking in silence for a few seconds.


    "Well, scary or not, we''ll owe you. You''ve done more for us in the past days than anyone in the past years."


    "It just happened that we met," replied Mori. "Ah, and here."


    Mori handed her a tiny leather bag, the sound of its content betraying gold coins.


    She took it but didn''t open it.


    "Well, honestly... I''d rather stay here with you than go up north," said Maya.


    "I feel the same way," said Torryn.


    It wouldn''t be such a bad thing, really...


    Mori sighed. He had already asked himself that question and he answered it.


    "I can''t guarantee your safety, you''ve seen what they''ve done to this city. Corpses of your kind are spread across the back alleys, they don''t even bother."


    "We can take care of ourselves!" said Maya.


    "Yeah, but you also need to take care of your brother."


    "I''ll be fine, really," said Torryn.


    Mori sighed.


    "Alright. How about this: I''lle get you once I find a safe ce for us?"


    Maya looked at Torryn, her face glowing and her brother sharing her happiness.


    "Yes! Absolutely!"


    What am I, a nanny now?


    Mori nced at Aura, who simply smiled.


    The rain was extremely soft, barely caressing them as they progressed through the streets.


    With it, a cold wind sporadically came around, refreshing them through the otherwise humid day.


    Mori knew that wind well, he knew he''d enjoy another night by the fire with a calming storm outside.


    The one thing he needed, however, was hot chocte.


    No matter what, he''d do what he can to find some on his way back.


    "What will you do once we''re gone?" asked Maya.


    "I don''t know," he replied.


    "No more revenge?" she asked.


    "We''ll see. DiveCore will pay, that much didn''t change."


    Maya smiled. "Well, I''m d you changed your mind. I, for one, don''t me all humans for how life turned out. We demonfolks haven''t all been the nicest to others. It''d suck if I died for something someone else did."


    Mori arched his eyebrows, surprised by that moment of wisdom.


    "Humans from this world are maybe okay, those from mine aren''t. They''re content with how things are, they have no will to change anything, and their morals and values are twisted. People at the shorter end of the stick shoulder the worst aspect of that society."


    "Then, by your own logic, all those like you, at the shorter end of the stick, wouldn''t deserve your revenge, am I wrong?"


    Mori stayed silent, in thought.


    "Well, think about it, at least," said Maya.


    Mori patted Maya''s head, purposefully leaving her hair in a weird state.


    "Thanks a lot for your wisdom, master," he said.


    The sky was still grey, but the rain had cleared out.


    They were approaching the fountain, most benches were empty, understandably, as water covered them.


    After wiping one of them, they sat down, it was still too early.


    Huh?


    Mori suddenly looked up.


    "What is it?" asked Aura.


    Maya and Torryn stopped talking, noticing something happened.


    "There''s someone in the skies, again. I only felt them for a split second, but I''m not sure what it is I felt."


    "Was it that subus?" asked Aura.


    "It wasn''t her. She told me Asmodael was the one we felt the day we arrived here. This one was different. I can''t really put my finger on it..."


    Aura frowned, staring at the ground in thought.


    "Is it a big deal?" asked Maya.


    "The subus has been watching us, but she doesn''t scare me so I let it go. But now..."


    "Creepy," said Torryn.


    "Yeah..." agreed Maya.


    "The whole city is creepy," said Mori. "Corpses are lying around, there''s barely anyonepared to how it should be, and the remnants of the old regime are still waiting around."


    "Well, I''m d to be leaving this ce behind," said Maya.


    "Why don''t you conquer this city, Mori?" asked Torryn.


    Everyone looked at him.


    "For one, I''m no leader. The moment I do, DiveCore is sure to dispatch people to retake it, and while my magic is strong, my level is currently low."


    "How low?" asked Maya.


    "I''m level 1."


    "Haha, good one..."


    Mori''s face remained straight.


    "Oh. You''re not joking."

 Chapter 25: [Ferryman]

    "So..." said Maya, trailing off.


    "Just ask your questions," responded Mori.


    "If you''re only level 1, why is your dynamic like that?" asked Maya pointing at both him and Aura.


    "What dynamic?" asked Aura.


    Torryn gently kicked his sister''s foot, she gave him a side-eye and turned toward them again.


    "Well, I''m just wondering how you can be this strong," said Maya.


    After a quick look, nobody was around. The weather probably made most stay home, thought Mori.


    "Here," he said, leaning over.


    His profile appeared, floating. It hadn''t changed since thest time he looked at it.


    Maya''s expression was one of wonder and excitement.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 1]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Fateweaver 1879892/2,216,838]


    [Health points: 5/5]


    [Cursed Energy: 1477892/1477892]


    [Magic: 10]


    [Strength: 3]


    [Defense: 2]


    [Agility: 1]


    "This is INSANE. So instead of mana, you really use Cursed Energy itself..."


    "This also isn''t my final path, the next one shouldincrease my cursed energy to 2.2 million, that''s how it worked so far at least."


    The weather wasn''t getting any better, and the sporadic cold breeze kept them awake.


    Every time the wind rose, a pleasant smell reached Mori.


    "Are you wearing perfume?" he asked Maya.


    "Yes! I wasn''t sure if I should buy some... But we had so much gold on our hands and its cost was so cheap... You like it?"


    Maya''s face was red. She avoided eye contact, ying with her hair, and twirling it around her finger.


    Torryn loudly exhaled, rolling his eyes further than his sockets allowed.


    "Really, Maya?" said Torryn.


    Aura had a small containedugh, as Maya turned around to start bickering again.


    "What?! I can ask his opinion, can''t I? You''re just jealous."


    "Jealous of what? Huh? You think I care who you have a crush on?"


    "A cr- A CRUSH?" She furtively looked at Mori, "Don''t listen to him, he was cradled a little too close to the wall as a kid, if you pick up what I''m putting down, so-"


    Mori patted Maya''s head, and as curiosity took him he touched her horns.


    "Huh. Does that hurt?"


    Maya''s puffy cheeks seemed to hold steam as she stood still.


    "No."


    "Get a room, already," said Torryn, turning around.


    "I''m starting to agree with him," said Aura, ring.


    Mori withdrew his hand, to Maya''s discontent.


    "I don''t want to go, after all, I''d rath-"


    "He''s here," said Mori.


    They all stood up, as someone wearing a dark cloak approached them from the main street.


    The cloak''s edges brushed against the floor at every step the man took, his pace fast and confident.


    His hood concealed his face, yet Mori''s eyebrows shot up.


    "Him?" he let out.


    "You know who that is?" asked Aura.


    "That''s Jeff."


    He took his hood off, smiling as he approached closer.


    "I knew we''d meet again!" he said brightly.


    As he got closer, he held his hand out, Mori studied it and then shook it, revealing his disfigured arm.


    "Oh, you''ve got... quite the situation there, you need to get that healed, I can refer you-" said Jeff concerned.


    "It''ll be fine, no need to worry."


    The 5 of them stood there, the sound of water flowing from the fountain adding some background noise to the turmoil inside.


    Maya and Torryn were practically hiding behind Mori, while only Aura stood next to him, unbothered as she looked Jeff up and down.


    He could feel Torryn''s tight grasp on his clothes, almost pulling him.


    "You never told me you''re name, by the way," said Jeff.


    "It''s Mori."


    "Ah! Latin! It means Death, quite gloomy! Haha! Well, I''m one of those who chose their real name, quite unoriginal, I know..."


    An awkward silence filled the air, only Mori returning half a smile, while the others remained serious.


    "Alright uh, Mori. So I take it your ves were looking for the Ferryman," said Jeff.


    He raised both arms and smiled, "Right in front of you!"


    "Yeah, I figured that much..." said Mori.


    Jeff took a step closer, grabbing Mori''s shoulder.


    "You should''ve told mest time! I would''ve helped you right away! I told you, right? I''m trying to make this city better, and that hopefully, even HQ will move here? One step at a time!"


    "You''re saying that, but I''ve seen the amount of corpses in the back alleys, your speech and actions don''t exactly match."


    Jeff took a step back, his expression visibly confused as he looked at Maya, Torryn, then at Mori.


    "You''re a tough judge, Mori."


    His usual smile gradually returned.


    "It''s harder than it seems. Change takes time. There are a lot of demonfolks in this city, we''re doing what we can with the guards we''ve been given. Believe me when I say this, a few weeks from now we''ll be done with all of this."


    "I''ll be the judge of that, meanwhile, I need you to take care of these two."


    Jeff shook Mori''s hand again.


    "You can count on me," said Jeff.


    "How much do you want? Is there anything we need to prepare?" asked Mori.


    "I''ll take care of everything, that''s how I usually operate, I''ve been doing this for a while now, just trust me."


    Mori turned around, patting Maya and Torryn''s head.


    Jeff took a few steps back, giving them space.


    "Alright guys, this is it."


    "I don''t want to go," said Maya, on the verge of tears.


    "We could stay longer," agreed Torryn.


    Mori looked at Aura, hoping for any advice, but none came.


    After thinking a moment, he finally exhaled.


    "I''ve made up my mind. You have to go," said Mori.


    As they both were about to start protesting, Mori quickly shushed them.


    "I need to tie loose ends here first. Once that''s done, give me a couple of weeks ¡ª months, at most, and I''lle for you guys. You just need to be patient."


    "Really?!" asked Torryn.


    "Yes, really."


    Mori took a few steps back, nodding at Jeff.


    "It''s a promise then! You better hold it!" said Maya.


    Jeff smiled as he walked past Mori, walking with the siblings in the opposite way.


    "Alright, let''s do this!" he said brightly.


    As they started walking away, Maya turned around and sprinted toward Mori.


    She jumped into his arms and kissed his cheek.


    She broke away and sprinted back toward her brother.


    "See you, Mori! Thanks for everything!!!"


    Mori stood by Aura, both of them watching the only people they could''ve considered friends leaving.


    "I''ll miss them," said Aura.


    "Same. Let''s finish here as fast as we can, so we can leave too."

 Chapter 26: [Loose ends]

    "What is it you want to do?" asked Aura.


    "I recalled Griswald. I don''t know where he is right now, but he should know I''m expecting him to return. There''s also the titan making its way here. It''ll wait for night-time and approach the outside walls, avoiding being seen."


    "Oh right, forgot about those two."


    "You forgot about your father?" asked Mori, raising an eyebrow.


    She took a few steps closer and smiled.


    "Alright, what do we do meanwhile?" she asked.


    "We have a lot of time ahead of us. The siblings are resourceful, they can handle a few weeks without us. My main n is for us to go through some dungeons and gain levels."


    "I''ve written stories about dungeons! But I''ve never been in any. Never fought a monster, actually."


    "We''ll just do a simple one to start, and move on to something harder eventually."


    Mori started walking, followed by Aura.


    The weather hadn''t improved, threatening to worsen at every moment.


    Mori''s first n was to find the nearest grocery store. Lasagna would be on the menu, although he doubted he''d be able to find that type of pasta.


    He slept for 4 years, so it wasn''t impossible to conceive some people invented new things while he was gone.


    Not only that, Elder Heir Online had real-life elements already implemented into it. He remembered seeing pizza sold in a restaurant when he yed the game.


    They kept walking, hopeful.


    More people popped up in the streets ¡ª mostly humans ¡ª, as time passed by.


    Adventurers for some, but mainly ''normal'' people. These ''Adventure Divers'' must''ve been sent to the front lines, guessed Mori.


    As the streets became slightly more lively, some food stands on the side of the road had new aromas Mori never smelled before.


    The temptation to try that food was high, but he had made his mind already.


    "Isn''t it weird?" asked Aura.


    "What is?"


    "I almost only see humans," she said.


    "We''re still close to the center of the city. My guess is most demonfolks were pushed to the outskirts."


    "Doesn''t seem fair."


    "Because it isn''t. They did that in my home world too. DiveCore created a clearly divided ''ss'' system. Depending on how much you earned, you got to live on a ring closer to the center. Depending on what ring you lived on, you would pay higher fees, but have ess to more things."


    "Like what?"


    "Better hospitals, lower crime rates, better schools which gave better opportunities to kids... Even water tasted better."


    "Huh. Like kings and nobles?"


    "Yeah. There were a lot of rings formed around the megalopolis, and honestly, most people focused on not being disced to a lower ring."


    "Is it what''s happening here, you think?"


    They were walking past a lot of people, most of them giving weird looks to both Mori and Aura who stood out.


    Some even insulted them, slightly loud enough so they would hear it.


    ''Some trash still wasn''t taken out, huh?'' ''Look at them.'' ''What''s Jeff doing?''


    Mori just ignored thements, while Aura red at each of them.


    "What''s their problem?" she said.


    "When I met you, you barely treated me like a living thing."


    Aura''s eyes quickly diverted. "That was then. I''ve learned to know you a bit. Also, it''s been 4 years, you know?"


    "You''re the one who said 4 years is practically nothing for a vampire."


    Aura loudly exhaled, rolling her eyes. "You let nothing go.


    "In any case, the system they used in our world to divide us will most likely involve race in this one. Anyone who isn''t human will be pushed out under the DiveCore regime, or forced intobor work like Maya and Torryn."


    As they kept walking they had almoste a full circle back to the fountain, droplets started falling but no grocery store was in sight.


    "I''m starting to believe there''s no way to buy food in this town, besides restaurants," muttered Mori.


    "Let''s just eat whatever Mary prepares for us tonight, and maybe we ask her to bring us next time she goes to buy some?"


    "Yeah. Let''s just go back."


    They walked past the fountain, walking their way back to the inn.


    Less and less people were around, the street eerily emptying as time passed.


    The droplets started multiplying as shes of light illuminated the grey clouds.


    Going from one cloud to the next, lightning jumped around yet never reached the ground.


    Aura was walking while holding Mori''s shoulder, her eyes stuck on the sky.


    Mori frowned, "Storms scare you?" he asked.


    "This is no storm."


    A cold breeze picked up, sending shivers down their spine as they kept walking in the middle of the road.


    The clouds were getting darker and darker, the street oilmps and the asional lightening the only source of light avable.


    It was hard to imagine it was the middle of the day and not night.


    "Is it magic? I can''t sense anything," asked Mori, concerned.


    "It''s Fate."


    "Fate? What fate?"


    Aura''s concerned look was enough to believe this wasn''t a joke.


    "Alright, let''s walk faster," said Mori.


    As their pace picked up, a low distant rumbling could be heard. Mori felt Aura''s nails prate his shoulders as she tightly grabbed him, stopping him in his tracks.


    "What the hell?! What are you-"


    "Stop. It''s us."


    "What are you talking about?"


    Mori grabbed her wrists, but she held him tight.


    "See? It stopped. This is bad."


    "What stopped?"


    "That sound. We''re the ones Fate is looking at. Don''t move."


    Mori stopped trying to move and looked around, but couldn''t see anything.


    The streets were mostly empty. Some humans here and there were walking, but most were inside, trying to avoid theing storm.


    "I can''t see him," he said. "I doubt anyone here can-"


    "You do see, look around."


    Mori''s heart started beating faster.


    Did I miss something?


    He looked around again.


    A couple was running quickly past them, holding hands, clearly trying to avoid theing weather. A bit further ahead were guards turning into an alleyway, holding somerge bags.


    By the restaurants were some people hiding from the slight rain, smoking, drinking, andughing.


    To his left, some stores were starting preparations to close shop for the day, turning the signs in their windows.


    "What kind of superstition is this?"


    Mori took a step, despite Aura holding him. As his foot touched the ground, lightning finally struck right before them, illuminating the whole street.


    And then chaos.

 Chapter 27: [Fate]

    The sky had darkened from the clouds as if nightfall had befallen them.


    The lightning, while loud, was one of the few things illuminating the skies and the streets.


    It was as if everything had happened at once.


    As the lightning struck with Mori''s step, a heavy downpour fell at once, soaking everything that dared to be outside.


    He could still feel Aura''s nails in his skin, yet he barely felt the pain.


    "What..."


    Mori was hyperconscious, his eyes darting left and right with a sense of impending doom, studying every inch of every detail he could''ve missed.


    He took his cloak off, letting it drop to the ground, as he started walking forward.


    "No..."


    It felt as if time had slowed down, the water droplets around him falling slowly, yet he couldn''t feel them touching him.


    The chatter from people hiding from the rain was all muted muttering. People pointed at him, but he barely saw them.


    His heartbeat grew in intensity at every step, until it felt like it stopped beating.


    He couldn''t hear anything anymore. He couldn''t feel anything anymore. It felt as if he was holding his breath underwater.


    He looked to his right toward the alleyway the guards had entered.


    They emptied the bags they carried there, under the rain.


    The first thing he saw was a single arm.


    It was frail, and skinny, with delicate fingers. The whole body quickly followed, heavily hitting against the cold stone.


    Ah, that face.


    It looked like it was smiling, at peace. The eyes like an empty window to a soulless body staring at the sky.


    The other bag was roughly emptied, another body hitting the cold ground in the alleyway.


    Between its eyes, he could see a curse he had put there himself.


    Mori walked toward them. He couldn''t even hear the guards.


    He crouched next to the siblings, caressing their faces.


    Maya''s naked body wasying there, her neck twisted.


    Her kneecaps had been broken, her legs bending forward, yet her lips still had a slight smile on them.


    "A-"


    Mori''s voice cracked, the words scorching his throat as he got them out.


    "A- Are you... smiling at me?"


    He caressed her cheek; she was staring right through him.


    "Here," he said.


    He extended his arm toward Torryn, his eyes had been gouged out.


    "You don''t want that curse, anymore, do you?"


    He gently touched the mark, removing it.


    The two guards behind him were talking, but he paid no attention to them.


    One of them walked toward him, firmly holding his shoulder, trying to turn him around.


    He tried moving Mori, but he didn''t budge.


    "Hey, kid," said the guard.


    Mori leaned forward, kissing each sibling''s forehead.


    "Hey!... What?"


    Aura had taken the wrist that held onto Mori, twisting it and pulling the guard back.


    She violently yanked him to the ground, her nails pierced the guard''s skull as she sat on him.


    She pulled his head to the side as she tightly bit his neck. She pulled out half his throat, blood sttered everywhere as the guard''s spasms slowly stopped.


    The other guard put his hand on his sword.


    Without looking back Mori sent one of his chains flying toward the man, piercing through his mouth and nailing the guard to the wall.


    Mori carefully closed the sibling''s eyes.


    "Le."


    Le appeared, slowly descending through the narrow alleyway.


    "Take them," said Mori.


    "Sure."


    Le''s expression didn''t have its usual smile and nonchnt look. She crouched next to Mori, carefully taking the siblings in her arms.


    "Tell your order to evacuate demonkind. Nobody inside the city."


    Le nodded and pointed a finger up.


    From her finger, a line was traced, making its way high in the sky. The tip exploded, revealing a red heart through the dark sky.


    Mori turned around and exited the alleyway.


    As he reached the middle of the main street, wind had considerably picked up.


    His chains were iling in the wind, his hair whipping around his face.


    Chairs that had been left outside were pushed around while anything lighter was taken to the skies.


    He raised both arms, the people inside the establishments eagerly looking outside at the only person who was braving the weather.


    Because of the heavy winds and thunder, nobody could hear him, the winds stealing the words he spoke away.


    As he kept talking, more people rushed to the windows, looking up.


    A giant broken sword had cut through the clouds, pointing toward the ground.


    It was sorge that most couldn''t see properly without going outside to look at it.


    It was asrge as the whole city, standing still through the dark clouds, lightning shining upon it.


    Mori''s voice resonated through everyone''s mind, all who stood in Dustriver.


    "You self-crowned kings. Sitting on your thrones built on the back of their corpses. If you want to be Kings this bad, I''ll let you.


    You rule over others and fail to realize you have a sword hanging by a single hair strand over your head.


    You rule over others and fail to remember you too, must die.


    I''ll be your Memento Mori."


    A loud and heavy rumble made it through the wind.


    Every step it took, the ground shook. The titan that had been left outside was slowly making its way toward Mori, causing chaos on its way there.


    People started running out of the establishments around, quickly crowding the main street as they looked for the fastest way to leave. Most oblivious to Mori being there.


    His chains were totally undone, and his body was deformed.


    He wasn''t trying to keep anything in anymore, rather; he was pushing everything out.


    He walked forward, shing and piercing anyone he could see, blood spiraling in the sky, showering everyone unlucky to be around.


    As he walked, a trail of corpses was left behind him, while hexes crawled out toward them, entering the mutted bodies.


    He couldn''t hear it at first, but eventually he did. Through the heavy winds, someone''s voice made it to him.


    He turned around.


    Jeff was standing there, his armor shining as bright as his sword, in a golden hue, apanied by guards standing behind him.

 Chapter 28: [Sword Of Damocles]

    "So you''re the one behind this!" yelled Jeff.


    Mori''s expression was a nk te, nothing could read on it.


    Anger, sadness, none of those things appeared on the surface, yet he clearly felt those.


    He didn''t feel them against Jeff, no. It was against himself.


    He had forgotten what he was dealing with. A small moment of bliss, where he only cared about the present, made him forget.


    Humans.


    All of them, even those that look decent on the outside.


    "You fooled me," said Mori.


    "What are you talking about?! You''re the one ughtering innocents!" said Jeff.


    Jeff and his guards were meters away, requiring him to yell his words.


    They kept what looked like a safe distance, Jeff taking a few steps to get closer.


    As they spoke, whenever a human ran on the side of the road, Mori''s chains would chase them as if they had a mind of their own.


    The chains pierced their bodies, sometimes repeatedly. Once dead, they would stay inside them as hexes slid down the chains to the bodies.


    Anyone died, anyone... As long as they were human.


    People quickly stopped taking that path as bodies decorated the ground. They tried finding other ways to exit the city, but the titan that was getting closer limited the possibilities.


    Not only that, but moremotion could be heard throughout the city.


    Aura had walked next to Mori, joining him in his face-to-face with Jeff.


    "ughtering innocents, you say? Maya and Torryn were innocent too," said Mori, his tone neutral.


    "Who?"


    "The siblings. The half-demons."


    Jeff''s eyebrows shot up. "These guys? I thought you knew what the deal with the ''Ferryman'' was."


    "You said you would make Dustrive better."


    "And I am. We''re almost rid of them. I told you already, we have limited resources here, and there''s a lot of them to delete."


    Mori breathed deeply, closing his eyes for an instant. He felt Aura''s reassuring hand on his shoulder.


    "You mean kill, Jeff."


    "Are you one of those who fell for those ''NPCs''? Listen, I understand they look real but DiveCore has a course on how to recognize an NPC, I can refer you-"


    "They''re real."


    "That''s what they want you to think. They''re just lines of code. DiveCore has a whole course on that, can''t believe you fell for this..."


    Mori looked at Aura, his palm facing up. "The ring."


    She quickly took it off, giving it to Mori who then put it on his finger.


    He paused a moment, touching the enchanted rock sitting in the middle of it with his index finger.


    He poured a little bit of energy into it, the activation happening through his mind.


    Setting the ring up for activation wasn''t as hard as it seemed. Once the settings were locked, he could use his cursed energy to turn it on with no need to sustain it.


    "Is this..." asked Jeff.


    "Asmodael''s ring."


    "So you''re the one who had it. We''ve been searching for it all around and for so long. But what use is it to you now? You know I''m taking you in, keeping people out won''t help you."


    "I''m not keeping anyone out. I''m keeping those of your kind in."


    "Your kind? You''re one of us, Mori."


    Jeff''s expression hardened, as he saw a family exiting a restaurant, their kid in their hands.


    They must''ve waited for a better timing, but realized there wouldn''t be one, thought Mori.


    "Go back inside!" Yelled Jeff.


    But it was toote.


    The chains had already moved, and one of the guards who wielded a bow quickly released an arrow.


    He used a spell, as the arrow had a light-blue outline and the speed at which it was released was too fast.


    It pushed the chain out of its trajectory, hitting the wall in front of the family.


    They quickly turned around, running the other way.


    Three other chains went toward them, and while the guard fired more arrows two of the chains protected thest one, deflecting each arrow.


    Before their eyes happened a ughter nobody could''ve imagined.


    "You''re one of those viins, is that it? That sword in the sky, it''ll kill everyone. If you make it fall, demons and humans will both perish."


    "Demons can exit the dome created by the ring."


    "There will be some remaining. I can guarantee it."


    "A necessary evil, for the greater good."


    "You''re twisted," said Jeff. "With a spell like this, you would easily be one of our greatest heroes, yet you''re siding with them."


    Jeff looked to his right, as the titan had finally reached them. Surprise shed on his face, and quickly left for steeled resolve.


    "How long until the sword falls?" asked Jeff.


    "You''ll see," said Mori.


    "I''ll find a way out, Mori. We have all kinds of magic, we''ll find ways to get out of this, and this city will be rebuilt."


    The titan had reached Mori, putting its open palm on the ground.


    Stepping on it with Aura, he was quickly raised to its shoulder. They towered above everyone.


    The wind was heavier as the buildings around didn''t shield them from it anymore.


    The visibility wasn''t great, but Mori could see shades of red and orange through the town, breaking through the rain.


    Fires were breaking out, while around him the corpses he had created started rising to their feet.


    "This sword isn''t tied to the town, Jeff. You are the ruler, here, after all. [Sword Of Damocles] is a curse I cast on you. I didn''t think I''d need to curse you, but I''m d you''ve been negligent around me. I doubt any artifact you have will protect you against it once it falls, and when it does, even if you survive, anyone around you dies."


    "Then I''ll kill you right here, right now. That''ll undo it," he said, his sword glowing brightly.


    The titan turned around, walking the opposite way as the raised corpses faced Jeff and his guards.


    "You called me a viin, did you think I''d fight the ''hero'' head-on? You''re a dead man walking, Jeff."


    The titan was walking away, and Jeff''s voice could be heard yelling through the whistling wind.


    "You''re a coward! A coward! You hear me?! Come back and face me like a man!"


    Jeff turned around and signaled to his guards to follow his lead, as they faced the corpses raised by the hexes Mori put in them.

 Chapter 29: [Dark Tunnel]

    The titan was walking down the main street, its slow pace made up for by the giant leaps it took at every step.


    Chaos and destruction reigned through the city, fires breaking out everywhere as people ran around, heading for the nearest gate.


    The worst part was the storm, which made everything harder to do; Walking, running, or just seeing.


    People felt Mori''s titaning, the ground shook at every step it took, but they all seemed surprised when it came close.


    Mori was looking down at them, in thought.


    They looked like ants, or rats.


    They ran around, screaming and crying. Some even dared to ask, "Why is this happening?"


    The corpses he had raised using hexes were walking through the streets, attacking any human they could see. The majority of them held Jeff back as best as they could.


    They wouldn''t win, but in this case, winning didn''t matter much, just buying time did.


    The wind was visible, pushing the rain so strongly that the droplets stung as they hit the skin.


    Aura eventually recognized where they were, as they soon reached the fountain.


    "Knock it down," said Mori.


    Rubble flew out, the titan kicking it with all its strength.


    "That''s just not necessary," said Le''s voice.


    She was flying next to the titan''s shoulder, slightly struggling because of the weather.


    "What are you doing here? If you did anything-"


    "Their bodies are safe, but since it''se to this you shoulde with me," said Le.


    Mori looked at Aura, who simply shrugged with both her shoulders and eyebrows.


    Mori jumped from the titan''s shoulder, holding onto Le''s leg to stop his descent, prompting her to shriek as she started swaying, going down to the street level.


    They swayed all the way down, until Mori finally touched the ground, letting go of Le. Aura had jumped down, gracefully reaching the ground without much struggle.


    "Go," he said toward the titan.


    It started slowly walking away, making a deep sound with its voice. It didn''t resemble any words, but since it started smashing anything on its way, it was most likely a devious attempt at augh.


    Le also let herself fall to the ground, quickly looking around to find her way.


    The number of people running around had reduced, as most went for the gates and they were currently fairly close to the center.


    All it took was half a dozen people to walk toward Mori for people to turn around, avoiding that street.


    Corpses quickly decorated the pavement, repeatedly pierced by the chains that were let loose.


    "Careful not to kill demons," said Le.


    Mori pped Le''s face with one of the chains, a clear line cut through her cheek, bleeding.


    She quickly touched it, surprised, but ignored it.


    "This way," she said, her voice lower.


    They entered the back alleys again; the visibility improved as there was barely any wind reaching them.


    They ran past corpses of demonfolks, making Mori''s blood boil.


    "Here," finally said Le.


    There was a trapdoor leading to a basement under a building that had no outstanding features.


    It simply looked like any other down this alleyway, Mori never would''ve paid attention to it.


    Following Le''s lead, they went down. It was slightly hard to see, but for them not much of a problem.


    The room at the bottom of the stairs had light, as torches decorated the walls of the square room.


    It was empty, with some boxes and bags lying around.


    The sound of the storm was only a whistle through a door, they were all soaking wet but none of them seemed to care about it.


    Aura stayed close to Mori as they waited, looking at Le strolling around the room.


    She then did something Mori totally expected, while Aura was extremely surprised.


    Le pulled on a torch, moving a portion of a wall behind another, revealing a secret path lit up by more torches.


    It was the most obvious mechanism, especially with a torch, yet it left Aura speechless as she held onto his shoulder.


    "You see this?!" she whispered in his ear.


    "Yeah."


    "That''s it?! This is incredible."


    Mori sighed. "Sure is."


    He followed Le''s lead, going through the passage. As he went past the hidden door, he could hear a clinking sound, most likely a timer as it was slow and constant, almost resembling seconds.


    A few meters into the tunnel, the door closed behind them. Mori felt Aura''s surprise as she was still holding onto his shoulder.


    It was damp and humid, and they didn''t help as a trail of water preceded them.


    The walls were narrow and the ground uneven, it also didn''t look like it had been there for a while. The ''carving'' looked fresh, time clearly hadn''t made a dent in it yet.


    "How long have you guys been here?" asked Mori.


    "A few months," responded Le.


    They eventually emerged into another square room, this one was quiterge and well-furnished.


    In the middle of it was arge rectangr table with multiple chairs around it. They all had a different shape or form, but ultimately none of them were impressive.


    Nothing in the room was, truly. It was almost built out of rubble, thought Mori.


    "You can sit wherever you want," said Le.


    Mori looked at the table and took the only chair at the end of the table, which looked bigger than the others.


    "Oh, uh, not-"


    "Why are we here?" asked Mori.


    "Asmodael is on his way. You two should meet," said Le.


    "Why?" asked Mori.


    "You both want the same thing..."


    "No, we don''t. He wants to save demonfolks, whereas I want to kill humans. You''d think both those things mean the same thing, but they don''t."


    Something I''ve learned ying the game. Thanks, Mom.


    Aura sat in the chair closest to Mori''s while studying the room.


    "What''s this ce?" asked Aura.


    "Our temporary headquarters. Everyone is out, however, helping however they can through the chaos," said Le.


    "That''s right."


    The voice came from the tunnel. Mori recognized it instantly.


    The man finally emerged from it, taking his hood off.


    "So you''re one of them, Xannos," said Mori.

 Chapter 30: [Reaper]

    "Inscription was a bit more popr with the old regime, Asmodael kept me around," said Xannos.


    "You two already know each other?" asked Le.


    "Yes, we had the pleasure of meeting. Mori here is my apprentice," said Xannos in a bright tone.


    "Oh, interesting," said Le.


    Xannos entered the room, dropped a heavy bag on the table, and then sat at it.


    He cracked his neck, sighing in relief.


    "So, what are you guys doing here?" asked Xannos.


    "As we had nned, I''m back with Mori who''s made a move."


    Xannos arched his eyebrow.


    "So... You''re the one behind all of this?" he asked.


    "Yes."


    "I had a hard time believing we were talking about the same Mori, I guess you were indeed capable of it..."


    Xannos stretched backward, extending his arms and legs as far as he could.


    "Asmodael isn''ting," said Xannos.


    "What?!" replied Le.


    "Yeah, I know. He suddenly left the city, so I returned to tell you that."


    "He''s the one who put this n in ce... He''s leaving us now?! When we''re so close?"


    "Alright, I''m leaving," said Mori getting up.


    "No, no! Wait!" Said Le, pushing down on his shoulders. "Sit, sit, let''s figure this out..."


    "What is there to figure out? Your leader is a coward."


    A loud p resonated through the room, Mori''s face thrown sideways as his cheek connected to Le''s palm.


    Mori loudly sighed, while Aura''s nails grew, ready to pounce.


    "It''s fine, Aura."


    Le had a serious look on her face, which quickly changed for a slow realization of what she had just done.


    She held onto her hand, almost surprised.


    "S-Sorry.Whatever the reason he''s not here, it must be important. Ever since we saw you arrive, we knew we had a chance to take back Dustriver, for him to leave now means something is up..."


    Mori shrugged. "Regardless, here or not, it changes little for me."


    "With Asmo gone, you''re our new leader, Le," said Xannos.


    Le started pacing around the room, biting her nails.


    "Is he the only one to have left?" asked Le.


    "I can''t find Reaper," said Xannos.


    "So your Royal Guards are jumping ship?" asked Mori.


    "Oh~ well, you know how it is," said Xannos shrugging.


    "No. They''re not. Reaper is human but allied himself with us years ago." replied Le. "He''s been quite useful to our cause."


    "If he''s human he won''t get out of here."


    "But he''s one of us, surely we can-"


    Mori stood up, pushing his chair to the ground.


    "Out of consideration for you, I won''t hunt him down like the others. But should I find him ¡ª even by chance, his fate will be the same as the others."


    Mori walked toward Le, his expression stone cold.


    "How about some consideration for me? I''ve helped you with inscription, have I not? I''m even willing to keep helping you," said Xannos.


    Mori''s attention turned toward Xannos.


    As he was about to respond, the torch''s mes swayed in the room, making the shadows dance.


    The room suddenly became dark for almost a second. Aura jumped in front of Mori, while everyone else seemed unfazed.


    At the entrance, kneeling, was someone wearing a ck robe, it looked like it was made of rags, as the end was torn, burnt, and in poor general shape.


    "Huh. After I said I''d kill you, you decide to show your face anyways?" asked Mori.


    "I am a prisoner in this city, like the others. Only non-humans have been able to escape, and your... roaming things... attack any humans they see. Honestly dodging them has been hell. And that sword in the sky..."


    "I''ll make your death fast," said Mori approaching.


    "You can''t," said Le, attempting to hold Mori''s shoulder.


    She wasn''t able to hold Mori back, as she was violently punched by Aura and sent clean to the ground.


    Xannos put both his feet on the table, arching his eyebrows and whistling.


    "Whew, you must''ve felt that one! Hah! You guys do know she enjoys pain, right?"


    "Wait," said Reaper as Mori approached.


    "Last words? I''ll allow it."


    "I can be useful. I''m a shadow sorcerer, I specialize in recon. I''ll pledge my allegiance."


    "You''re one of them. And none of them can be left alive."


    "Them? I can be useful. Right above us, Jeff is setting up to cave in this whole ce."


    Everyone''s gaze went straight up.


    Mori quickly turned toward Aura.


    "Can you feel him?" he asked.


    "No, not at all," replied Aura.


    Xannos promptly stood up. "We have to leave."


    His expression had suddenly turned serious.


    "It''s one of his artifacts. They''re the reason we''re having such a hard time."


    "We''re leaving, what a waste of time," said Mori.


    "The entrance is trapped already, I can get us out of here," said Reaper.


    Mori''s gaze went back to the Reaper. "You''re dying. Nothing you do or say will change that."


    "How about we dy my death, huh? I get us out of here, and instead of right now, you kill meter?"


    Mori sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead. "You''re all the same. It''s sickening."


    "You can brand him," said Aura.


    Mori turned around, facing Aura.


    "You know, if he can tell Jeff is above us right now, it means he knew when the siblings were murdered. And he did nothing about it, did he?"


    Mori turned again, facing the others.


    "Matter of fact, you have all been doing nothing those past years. I''m not sure any of you should even see the light of day again."


    "And what have you done? Those past years? What did you aplish, while we were getting fucked in every way possible?" asked Xannos.


    Mori''s fists tightened, his fiery eyes staring at Xannos.


    Mori walked forward, grabbing Xannos by the throat and dragging him backward.


    He reached Reaper, grabbing him by the neck as well. As he held both of them, hexes swirled around both his arms, tightly engraving themselves on their bodies.


    He let go of both of them, as they held onto their new marks. Reaper''s expression was one of concern, while Xannos was mostly amazed.


    "This is amazing..." muttered Xannos.


    Le pointed toward her own mark, showing Reaper they were all in the same boat.


    "Thanks," said Reaper kneeling again.


    "Your death was only dyed. Now get us out of here."


    "Where to?" he asked.


    The ceiling above them started rumbling, dust falling from the ceiling.


    "We''ll deal with Jeffter. By any chance, do you know if he has family or friends in this city?" asked Mori.


    Reaper''s creepy smile ran across his face, his shark teeth showing.


    "I know exactly where to go," said Reaper.


    Slowly, a magic circle traced with dark mist was drawn on the floor. Everyone stepped on it, Xannos quickly grabbing his bag as it started swirling upward, taking in everyone.

 Chapter 31: [Gate]

    Mori was sitting on a wooden chair in the middle of the road, the north-western gate behind him.


    The storm was still going strong, water pouring down like there was no end to it.


    He didn''t mind, though.


    He patiently sat there as Jeff walked toward him.


    His armor, sword and eyes were glowing gold. A golden mist seemed toe out of his armor, as he slowly walked forward, a ray of light through the heavy rain.


    Jeff was avoiding the corpses covering the ground, carefully stepping between them.


    "I can''t save you, Mori!" he yelled.


    Jeff stopped walking once he was about 50 meters away.


    Mori stood up, dropping to the ground chains he had been holding. He walked a meter forward and stopped as well.


    "Nothing? You''re not going to say anything? Look at all of them! You''ve done this!" said Jeff.


    The ground was barely visible with the bodies covering it.


    The gate they were at was closest to the noble district. It was currently upied by DiveCore VIPs, among others. Any noble demon had already left Dustriver long ago.


    Mori tilted his head backward and breathed deeply as the rain hit his face.


    He could feel every raindrop while the cold air filled his lungs.


    After exhaling, his gaze went back to Jeff who hadn''t moved.


    "Say something!" yelled Jeff again.


    "What for?"


    Mori''s tone was full of anger. Anger that was under control, pushed down underyers of self-control.


    Why even waste time with someone like him? Yet he still answered. He could''ve just killed him there, yet he entertained that conversation.


    "Can''t you see what you''ve done? All of those corpses, yet you sit there among them, as if you''re better than us. You''re no better."


    Jeff started walking again, getting closer.


    "I know people like you. You have lost what remained of your humanity. I mean, look at you... Look at this!" he yelled, as he pointed at the death around.


    Jeff had a disgusted look on his face as he looked Mori up and down.


    "You barely even look human. And what you''ve done here proves you aren''t. I won''t feel bad when I purge you, here and now, but I will feel sorry for you."


    Jeff was just 5 meters away, staring at Mori who wasn''t reacting.


    "Do you truly not get it?" asked Mori.


    Jeff frowned.


    "Get what?! I can''tprehend how someone could even be capable of this?"


    "You can''t see it at all?"


    Jeff raised both arms in a quick, irritated movement.


    "What the fuck is your problem?"


    Mori''s tone was calm and controlled. He sighed, "You truly can''t see it."


    Mori snapped his finger, and slowly, the corpses around started moving.


    A purple hue emanated from them, as they all rose to their feet all around them. Hundreds upon hundreds stood up.


    What was an empty street moments earlier was now crowded.


    Jeff quickly raised his sword, taking his stance as he stared down Mori.


    "You think I couldn''t predict this ambush? You can''t beat me with that. I''ve fought them earlier, they''re weak."


    Mori stayed immobile, still staring.


    After a couple of minutes, the corpses were all up on their feet, but immobile as well, staring at Jeff with their hollowed eyes.


    "What ar-" He couldn''t finish his sentence.


    He lowered his sword, his mouth remained open.


    "Oh. Now you see it?" said Mori.


    The tip of his sword touched the ground.


    Mori started leisurely strolling between the raised corpses, running his hand on their shoulders and heads as he walked circles around Jeff.


    All around them ¡ª the hundreds of corpses ¡ª all had horns.


    "This..." started Jeff.


    Mori stopped walking, his eyes glowing purple.


    "You''ve killed all of them. Everyst one. The kids, the sick, the elderly. Even pregnant woman, to my surprise. You knew no limits, huh?"


    Jeff was shaking his head, in disbelief.


    "You are right," said mori, with a somber tone. "I''m barely human."


    His fist tightened while his frown grew fiercer, his eyes glowing of an even deeper purple.


    "And if I''m lucky, I won''t be human at all, anymore."


    Jeff raised his sword again, taking a stance.


    "Staying quiet?"


    Mori walked back to the chair and sat on it.


    He leaned to the side, grabbing the chains he had dropped on the ground. He yanked them, making jeff squint as he tried to see more clearly what had moved at the end of them.


    The weather made it hard to notice, but two more corpses had risen.


    No. Not corpses, people.


    "Sarah?! Jay?!" yelled Jeff.


    The golden glow grew brighter as he started marching forward.


    Mori got up, pulling on the chain that attached to both their necks. He walked behind them, both of his arms on their shoulders, stopping Jeff in his tracks.


    They seemed fine, to Jeff''s relief.


    "You''re gonna hide behind them?!"


    "You have a choice. Your wife, or your kid."


    Both of them were standing there, scared, next to Mori.


    "What kind of choice is this?!"


    "See how he''s hesitating?" said Mori, leaning forward between both of them. "Do you think it''s because you''re only adopted?"


    Mori turned to Sarah. "Or could it be because he thinks there''s a chance he could find whoever he was seeing in our world?"


    "You sick fuck. I love both of them, and you''ll let both of them live."


    Mori blinked a few times. "You got me wrong, Jeff. Both of them are going to die."


    "But you said to choose which one lives..."


    "No, I asked you which one you want me to kill."


    "Wha-"


    "You''re all dying, Jeff. One of them gets to die quickly, without the anguish of waiting for the sword to finally fall. Die without having to run away from corpses you''ve created, knowing full well it won''t change your fate. None of you are getting out of here alive. Now choose."


    Jeff started crying, as his eyes kept jumping from Sarah to Jay.


    "I can''t..." he said, sobbing, "I can''t choose, Sarah."


    "Thanks for making me happy these past years," she said.


    "I-I don''t wanna die, dad."


    Jay turned his head to look at Mori, "P-please, just let us go... We don''t deserve this..."


    Mori''s eyes were still on Jeff, ignoring their pleas.


    "Now choose. I give you ten seconds, and after that, whoever gets eaten fastest by those corpses will be the chosen one, while I''ll keep the other one alive for you. Whatever remains of them."

 Chapter 32: [Sovereign]

    Jeff was on his knees.


    His hands were shaking, uncontrobly sobbing as he stared at the ground.


    The rain had slowly stopped, yet the distant thunder remained.


    A faint and low rumbling rolling in the background of a city being torn apart.


    Mori had already sent the corpses away. Only Sarah remained next to him, half-eaten.


    He stood up from the wooden chair, frowning.


    "You couldn''t choose until the end, huh?"


    Jeff''s silence contrasted against Sarah''s wailing. She was lying there, on the floor, in a puddle of blood.


    "k-kill...me..."


    Mori turned toward the alleyway to his right, Aura came out of it with her clothes bloody, her hands soaking red.


    "Is it done?" he asked.


    "Yes," she looked behind him. "Are you not going to finish her?"


    Mori turned and looked at Sarah, almost ''just'' realizing she was there.


    "Oh. No."


    Aura walked onto the road, meeting Mori in the middle, now ncing at Jeff.


    She approached, leaning on his shoulder, talking in his ear.


    "They''ve been moved, it''s mainly only humans here. These ''Royal Guards'' are pretty strong, Le as well. They''ve dealt with the guards easily."


    "Good," said Mori.


    He nced onest time at Jeff, and turned toward the gate.


    "Let''s go."


    They started walking, side by side, toward the opened gate.


    They took a few steps, stopping as they heard a distant whistle.


    Mori''s hand grabbed onto a chain that wasn''t there before, quickly whipping it around, swirling it around Aura, tightly grabbing her.


    Using both hands, he pulled on it, and violently flung Aura through the gate. Her body, like a ragdoll, skipped on the ground a few times while whirling.


    In a quick motion, he raised his avable chains up, creating a between him and the sky.


    The sky was illuminated in a single sh, then an explosion shook the ground as it hit Mori''s chains.


    He tried holding his ground, but was sent flying backward, rolling on the ground way past Jeff.


    Mori''s body finally stopped moving.


    He felt a stinging pain throughout his body, as he put a knee to the ground, but another explosion sent him flying back again.


    He rolled on the ground violently, barely able to move.


    His head was angled toward the gate. He saw someone descend from the sky, rays of light acting like wings as the person softly touched the ground.


    They slowly walked toward Mori, it looked like they held a solid ray of light in their hand.


    It was a man, with bright white eyes and white hair.


    He was getting closer. The way he walked seemed light and breezy.


    Jeff who was next to the person raised his head to look at him.


    "Luxian... What are-"


    "Our expectations of you were low, Jeff, but this..."


    "S-Sorry... I''ll make this up, I swear..."


    "Yeah, yeah," sighed Luxian.


    Luxian? Someone from our world.


    He was getting closer, slowly walking until he was finally in range. Mori closed his eye for a second, concentrating.


    Once he was done, he opened his eyes again, got up and swung at him.


    His wide-angled punch didn''t connect, his arm detached at the elbow before he could even notice it happened. His forearm was quickly sent flying further away.


    He tried punching with his other hand, his other elbow cut clean again.


    He couldn''t see Luxian''s moves, only shes of blinding light, before his limbs detached.


    Mori''s blood sttered everywhere, like a red stream turned into mist.


    Once thest sh stopped, Mori fell backward on the ground, realizing his knees had been severed as well.


    The man walked next to Mori, covered in his blood as he looked down at him.


    He wore a very thin white armor, half of it white-dyed leather and the other half thin sheets of metal.


    "...is this it?" he asked, frowning.


    Luxian turned around, looking at Jeff. "You''re serious, Jeff? You couldn''t deal with him?"


    "He''s a sort of necromancer, his things are roaming around, probably on their way back, be careful," said Jeff as he got up.


    "I did see them as I arrived."


    Luxian raised his hand, the ''solid light'' he held pointed at the sky.


    Through the dark clouds light pierced, multiple white rays, so many that it felt like they were under a brightmp.


    Only the floating giant sword was discernible, with all its imperfections as it was lit up against a bright background.


    A high-pitched noise rose as the light grew stronger upon the whole city, until it finally stopped, the sky going back to its darker shade.


    "Done. No more corpses walking around. What''s up with that sword?" asked Luxian toward Jeff.


    "He did that," said Jeff pointing at Mori.


    Luxian''s attention went back to Mori.


    "Huh. And what kind of sovereign are you? Necromancy? Dark Magic? Demonic? Eh.


    No matter, you''re weak."


    Luxian walked around Mori''s body, studying it with his piercing white eyes.


    "You look... horrible. And surprised. You thought you had more time, right?"


    Luxian shrugged.


    "Well, let''s just say you haven''t taken the smartest approach. And yourck of luck is at fault too, they almost never take me off the front lines, since I''m the strongest here after all."


    Luxian smiled, raising both his arms up.


    "Why so serious?! Lighten up. Hah. Get it? No? Alright."


    Luxian had stopped walking around Mori.


    "So, as a general tip," Luxian turned around again, "Hey! Jeff, what''s his name?"


    "Mori," he said.


    "Mori? eh. So, Mori. As a general tip, if you send your monsters on a rampage in nearby towns, and they suddenly all start heading toward Dustriver, what do you think happens?"


    Ah. The hexes I sent along with Griswald.


    "You see," continued Luxian, "as soon as I arrived, they weirdly started heading here. You can imagine my surprise when I even saw Fate here."


    "Fate?" said Mori.


    "Oh, you do talk..." said Luxian.


    "Fate? What do you mean, Luxian," said Jeff.


    Luxian turned toward Jeff again, sighing.


    "Listen, you, out of anyone, should know this. Learning about this world''s Gods is really the minimum."


    Luxian scratched his head.


    "Well, I had hoped you were stronger, the war at the border is truly boring, but this was over so quickly I''ll be sent back right away..."


    "How did you know I was a Sovereign?" asked Mori, bleeding on the ground.


    "You can tell Sovereigns by their mana. I can tell you''re the sovereign of something dark. Your disgusting mana is leaking out of you like a faulty faucet. Not only that, the amount is quite...ckluster. You probably didn''t think it was important to break through your paths.


    No matter, even if you did, it''s not like I''d ever lose..."


    Luxian wholeheartedlyughed, his hands on his hips.


    Jeff took a few steps, stumbling forward.


    "Wait, I want to do it..."


    "You''re thest one who can request anything here. Not only did you lose this city, you also lost all the men we assigned here. You might meet the same fate, actually..."


    "Wait...-"


    "Ah, don''t worry, you''ll appear before a court. You''re not dying here."


    "Are you sure about that?" asked Mori.


    Luxianughed again, running a hand through his hair. "Haha, yes, I''m sure. Anyst words?"

 Chapter 33: [Last Words]

    "Last words? Yeah, I have some," said Mori.


    "Alright! Let''s hear it, I''m in no rush, after all," said Luxian.


    Mori was on his back, looking at the sky where the sword resided, its size colossal.


    "How many like us are there?" asked Mori.


    "Well that''s not reallyst words," said Luxian.


    He walked back, grabbing the small wooden chair.


    As he did, Mori noticed smokeing from under him, vanishing as Luxian turned around again.


    Once back next to him, he sat on it, crossing his legs while sitting upright.


    "I figured since you don''t want to go back to that ''boring'' front-line, you wouldn''t mind telling me some things before I die," said Mori.


    Luxian nodded, "You might be trying to save time here, but you can''t beat me. Maybe if that sword up there was real, you could."


    "It''s not real?" asked Jeff.


    "Obviously, it''s way too big to be real. If someone had that kind of magic they''d also be way stronger than this guy."


    "So," cut Mori. "Is there more people like us, like you?"


    "Sovereigns? Quite a few. On the front-lines there''s two others with us, while thest one stays at the capital."


    "Why keep you guys there? If your war relies on three Sovereigns, then the moment I kill you, you''ll start losing."


    Luxian''s eyes squinted at Mori, while his teeth showed through his smile. As Mori seemed serious, he startedughing again.


    "Hah- Kill me? Hahaha, fuck me, you''re killing me here, oh man!"


    Luxian turned around in his chair. "I think I''ll keep him alive."


    "Why would you?" asked Mori.


    "We have ways to make you obedient. You''d receive a ve curse, and I''d have you join me on the front-lines. With enough training, you could maybe be as strong as me. You''re a Sovereign too, after all."


    "Are the other ones as strong as you?"


    Luxian''s smile faded.


    "Oh, hell no. These useless..." Luxian remembered Jeff was behind him, "...These valued members of our elite force are well-trained, but not on my level. They''ve barely broken through the 5th and 6th path. I''m all the way up at the tenth."


    Mori chuckled.


    "That makes you all pretty weak, doesn''t it?"


    Luxian frowned, "Listen, you can try provoking me all you want, I''m not killing you before you''re branded with the curse."


    "Luxian, I''m pretty sure...-" started Jeff.


    "Just-Shut up, man. You''re really annoying me, right now. You''re not on our level, stop acting like it. You''re just an average man with high level toys. Know your ce."


    "S-Sorry sir."


    "I am bleeding out, here," said Mori.


    "You''re clearly handling it, but here,"


    Luxian stood up, raising his hand above Mori''s body.


    His white eyes shone brighter as he cast his spell.


    "[Light Heal]"


    His hand grew brighter, the rays radiating from it touched Mori. He felt warmth he had never felt before, as if the sky had opened up and he soared through it, light and breezy.


    Once it stopped, that feeling had gone away.


    Mori quickly looked as his limbs, they hadn''te back, to his relief.


    "Well I can''t give you your limbs back just yet, simpler to wait until you''re cursed. Maybe I should go retrieve them right now," said Luxian standing up.


    "I''m not just any Sovereign," said Mori, stopping Luxian.


    Luxian turned around, surprised.


    "I''ve been curious, tell me. I really hope it''s more impressive than the other ones."


    Mori had a faint smile. "I''m the Cursed Sovereign."


    Luxian nodded, then started frowning.


    "Why did you tell me? Now I have to kill you here. There''s no point keeping you alive if you can''t be cursed."


    A loud snap echoed through the city.


    A shockwave raised dust a meter in the air, windows breaking and wood cracking.


    Everyone looked up, the sword had slowly started its descent.


    Luxianughed, while jeff ran toward the gate, ignoring Sarah on the ground.


    "Jeff, why are you running?!" yelled Luxian.


    Luxian loudly sighed, as he turned around, slowly walking toward Jeff.


    He quickly stopped, however, as Jeff hit an invisible wall, unable to leave.


    "Huh, what kind of party trick is this?" asked Luxian.


    Jeff was panicking, his hands trembling as he repeatedly hit the invisible wall with his fist.


    "fuck fuck fuck..." he muttered.


    Luxian looked up one more time.


    "What''s happening?" asked Luxian.


    "He''s happening! I tried telling you, he has Asmodael''s ring, he''s locked the city down, no humans can leave this ce, that''s why it''s been such a ughter."


    "We just need to take the ring..."


    Luxian turned around, looking at Mori, remembering he had cut his limbs clean off. He quickly looked around, trying to find them, but they were gone.


    "What?! Where..."


    Luxian scanned the area quickly, but no limbs remained.


    His smile was gone, fading a little bit more.


    "Quick! Quick! It''s falling! You need to stop it!" yelled Jeff.


    Luxian quicklyunched a light spear toward the sword in the sky.


    As it reached it, it broke on its surface.


    "Fuck, it''s real?!"


    Luxian ignored Jeff and crouched, light wingsing out of his back as he prepared tounch.


    As he started his upward motion, chains came out of the ground, piercing both his wrists, trying to reel him in.


    "You should clean some of that blood off you," said Mori.


    Luxian looked down, Mori''s blood was all over him.


    He tried to jump again, using more of his power tounch himself upward, the chains eventually gave up, but new ones popped from the ground as he broke free.


    Luxian was able to lift a few meters of the ground, but the chains just multiplied.


    They kepting, one by one, piercing his body and trying to reel him in, as he fought to take off.


    The sound of the sword falling became louder.


    Its real size was truly impressive, as it got closer, it looked even bigger.


    Soon, the sky disappeared, the only thing remaining was the edge of a sword.


    There was no escape.


    Luxian was a few meters off the ground, still fighting against the chains.


    "Looks like this is the end," said Mori, still on his back.


    "You''re so weak, how?!" said Luxian, struggling.


    "My mana is weak because most of it went into the sword. You should''ve just killed me."


    "But a spell of that level! What are you, 11th or 12th path?!"


    "19th."


    Luxian''s face went pale, as he looked up onest time.


    Nothing besides the sword could be seen in the sky, as it was about to finally reach them.


    All of them looked up. In their final moments, all they could hear was Mori Laughing.

 Chapter 34: [Black Seal]

    "Isn''t that the Ice Sovereign?"


    "Yeah, it totally is."


    "What is she doing here?"


    "She''s pretty..."


    Evie ''The Ice Queen'', was walking down the street toward the castle.


    She was wearing a long white and blue robe, it looked heavy and had a lot ofyers despite the day being hotter than usual.


    She wasn''t sweating at all, however. Her skin looked smooth like porcin, her long white-grey hair dancing in the wind.


    Her hair was a consequence of the Sovereign status. She was a young adult, just reaching 22.


    Tiny sparkles dispersed in the wind as she walked, trailing behind her and amazing the kids around while the adults rolled their eyes.


    She didn''t care much what they thought, however.


    She was walking slowly, while a horse-driven carriage was on her left, going at the same pace as her.


    Someone was hanging half-outside of the window, waving his arms around.


    "Come-on, Evie, don''t be like this. Just get in already."


    The man sighed heavily.


    "We''ll bete, again. I know you don''t care but I''mthe one getting all the me..."


    "I''m walking," she said.


    "Huuuuuuuuuh. Pleaaaseeeeeee."


    After a couple more of those ''Pleeeeease'', making every head turn, she finally surrendered, getting in the carriage.


    She mmed the door close and started pouting.


    "I know you don''t like those rides, but time is of the essence. This summon we received had a ck wax seal. Something major happened," said the butler.


    "Can you remind me what the color means?" she asked.


    "ck means the whole kingdom might be in danger. Red means a few cities might be in danger. Yellow means a single city might be in danger."


    "Only might? So the kingdom could also be fine?"


    "Something happened, that''s for sure. The scale isre-evaluated with all the new information we''re getting. It could go from ck to red by the time we get there."


    "So we could be hurrying for nothing."


    "Oh, not for nothing. Dustriver has been wiped out."


    "It was attacked? It''s quite far from the frontline..." she said.


    "I don''t have the details yet. That''s why it''s important we get there faster."


    The carriage was hurrying up the street, the driver insulting the pedestrians from time to time as they went up the hill.


    Four horses were dragging this carriage, which made the ascent to the castle pretty easy.


    "That''s a lot of horses... and carriages," she pointed out as they arrived at the entrance.


    "I''m guessing everyone of importance has been summoned. We''re most likely thatst ones... oh man I''m truly going to be executed this time..."


    "Stop whining, let''s just go in."


    Evie stepped outside, the wind had slightly risen, and the sun would soon set as night was around the corner.


    She headed inside. Guards held the doors open as she made her way toward the room designated for important meetings.


    She entered, followed by her butler, to a room full of people sitting around an oval table.


    "Finally, you''re here. Sit."


    "Yes, general," she replied.


    She sat in the only seat remaining, while her servant stayed up behind her.


    "She doesn''t even pretend to care," said a man wearing a knight''s formal attire.


    "I''m here, am I not? Let''s just get this over with."


    "Silence. Alright, since we''re all here, let''s get this started."


    The general looked around the room, then turned toone of the knights on his right side.


    "We''re clear?" he asked.


    "Yes. I can''t sense anyone nearby, or any spells activated."


    "Good."


    The general put both hands on the table, leaning forward. His voice was somber, his stern facial expression showed how serious the situation was.


    "You all recall the red-seal meeting? We had moved forward with getting Luxian to investigate and take appropriate actions. He found the menace we had detected. The raised corpses had already gone through a few small towns before going the opposite way."


    "They suddenly changed course?" asked another knight.


    "Yes. They were heading for Dustriver. Thest contact we had with Luxian was before he left for that city."


    "Is hezying around in a pub again? Last time we found him singing in one with some random bard about how strong he was, I wouldn''t call a ck-seal meeting for this, honestly," said Evie.


    All the heads turned toward her, while her butler facepalmed.


    The general sighed, rolling his eyes.


    "We''ve sent recon to find him, however, Dustriver was already wiped out."


    "What do you mean, general, by wiped out? What is the death-rate?" asked a younger knight.


    The general''s tone became even more grave.


    "100%. Everyone died, we can''t find anyone."


    "The zombies? Were we toote?" asked someone else.


    "Raised corpses. And no, those were found as they were going back on their initial course. Where Dustriver should''ve been, all that remained was a giant slit in the ground, going hundreds of meters deep, and hundred of meters wide."


    Whispers and muttering took over the room.


    "Do we think those pesky beastman did it? They''ve been quiet on the front, my soldiers are reporting."


    "Or maybe it was those dryads..."


    "Dryads don''t have that kind of destructive magic," said Evie. "And beastman barely use magic at all. Is everyone here stupid?"


    Evie''s butler closed his eyes, breathing deeply while looking up, seemingly praying.


    "For someone who''s not even able to be here on time, you act like you know a lot."


    "Yeah. Time and knowledge are truly connected. General, I''d move forward with a proposition to IQ test anyone who sits at this table. Next thing you know they''ll propose to send the cavalry... again."


    "What?! You fucking bitch, I''ll have your head for this you-"


    "Enough, keep yourposure," cut the general. "What are you thinking, Evie."


    "There''s a lot of possibilities. I doubt it''s the demons, Jeff had them under control. It must''ve been a small group that did this, as an army would''ve been detected way before they reached Dustriver. Also, Dustriver had little strategic purpose, so not likely to be a group from the north."


    "How can you be sure it''s not the demons?"


    "They''ve been under control for a very long time, if they did a coup they wouldn''t be able to deal that much damage, all of the sudden, or even besting Luxian."


    "We did find demonfolks in towns nearby Dustriver. Some of them talked, iming some raised corpses were roaming around. However, apparently they were avoiding demons."


    "Then the raised corpses and that slit in the ground must be connected," reasoned Evie.


    "That''s what we''re thinking, yes. We need to send an elite toon to investigate further."


    "Sounds like a good idea," said Evie.


    All the heads turned to her.


    "Oh, no way. You know I don''t deal with any hardships well, and the carriage rides... You know I can''t digest those dried food bags. No, no and no."


    "You have to, or you''ll face worse hardships here," said the General.


    "FINE. You better pay me heaps of gold. Fuck, I already have too much gold, I don''t even know what I want. Maybe vacation time? Yeah. I want years of vacation.


    Final offer."


    "You''ll get 2 weeks, and thank me on your knees for it. Now go, assemble a party and get going."


    She exhaled loudly so everyone would hear it. As they all rolled their eyes once more, Evie and her butler slightly bowed, heading for the exit.


    "Not you. We need to talk. Again."


    Her butler squirmed, his hands trembling as he turned around.


    "Y-y-yes, g-general."

 Chapter 35: [Road Block]

    "It''s the third one," whispered Xannos.


    "They''re unto us, I feel it," said Reaper.


    Mori was walking leaning on Aura, his arm around her shoulder, which she held tightly.


    They walked slowly, Mori''s body barely able to go straight with the poor sewing job done to attach his limbs back together.


    Mori was back to wearing his cloak, which Le had recovered for him.


    "I guess we can kill them, again," said Le.


    "Are they human?" asked Mori, not even looking up.


    "They are," she responded.


    "Then kill them."


    Reaper''s smile stretched across his face.


    They were around 100 meters from the guards. Around 12 of them with heavy shields and swords, all standing on the road facing them.


    For once, however, a carriage with two horses was off the road, on the grass.


    "We''ll take their carriage," said Mori.


    As they approached, one guard loudly spoke.


    "Halt. Anyone whoes from Dustriver''s direction is to be stopped and investigated. If you have any weapons, we advise you to drop them immediately and toply with-"


    It looked as if the ground under Reaper became water, he quickly fell in it, dispersing dark smoke as he did.


    He reappeared emerging from a guard''s shadow, doing a quick 360 with a dagger in each hand.


    He could only get 3 of them, 2 were out of range while thest one had raised his shield in time.


    "What the- Kill them all!" yelled the guard.


    The guard''s shields started to glow, as well as their swords.


    The one closest to reaper swung his sword, forcing him to backstep. The next one took a step forward as well. They started a barrage of attacks forcing Reaper to walk backward, with no opening to hit back.


    The other guards were facing the group, hoping to buy time.


    "Le, help him would you?" asked Mori, sighing.


    "Do we really need him?" asked Le.


    "I don''t know," said Mori, in one big exhale.


    "Yes, we do. Save him, please," said Xannos.


    Le ran forward, and joined Reaper, fighting the remaining guards.


    Mori''s vision became blurry. The next step he took would''ve brought him to the ground if it wasn''t for Aura holding onto his arm.


    "We need to take a break. You need it," said Aura.


    "What we need, is for me to get stronger, so what happened in there doesn''t happen again."


    "You are already strong, if anything, it was my fault..."


    "I shouldn''t have used most of my cursed energy for [Sword of Damocles]. I had to rely on Reaper to get me out of there, truly sickening."


    "At least you got Luxian," said Xannos, walking next to them while watching Le and Reaper fight the guards.


    "I didn''t. Reaper got me out a few seconds before the sword reached us. Had he waited for the veryst moment, Luxian maybe wouldn''t have had the time to leave."


    "It''d be problematic if we encountered him out here..."


    Mori vaguely nodded.


    His facial expression was cold and stern, most of it was out of pain and tiredness.


    He watched them fight the guards as well, a dark cloud forming in his heart every time his eyes got to Reaper.


    He would kill him. Not yet, however.


    And Le, annoyingly taking hits on purpose, dragging the fight longer than it needed to be.


    Mori took a deep breath.


    "Let''s just get in the carriage, they''ll join us."


    As they were busy fighting, the group walked to the carriage, Xannos hopping on the driver''s seat while Aura and Mori got in the back.


    Both horses started trotting forward, going back on the road past the guards.


    "So where are we even headed?" asked Xannos over his shoulder.


    "West. My mother told me about a dungeon she wished for me to explore, she said it was truly unique. All I know is that it''s hidden in the mountains."


    "Why that one?"


    "It should be far enough so we won''t be bothered by anyone else. I doubt anyone has adventured that far, yet."


    Mori was lying down on the bench, resting his head on Aura''sp.


    Her eyes were staring down at him, a face he hadn''t seen this close in a while.


    Her gaze was intense and unwavering.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll let you drink my bloodter," he said


    Aura frowned, visibly annoyed, but Mori couldn''t tell why, ironically.


    "So why are we going to clear a dungeon?" asked Xannos.


    "I need to level up, so does Aura. I''m still level 1."


    "1?!" yelled Xannos, surprised.


    Mori was used to that reaction, however.


    "Yes."


    "Any kind of monster gives exp. It''s surprising you never killed one... Not even a devil rabbit?"


    "No."


    Xannos whistled while nodding, a tone of surprise underlying every word he said.


    Mori''s eyes went back to Aura.


    "I''ve been burning too much cursed energy topensate for my low level. My stats are too low to handle big spells, it''s less than efficient. The dungeons located in the mountains should be perfect for us to grow without being bothered."


    "You don''t need to convince me, I''m already on board," she said.


    Mori smiled.


    His face was smiling... but the undertones were dark.


    As if under that smile was hiding pain and suffering. The darkness around his eyes, and how tired he looked made Aura''s gaze soften.


    "Don''t force it," she said. "I won''t move until you wake up."


    "Thanks."


    She caressed his hair. Truly the only person he''d let get away with it.


    She smiled back, both of them gazing at each other while Mori subconsciously fought to stay awake.


    A fight he ultimately lost, right as the sun started setting.


    The low rumbling of the carriage moving forward, Aura''s pleasant smell, which he recognized from when he first met her, and the calmness all brought him close to slumber.


    Yet, his thoughts wouldn''t let him have the rest he deserved. Nightmares and distress clouded what should''ve been a peaceful sleep.


    And that, even Aura''s soothing presence wouldn''t fix it.

 Chapter 36: [Small Town]

    Around 4 hours of rest is all he got. Aura woke him up by gently shaking his shoulder, whispering his name.


    His sleep wasn''t so deep that he didn''t see iting, but it remained a nicer way to wake up.


    "Mori? we''ll stop here," she whispered.


    "Where are we?" he asked.


    "Some vige, it doesn''t have much to offer, but there is an inn with stables for the horses," she said.


    "Good, we''ll sleep there."


    He took a deep breath, sitting upright. Looking outside, the night had totally fallen.


    He wasn''t used to this. Night never meant darkness, in the real world.


    Lights were installed everywhere, they said it was for everyone''s safety, however a lot more people thought it was more so that DiveCore could record them properly through the CCTVs.


    Mori had never cared, DiveCore owned too many mediapanies for anyone to be able to untangle any conspiracy theory.


    He used to be invested in figuring out the truth, but quickly stopped bothering, like most did.


    In this world, however, night truly meant night. Darkness, like he never could''ve imagined.


    The true sound of silence, no buzzing sounds of electronics polluting the ce.


    Mori got out of the carriage, only to meet Le and Reaper sitting on the ground.


    "What are you doing there?" he asked.


    "We had to walk behind the carriage, because your guard dog there tried to slit our throats when we set foot in it," said Le.


    Mori turned to Aura, patting her head while smiling, which she answered by smiling as well.


    "Yeah, you''re real proud of that one. Let''s just get to that inn, Xannos went ahead to book the room."


    Le and Reaper got up, dusting themselves as they all went toward the inn.


    "Reaper," stopped Mori.


    He turned around, surprise on his face while the others kept walking.


    "What is it?" he asked.


    "Don''t think I forgot our deal."


    Reaper frowned. "You mean..."


    "You''ll die."


    He took a deep breath, "I know... You want to do it now?"


    "Not yet."


    Reaper exhaled in relief. "You''re trying to give me a heart attack?"


    "You''re weak. Extremely weak, even. That disy with the guards was pathetic."


    "Well," quickly cut Reaper, "You haven''t seen everything. I''ve got more tricks, and I was tired, and-"


    "It''s fine. Just focus on your strength. You said it yourself, you''re good at recon. I don''t want to be taken by surprise anymore, like it happened with Luxian. I''m counting on you, Reaper. Especially when we''re sleeping."


    Reaper''s devious smile returned, disgusting Mori to the core.


    "You can count on me."


    Mori nodded, hiding his disgust the best he could.


    As soon as Reaper turned around to join the others he couldn''t contain it anymore, letting it show.


    Mori''s hands were tingling, this same feeling he felt when ughtering humans in Dustriver.


    He should''ve killed him then and there.


    Aura who noticed he stayed behind, she turned around, joining him.


    "Aren''t youing?" she asked, approaching.


    "Yes, yes."


    "Oh, I got so used to it I almost forgot, even with the cloak perhaps you should get the chains..."


    Ah, she''s right, I forgot.


    She took the cloak off his shoulders and then a few steps back.


    Mori lifted both arms, chains appearing from the ground, piercing his own body like it happened in Griswald''s domain.


    They swirled around him, sealing him tight. Once they were done swirling around, she put the cloak back on his shoulders.


    They walked toward the inn, it was quite isted.


    The vige was small, there was perhaps a couple of thousands of people, Mori estimated.


    There were a lot of farms, he could smell it, and this main road only had a few dozen establishments on each side.


    Xannos was walking out of the inn as Mori and Aura reached the door.


    "It''s all settled. I''ll bring the horses to the stables, they''re totally empty, you can get some rest."


    "Good," said Mori.


    When he entered, it was a true let down.


    Nothing like Mary''s inn, The Wild Boar. The smell was disgustingly potent, as if the farm animals lived inside this ce.


    Dust was on every surface, while dirt had imed the floor for itself. The standards were simply mediocre at best.


    The innkeeper, demonfolk as well, looked at her worst.


    She was in her thirties, but looked in her fifties. Her voice dragged onto words longer than necessary, as if every breath could be herst as she pronounced them.


    Every movement she made was minimal, as she held out the keys.


    Mori rolled his eyes, taking them.


    "Let''s go," he told the others.


    "Second floor," said the innkeeper.


    There was only three rooms, and he had two pair of keys.


    "Okay, how about-" started Le.


    "No."


    "But, it''s-"


    "No."


    "You''re not even listening," she said.


    "I couldn''t care less. So I''ll take that room with Aura, and you all can share the remaining one."


    "How about we take thest room, here as well?" asked Reaper, opening its door.


    Thest door opened to a bedroom cluttered with junk. Boxes of rusted tools, broken nks directly on the bed while the window was broken, a gust of wind passing through.


    Reaper closed the door, and headed toward the remaining room, exhaling, followed by Le.


    "Don''t you make a move on me, subus," said reaper inside the room.


    "Don''t worry, I''d rather die," she said in a defeated tone, closing the door.


    Mori headed into his room, followed by Aura who closed the door behind him.


    Darkness took over, the only source of light being the torches in the hallway extending their brightness under the door, barely making anything visible.


    The window was broken, but at that moment he couldn''t bother to care.


    The bed was in such a bad shape; he refused to even sit on it.


    It was foul; it smelled truly horrible. The bed wasn''t even made. Whoeverst slept in it was most likely thest person to touch it.


    "By any chance, is there any spell..." started Aura.


    "I wish. Nothing I can do," said Mori.


    He sat on the ground, thenying his back on the cold but dirty floor. His cloak would be the only separating them from filth.


    He opened his arms, inviting Aura in.


    "The chains will be ufortable, but you can rest on my shoulder," he said.


    "I don''t mind the chains," she replied.


    She got on her knees and carefullyid next to him on the cloak, avoiding the ground at all cost.


    She rested her head resting against his shoulder, her arm naturally wrapping around his torso.


    "Are you not going to drink some of my blood?" he asked.


    Already?


    Mori realized she also hadn''t slept in a long time.


    The moment her head touched his shoulder, she was gone.


    He held her tight, closing his own eyes, joining her into slumber.

 Chapter 37: [Skin-Carving]

    "Are you sure it doesn''t hurt?" asked Xannos, again.


    "I''ve cursed myself; I can''t feel pain. I usually avoid doing that, however," replied Mori.


    They were in a field. They had bought nkets and sheets and used them on the grass. Under Mori was the cheapest one, which would be stained by his blood once Xannos would start carving him.


    One thing everyone had agreed on, is that they wouldn''t sleep in that inn anymore, so they aquired anything they would need to camp outside.


    "Remember, if anything happens, call my full name out. Chains will pop out and restrain me, normally nothing should be able to get out."


    "Yeah don''t worry, we''ll stay here and make sure it goes well," said Aura.


    "Yeah, I''d never miss such a show," said Le.


    "Well, personally..." started Reaper.


    Mori''s expression hardened.


    "Please leave, Reaper. Do some recon, make sure we aren''t interrupted. See if we''ve been followed, or something, make yourself useful."


    "Thanks, I truly didn''t want to stay here for this," he said, leaving in a puff of smoke, smiling.


    "Alright, I''m starting. But... those holes in your chest seem concerning," said Xannos.


    "Because they are."


    "What are they? Should I avoid them?" he asked.


    "I''m the cursed Sovereign. As you know, my mana is cursed energy, in its pure form."


    "Yes, this much we know," said Le.


    "When I break through my ''Paths'', with [Hex Harvesting], I''m hosting hexes. The ck eldritch beings you''ve seening out of me."


    "Hexes? Aren''t they souls? I thought you were doing necromancy..." said Le.


    "I can''t resurrect the dead. All I can do is defile corpses with hexes. These beings basically possess the corpses."


    "And so, theying out of those holes in your body?" asked Xannos.


    "There''s no holes in my body," said Mori.


    Everyone''s eyebrows arched, as they were staring at his body, clearly ridden with holes.


    Mori exhaled, exasperated.


    "The hexes aren''t from this ''dimension''. They don''t live here, among us. You won''t encounter them in the wild, as you have a leisurely stroll in the woods. I''m hosting them as a bridge between their dimension and this one."


    "And what''s their purpose?" asked Xannos.


    "Chaos. You wouldn''tprehend what they''re thinking, it makes no sense. They''re extremely chaotic, but still useful for most of my spells."


    "Okay, that makes sense, but you said those weren''t holes..." said Le pointing at his torso.


    "I''m getting to it..."


    Mori rubbed his forehead, summoning his remaining patience.


    "My heart, lungs, liver, and all other organs are still there. Those ''holes'' are more like portals to their dimension. They''re only on the surface of my body. When I''m piercing my body with chains, I''m truly sealing those gateways."


    "I didn''t know..." said Aura.


    "Doesn''t matter. What I need you to do, Xannos, is make sure you seal those gates."


    "This changes everything... This is a totally different kind of sealing. I''m not even sure I can do it..."


    "Try, at least."


    Xannos smiled, taking his feather.


    Yeah, with that smile, it''s clear you were ''hesitating''. Is everyone in Asmodael''s royal guards group like this?


    He dipped the feather in bowl next to him. Its liquid looked like ck ink, although it wasn''t.


    Mori barely felt as the inscription happened. The pain was reduced so much, all he felt was a slight pressure on his chest.


    Le looked ecstatic, while Aura seemed concerned.


    Eventually Aura left to walk around and explore the nature around, leaving Mori to his procedure.


    Truthfully, it was boring. He stared at the blue sky which expanded beyond his imagination, barely any clouds in sight.


    The cicadas were loud, a detail he enjoyed, as it was the first time he heard them.


    The only time he did, before, was in series and movies where nature was involved.


    Quickly he got lost in thought, contemting.


    ¡ª~~¡ª


    "Is it not over?" asked Aura who just arrived.


    "It''s ART. You can''t rush it, nobody told you that before?" said Xannos.


    "Looks like you''re butchering him, more than anything."


    Mori looked down, Xannos was almost done.


    "Let''s prepare to camp out. I doubt the locals will mind it, none came around. Even if they did, they''d most likely send men, in which case we''ll have Le charm them."


    "Is that why you kept me here? I thought you were rewarding me with this sight..."


    "You''re sick," said Aura.


    "Yeah, and you need new insults, truly."


    "Just help me, I''ll start by making a fire and boiling some water."


    "Sure, I was getting hungry, actually. Let''s start with wood, and if lucky we''ll get a rabbit or something."


    "Get enough for everyone, remember Reaper is here too. I''d rather eat something from that forest than anything the locals could sell us," said Xannos.


    "Rough night?" asked Mori.


    "We slept in mold. Literal mold. Only saw it when the morning arrived, I''m never setting foot in that inn again."


    "We''re leaving soon, anyway. Tomorrow, or the day after, we''ll do a straight line toward the mountains to the west."


    "Why don''t we leave tonight?" asked Xannos. "Once we''re done eating we could hit the road right away."


    "There''s someone meeting us here tomorrow. An old foe turned friend."


    "Oh? Well, I trust your judgement."


    "I''ve been meaning to ask, where''s the rest of the royal guards gone?" asked Mori.


    "Once the demonfolks were evacuated, most of them scattered. I''m guessing they''ll visit their hometowns... But I doubt that''ll do any good. Humans did quite a number on them over the years. They won''t feel at home."


    That''s one less thing to worry about.


    Thirty minutes passed until Xannos finallypleted his work.


    He got up, stretching and admiring his work.


    All around Mori''s torso were intricate tattoos, all connected to each other.


    It appeared normal on the surface, but as he ran his finger through it, he could feel the dents made in his body.


    "Can I still summon hexes?" asked Mori.


    "Smaller ones would be fine, the gateways should be able to close after they''ve gone out, but bigger ones could damage the inscription."


    "These gateways aren''t there to get them out, but to help them in. The more hexes I host, the faster my progress is through my paths as a Sovereign... I let them carve holes in my body to speed the process, but to get them out I could simply use my mouth."


    "Your... mouth? That''s horrible, really..."


    Mori chuckled, "I thought so, too."

 Chapter 38: [Reapers order]

    They were sitting around a campfire, the crackling sound soothing and rxing.


    The night was quiet, the murmur of the wind passing through the surrounding grass, the leaves of the trees further and the whispers of everyone added to that atmosphere.


    Xannos and Le were talking softly, what about he didn''t know, and didn''t care.


    Aura was next to him, and Reaper a bit further.


    Everyone around this fire had been branded. He didn''t worry what they talked about.


    However he did need to be more careful, what happened with Luxian never should happen again.


    "Reaper?" suddenly asked Mori.


    "Yeah?"


    Everyone head turned toward the sudden action.


    "Kill Aura."


    Everyone eyebrows arched. Le and Xannos startedining while Aura studied Mori''s face, without saying a word.


    "You can''t possibly want me to do that... Aren''t you two close?" he asked.


    Mori got up, and started pacing around the camp ground. Slowly strolling around, in thought.


    "Alright, forget about it."


    Reaper sighed in relief, wiping sweat off his forehead.


    After a couple of minutes, everyone was back to normal, however Aura kept looking at Mori.


    Her face suddenly showed surprise, as Mori kept pacing around.


    "Reaper?" asked Mori.


    "Yeah?"


    Le and Xannos stopped again, wondering what the problem was this time.


    "Why didn''t you wait thest second before moving me out?" asked Mori.


    "Well I''m not that confident in my skills..."


    "Tell the truth," said Mori.


    "That''s it."


    "That isn''t the truth, let me show you."


    Mori pointed at Le, who was surprised.


    "Kill me, Le."


    Le''s face went through a lot of emotions, notably surprise and concern.


    And then pleasure. A lot of it.


    "Oh fuck, am I being rewarded?! Now?"


    She slid off her wood trunk, to the floor.


    "Oh god this pain is unreal."


    Le was on the ground, cursing, yet her tone was void of any negative emotions.


    Mori had strolled around the campfire again, this time stopping behind Reaper.


    "You know what I think?" asked Mori. "I think the reason you got me out several seconds before the sword dropped is so that you could get Luxian out."


    "Why would I do that?! You think I betrayed you? If I did, I wouldn''t need to save you at all, there."


    "No, you had to." said Mori.


    Mori''s hand tightened on Reaper''s shoulder.


    "If you saved Luxian, I would''ve seen it happen, and you don''t know if I could''ve saved myself, or stopped the sword. You didn''t want to blow your cover for anything, am I right?" asked Mori.


    Everyone''s attention, even Le''s was directed toward Reaper.


    "That''s a stretch, man. I''ve saved you, have I not?"


    "Where were you, today, then? When I asked you to check the perimeter or make yourself useful?"


    "I did exactly what you asked me to. Man, honestly, you have trust issues. I don''t understand why I''m a target right now, I''ve done nothing wrong."


    "Alright, everyone? I''d like you to meet: Griswald."


    Walking out of the darkness of the night, Griswald approached.


    Nobody had noticed him, surprising even Aura.


    He looked different from what he used to. His clothes were basically rags, his cape was full of holes, more holes than cape, actually.


    His chest was visible as he had lost his button-up shirt. He looked fiercer than he did previously, his eyes glowing purple like Aura''s. A result of drinking Mori''s blood.


    There was still a mark however, from where Mori had sealed him, and branded him, right in the middle of his chest.


    "Father..." said Aura.


    "That man''s your father?!" said Xannos.


    Le was still rolling on the ground, barely holding herself.


    "Alright, stop, Le," said Mori, annoyed.


    "No, no no no don''t take it away now, I''m close, shit."


    Mori sighed, but continued. "See, Griswald arrived slightly earlier, so I asked him to keep an eye on you. Griswald, it''s been a few years, but you can speak now. Tell me, what did you see?"


    Griswald bowed, his right arm on his chest.


    "Thank you, sir, for giving me back the right to speak. I''m thrilled to learn you believe I earned it, after everything I''ve done," said Griswald.


    "Keep your pleasantries. I know you just want more of my blood. Speak."


    "''Reaper'', over here, walked about 15 minutes, then disappeared in a puff of smoke. Around one hourter, another Reaper arrived from outside the vige, seemingly running."


    "That''s how I do recon, I use my spells to do it faster."


    "But," all the heads turned. It was Aura who spoke. "Mori asked you to kill me. And you didn''t."


    "Do you really want to die?!" asked Reaper, upset.


    "You don''t get it, Mori has made it plenty obvious already, look at Le. What happened to her when she refused a direct order? Howe it didn''t happen to you? Aren''t you branded too?"


    Reaper''s face went nk.


    "Here''s the reason why your ns never worked," said Mori, looking at Le. "They''ve always been a step ahead."


    "Well, what good will it do now? Another Sovereign is on her way with an elite force, they''re close already, and they know which direction you''re headed. You''re a wanted man, Mori. I''m just a clone, and the clone you branded is already long gone."


    Mori ignored Reaper. "Griswald, his real body is around 1 hour away. You run faster than him, you should be able to catch him. Also, it''s night, so you should be a better hunter as a vampire, I don''t expect you to fail this."


    "Yes, I''ve noted, when he disappeared, the exact direction which the new clone came from, I should find him easily."


    "Good. Here, take this."


    Mori slit his own wrist, blood profusely flowing out. Griswald grabbed his arm, drinking everything he could before Mori stopped him.


    "Go, now."


    "Yes, right away."


    Reaper''s clone was immobile, staring at the horizon. Everyone looked at it, until he ultimately disappeared, in a puff of smoke.


    "So, he was back," said Aura.


    "Sorry I didn''t tell you."


    "It''s fine, I truly don''t care much about him, anymore."


    Mori walked forward,ying a hand on her shoulder.


    "And you''re right not to."


    "So should we change course? If they''re onto us?" asked Le.


    "No. Nothing changes, we''re heading west."

 Chapter 39: [Heading West]

    "How did you realize he was working against us?" asked Le.


    "It was hunches, only confirmed when the brand didn''t activate," replied Mori.


    "That''s it?" said Xannos. "impressive, still."


    "Let''s get going. We have ground to cover, and there''s another Sovereign on their way too."


    "You really don''t mind that we can be attacked at any point?" asked Le.


    Mori chuckled, "Luxian gave me way too much information. He''s on the 10th path, while the other Sovereigns are at half that. There''s no way they can fight me on equal ground. And Reaper, so nice of him, told us only one of them is after us. You guys can probably deal with them without me."


    "By ''you guys'', you mean Le Aura and that Griswald guy, right?" said Xannos.


    Mori sighed while throwing dirt on the fire to extinguish.


    Darkness surrounded them, but didn''t bother at all. They walked back to the vige, toward the stables where the horses should be.


    Everyone was sound asleep, no torches lit anywhere, and all the establishments seemed closed. Even the Inn, which in all logic, should''ve had a torch lit in case travelers arrivedte.


    "There''s someone in the stables," said Aura.


    "Huh. That''s too far for me to see. What are they doing?" asked Mori.


    "They''re trying to steal our horses, most likely," she replied.


    Without saying a word, Le went ahead, using the darkness to her advantage.


    They watched as she silently approached the stables, muffled struggling soundsing out of it.


    After a short moment, Le came out with the horses.


    She was waving at them, walking toward the carriage.


    Xannos helped her harness them in, while Mori and Aura jumped in the back and sat down.


    I''m guessing Reaper tried to stall us by telling those guys to steal our horses.


    It didn''t take them too long before they were finally on their way. Le drove the carriage first, the night too dark for Xannos to navigate.


    "Is everyone here able to see well in darkness?" asked Xannos.


    "I can see, but not that well. Aura is better than me at it," said Mori.


    "I''m pretty good too," added Le.


    "Xannos and I will alternate during day, and you two during night, we''ll try to only stop when necessary. That sovereign on our tail doesn''t scare me, but I''d rather arrive faster."


    "Agreed," said Aura.


    Two benches on each side of the carriage had someone sleep on them, while the remaining person would sleep on the floorboard.


    Despite the vibrations, everyone was able to get some rest. The silence and quiet helped, only crossing paths with another carriage once during the night.


    Eventually, the first rays of light shone through the opening at the back, Xannos being the first one to wake up from it.


    Le was getting tired, and let him take her ce, joining the others.


    Only a few more hours went by, before he woke the group.


    "Another vige," he said.


    It was around noon; the sun was high up and their stomach empty.


    They looked outside, the vige was as small as the previous one, but more lively.


    Kids were running around, while a fair amount of people were busy outside, tending to the crops.


    Some of them waved as they passed by, Xannos waving back with a big smile on his face.


    He slowed the carriage down. On the side of the road was someone walking with jugs of water on their shoulders, hanging on a pole made of wood.


    "Excuse me, is there a restaurant, or an inn in which we could eat, here?" asked Xannos.


    "We have food," said Mori in the back.


    "Yes, but I''d rather have good food."


    "If ya want food, the only ce ya got is that ol'' pub. They always open. The food ain''t that good lemme tell ya, but the beer hits the spot past the 4th or 5th pint," said the old man.


    He looked like what you''d expect from an older man working the fields, but with horns.


    Despite his old looks, he had bigger muscles than any of them. Most likely the result of working the fields his whole life.


    "Thanks a lot, old man!"


    "Tellem George sent ya! Might give ya a discount!"


    "Thanks again!" said Xannos as he took off.


    Turning right at the crossroads, they entered the vige, some kids ran along the carriage, quickly giving up, unable to win against the horses.


    Once on the main street, they looked on both sides, hoping to find the pub the man was talking about.


    "That''s the one, you think?" asked Le, pointing.


    "Has to be," said Xannos.


    It didn''t look as bad as the inn in the previous vige, but it needed work.


    They parked the carriage on the side of the pub, making sure the horses wouldn''t get away, and headed for the entrance.


    The doors were built like those in westerns Mori had seen as a kid.


    As they pushed them open, a bell rung above them, signaling their presence.


    The inside wasn''t as bad as the outside. The furniture was old, but at least it wasn''t dusty or damp. It didn''t smell poorly, and the floor wasn''t dirty, an overall upgrade from the previous inn.


    "Ah! Neers, wee!" said the maning out of the back.


    "Hey, we''ve been referred to your fine establishment by ''George''," started Xannos.


    The man frowned.


    "That old fuck has a tab bigger than my dick, and it hasn''t been paid yet."


    "Well, how big is-"


    "Massive."


    "Alright, boys," cut Le. "It doesn''t matter, we just want something to eat before we get on with our journey."


    "Yeah... I don''t mind, but I don''t serve filth."


    "It''s fine, I''ll wait outside," said Mori.


    "Not you, although humans do get on my nerves. Thess."


    Mori, turned, surprised.


    Aura was as surprised as him, visibly confused as she stood there.


    "Although..." said the man, "I''m not too sure... You look like a vampire, but your eyes are purple..."


    "They''re rarer than you getting clients in here, how can you hate vampires?" asked Le.


    "Well you ain''t wrong about the clients, that old George with his really massive tab is the only regr I have..."


    The man spat on the ground, looking at Aura.


    "But her kind is most unwee."

 Chapter 40: [The pub]

    You must all be new around here," said the man.


    He walked behind the bar and started cleaning tes while talking.


    "It was not in my time, nor George''s time... But our great-great something were bent over by a vampire wench. Fucked the whole region for a very long time, we have records of it."


    "Is she still around?" asked Aura.


    The man spat again.


    "If she was we''d be in a worst shape. She left for the mountains, but only after she did a number on us."


    "What has she done?" asked Xannos, curious. "I''m guessing she killed quite a few for such a reaction."


    "Oh, no, she avoided killing us," he replied.


    "Then why?" asked Aura.


    "That woman roamed around the region, killing cattle. At first, we were content with how she avoided unnecessary bloodshed, but she just never stopped. I''m guessing animal blood isn''t as good as human blood for your kind. She decimated our animals. We had to relearn everything we knew and switch to nt-based farming."


    "That doesn''t sound so bad," said Aura.


    "Yeah, you two are most likely rted. You''re as dumb as her."


    Aura frowned, she made a move forward but Mori stopped her, shaking his head.


    "Yeah, you came to finish the job huh? You know how many died, while she tried to take the peaceful route? We would''ve rather given up some of our own in exchange for peace. She made sure never to be caught, but when she was, she decided to retreat to the mountains. May she never return. Lucky for us, we were born after all of this happened, but we don''t forge," he said, tapping his forehead.


    "You guys didn''t grow any nts?" asked Xannos, "That makes little sense."


    "Where are you guys from?"


    "I''m from Dustriver, he''s from another world, and she''s been secluded in a mansion. As for her..."


    "I was raised in Dustriver as well," said Le.


    "There you have it," said Xannos.


    "The problem out here used to be the soil and climate. That''s why our ancestors never bothered trying to grow anything. This is all we knew, animals. Now look at us, we''re like those forest humpers because of that woman."


    "She could be..." started Aura.


    "No point in guessing. Let''s just wait for Griswald to answer our questions," said Mori.


    "In the meantime, would you be so kind as to feed our group? I assure you, we haven''te with ill intentions," said Xannos, smiling widely.


    "Just sit at any table you want. It''ll cost you extra for her."


    Aura''s fist tightened, but Mori''s hand on her shoulder dissuaded her from intervening.


    They walked to the table, dragging chairs from further away to sit together.


    Their conversation filled the pub, while the sound of of a knife against the chopping board filled the background.


    "How close are we, do you think?" asked Xannos.


    "A few days, I would guess," said Mori.


    "From where?" asked the man.


    "We''re heading for the mountains."


    "You''re only two days away. But I can tell, you''re not properly geared for it."


    They looked at each other.


    "What do you mean?" asked Xannos.


    The sound of vegetables being cut stopped, as he put his knife down to look at them.


    "Well first of all, there''s nasty monsters over there. The closest big city is Dustriver, and let''s be honest, it hasn''t been ''big'' in thest couple of years. Nobody takes care of the monsters in the mountains, Dustriver sent no adventurers anywhere in a while, actually."


    "We can handle monsters," said Mori.


    "Then there''s the cold. Something people don''t expect, although it sounds pretty obvious. Some people think only the tops are cold, but that''s not true. The nights will get ya, if you''re unprepared."


    Le turned toward the group. "We might need to stock up on some things."


    "And that''s not all," he added.


    "What more?" asked Mori.


    "It''s the Unkindled''s domain. He roams that ce, or so people says."


    Xannos nodded, "Thanks, huh..."


    "People call me Raz," he replied.


    "Thanks Raz."


    Aura leaned in, to whisper, while the cutting sounds restarted.


    "What do you know about all that?" she asked.


    "When I yed the game, many things were different." said Mori,"I''ve never been this far west, but also, your mother never terrorized any region."


    "So we''re going there blind, with the promise of a dungeon you''ve never seen that could also not be there in this world?"


    "The Unkindled existed. I''ve read about him, and they said on the forums-"


    "Forums?" asked Aura.


    "A ce where people would write to each-other, but publically, and anyone could jump in at anytime,"


    "Oh... Okay."


    "Anyways, I''ve read some people mention it, but it was an entity that couldn''t be beaten. No lifebar, or even physical bodies to attack. People just get caught in his storms, and don''t make it out."


    "So you don''t know anything about him?" asked Xannos.


    "It doesn''t matter much what myths may exist about that ''Unkindled''. We''ll be avoiding these storms anyways, we should be able to see theming."


    "I just don''t understand why that dungeon is so important to you, when there''s plenty around," said Xannos.


    Mori sighed, looking at the ceiling forfort.


    "I''m curious too," said Aura.


    "You too?" said Mori.


    "Sorry..."


    "...It''s fine. It''s a ''Crowned Dungeon''."


    "We know about those," said Le. "You beat it, then you rule it? But there''s little use to that, even if we could create a sort of dungeon farm it wouldn''t do us that much good, we don''t even have ressources to-"


    "This dungeon is different," said Mori.


    "What, is there rare ore or something like that?" asked Xannos.


    "I don''t know. All I know, is that it flies."


    Everyone took a moment to think, piecing together the puzzle Mori was giving.


    "What''s the point of a flying dungeon?" asked Le.


    "Think about it, a nation that flies above other nations. Safe from invasion, but easy to invade from."


    "A nation?!" asked Xannos, his eyes wide circles.


    "Yes, a nation."

 Chapter 41: [Cold breeze]

    "We have everything?" asked Aura.


    "Huh, yes... I think," replied Xannos, his eyes going over everything at the back of the carriage.


    They tried to adapt to the newest information they received about the mountains.


    They got new sets of cloaks, made with heavyyers of wool. They purchased additional nkets, socks and various other clothing items.


    Their wallets hurt, but not as much as they thought it would, prices were quite low, and most of what they received came from locals who didn''t need those items anymore.


    Raz knew everyone there was to know in that vige. He didn''t warm up to Aura, but made sure they would stay warm on their journey.


    The food they received for their journey beat anything they had.


    "I think we have everything we need, and a fair amount of water too. We don''t need extra for the horses, only for the next days and then we should probably sell them at a nearby vige."


    "They''ll go for a fortune," said Le.


    "Let''s get going then," said Mori.


    Xannos jumped on the driver''s bench, joined by Le. They waved at the people around, thanking them as they left.


    In the back, Mori and Aura sat together, looking through the back as the vige became smaller and smaller, until it disappeared from the horizon.


    The scenery was mainly grasnds. A lot of small hills dominated the area, most-likely the reason wind wasn''t hitting them as hard as it could''ve.


    The weather wasn''t too bad, but the breeze was stronger the further west they went, and colder as well.


    The rest of the day was uneventful, Mori eventually took over as the driver, his mind wandering around as the day slowly turned into night.


    The others talked in the back, but he barely paid attention.


    "Mori?" asked Xannos in the back.


    "What?"


    "Why do you want to create your own kingdom?" he asked.


    The others were silent, avidly awaiting his answer.


    "Hmm."


    He thought for a moment; the others exchanging looks as it took more time than expected.


    "Why not?" he finally answered.


    "Well that''s a let down..." said Xannos.


    "I don''t want to rely on any other nation. Everyone has an agenda, and I have my own too. In my agenda, humans are gone, and there''s no confusion there. Think about it, what would happen if I joined your Royal Guards order, if it hadn''t disbanded the moment Asmodael fled?" asked Mori.


    "That would''ve been great," quickly said Le.


    "Or what if I joined hands with Griswald? What if I joined the war on the front on the north''s side?"


    "That''s a lot of what-ifs," said Aura.


    "The only option I have is to rely on myself. My one true goal will never change, no matter who I''m with. What is your goals? Why are you guys following me?" asked Mori.


    Everyone looked away, reflecting on what Mori said, while barely understanding the meaning.


    Yet, something truly resonated with them.


    It was all about purpose, in the end.


    The night progressed, the cold rising fast. Le slid a nket to Mori who kept going for hours, before letting Aura take over, who insisted to go next.


    "have fun," he said, joining the others.


    Morning seemed toe fast, Aura was still at the helm, joined by Le who sat next to her, leaving the two guys in the back.


    "Finally awake!" eximed Le, "I was about to wake you up myself..."


    "Touch me while I sleep, and you''re dead."


    "Scary!"ughed Le.


    "Who''s that, on the road?" asked Xannos.


    They all squinted, looking ahead.


    "Father," said Aura.


    "...How is he ahead of us, when he went the opposite way days ago?" asked Xannos.


    As they approached, they could notice he was holding a low bow position, a hand on his heart while the other seemed to be holding someone by the cor.


    It was Reaper. His body had been dragged on the ground with little care, his overall shape was extremely bad, while his clothes also showed the same.


    Whatever happened during the past two days, nothing he had been through hell.


    They stopped next Griswald, who just tossed Reaper''s body on the side of the road.


    "Hard to believe that''s really him," said Xannos.


    "Isn''t this excessive?" asked Le.


    Mori red at her.


    "What do you mean?" he asked.


    She took a step back, anxiously looking around.


    "I don''t mean... Just hard to believe someone I''ve been close to for so long was working for the other side."


    "He was. There''s nothing hard to believe, here."


    "It''s just-"


    Xannos put a hand on her shoulder, inserting himself between Mori and Le.


    "What she means is she''s seen him for so long as an ally. She''s still shocked to know he wasn''t truly one of us. She''s not questioning whether he''s deserving of this punishment."


    "Well-" started Le.


    "-No wells, no buts, no ifs, that''s it," said Xannos.


    "There''s no space here for anyone sympathizing with them."


    "Mori''s right," said Aura.


    Mori was surprised by Aura taking position, but his attention remained on the other two.


    "You''ve experienced first-hand what humans are capable of. This one," said Mori, while pointing at Reaper, "was trying his best to get us killed. You''re fighting for him now?"


    Le''s eyes darted around, trying to keepposure. She was biting her lips, looking at Xannos but he wouldn''t match her gaze.


    "What if," said Le, her voice louder as she tried to conjure courage. "What if... It was your sibling? Someone you''ve grown a lot with, or your kid? What would you do? Wouldn''t you hesitate?


    If it was Aura betraying you?"


    "I wouldn''t."


    Mori looked at Aura, then at the rest of the group.


    "Let this be a warning. My patience is at its limit."


    Mori''s eyes were fiery, as he looked at everyone individually.


    "They took a lot from me. I don''t care who you are, if you''re with them, you''ll meet his fate."


    Mori turned to Le, gazing into her eyes.


    "Look at me. Look. At. Me."


    Her eyes were dodgy, but ultimately met his.


    "Kill him. And don''t make it quick."

 Chapter 42: [Reaped]

    Reaper slowly woke up before the group in panic.


    His instincts kicked in, as he dragged himself backward a couple of feet, raising his palm.


    Only a small puff of smoke came out of it, but nothing else happening.


    He kept dragging himself on the ground, unable to gain significant distance.


    "I took the liberty of breaking both his legs," said Griswald.


    "Good, he''s not getting away this time."


    "No. I had to chase him for quite a while. He''s out of mana, now. Even if he recovered some, he wouldn''t be able to get far enough from us."


    "Chasing someone teleporting around is quite a feat," said Mori.


    "It was easy. Especially once I put some of my blood on his clothes, all I had to do was to be patient. He did create some obstacles, but nothing that could stand in my way."


    "Good job, truly. Le, it''s your turn."


    It was as if midnight had struck, bringing her back to reality.


    Nothing stood between her and Reaper, besides her own emotions.


    "Come-on... Lil'', we''ve been through so much in the past 4 years... I''ve saved all those kids for you, and did anything you wanted me to. I can''t die like this, you know I was just trying to survive..."


    She slowly walked forward, reached him in a few steps andid a knee on the ground.


    She grabbed his throat, tightening her grasp slowly as she looked into his eyes.


    "If you wanted to survive, why not turn to us? We wouldn''t be here if you did," she said.


    "-S-o-rry-."


    Reaper was slowly choking, barely able to say any words, staring into Le''s teary eyes.


    "You valued your own life above ours, Mori isn''t wrong. You tried to kill us, to save yourself. We''re not the bad guys for valuing ourselves back above you," she said in-between sniffling.


    She brought her other hand to his neck, his face was redder by the second, as his eyes looked around for anyfort.


    Comfort, there was none.


    All he could see was Le''s face, in-between anger and sadness as she kept piling up the pressure.


    He grabbed onto her shirt and her hair.


    He tried punching her, but she didn''t budge.


    Desperation was settling in, until slowly his arms fell to the side, his eyes rolling to the back of his head.


    Le didn''t stop, the strength of her grasp only growing until a loud ''snap'' echoed.


    She let go, his body hitting the ground as she stood up, looking at it.


    Mori walked forward, putting a hand on her shoulder, but she quickly pped it away.


    She furiously walked to the carriage, sitting in the back in silence.


    Mori turned toward Griswald.


    "So, what''s the problem?"


    "I''m surprised you noticed."


    "There has to be a problem behind us if you took a detour to arrive at the front," said Mori.


    "Yes, there''s someone on your tail. I''m afraid one of Reaper''s clones informed them of your whereabouts before I got my hands on him."


    "Well, this much we knew."


    "I took liberty to scout ahead, she didn''t sense me at all, but I can tell she''s quite strong. Sovereign, most likely."


    "Can you deal with her?" asked Mori.


    "I''m afraid not, she''s strong and has a dozen trained guards, some of them powerful mages."


    Mori nodded in silence, thinking.


    "Alright, join us for now."


    "It seems fate brought us together again, Daughter," said Griswald in a pleasant tone.


    "Father," greeted Aura as she headed toward the carriage.


    "So cold! Breaks my heart," said Griswald to Mori.


    "You better be on your best behavior, we have a long way to go and I''m not going to let you damper the mood the whole time."


    Griswald bowed again, "You can count on my utmost professionalism."


    Xannos had been frowning for so long, but finally voiced his opinion.


    "This is weird. This feels really really... really weird. Aura''s father is Mori''s... Servant?"


    "I owe Mori my life. He spared it, in his greatness, truly a magnificent-"


    "-He wants my blood. Their eyes turned purple once they started drinking it while I was harvesting hexes. It''s a lot more potent, and he wants more. Aging and growing weak scares him."


    "You saw right through me~" melodically answered Griswald.


    "Your presence is truly refreshing. You''re simple, you want something and I have it. Our rtionship couldn''t be better. How would you betray me if I''m the only one who can provide you with this ''youth'' you''re chasing?"


    "The word you''re looking for is ''fucked up'', not ''simpler''. Your rtionship is fucked up, let me tell you that... But hey, you do you..." said Xannos, walking away while shaking his head.


    While everyone was waiting in the carriage, Mori brought Griswald up to speed.


    "Well, I don''t know about that. Her mother could be the one who did it, I haven''t kept tabs on her."


    "It''s fine, maybe we''ll find clues on the way."


    "Right. As for that dungeon, I doubt you would have a hard time. The Unkindled, however, should be avoided. I can guarantee he exists, and he''s quite the annoyance. Furthermore..."


    "What is it?" asked Mori.


    "Well, I don''t want to be rude, but you''ve recruited... weaklings," whispered Griswald.


    "Your daughter is one of them, should I remind you?"


    "Well, it is what it is, as they say," heughed. "She has other talents, I''m sure, but none of them would make much of a difference from being alone."


    "You were alone in your domain for what, 100 years? How much did you aplish?"


    Griswald sighed, "Anyhow, I get the gist of what''s happening."


    "Good, then you know what you have to do, once we reach the mountains."


    "Yes. About our little... arrangement..."


    Mori rolled his eyes, as he raised his arm and pulled his sleeve.


    "If you start acting greedy it''ll be thest time you have any."


    In a swift motion, he cut his wrist. Blood poured out, which Griswald didn''t let go to waste.

 Chapter 43: [Surprising Gift]

    Evie was looking outside of the window, her grey and white locks gracefully sitting on her shoulders.


    "Driver! We''re taking a break!" she suddenly yelled.


    The carriage they were in was the more luxurious kind, while the other knights were riding in the typical carriages by the half-dozen.


    The doors were located on the sides; the inside was filled with white cushions and a sweetvender scent.


    A small rectangr window was on the opposite side of Evie, through which shemunicated with the driver.


    On that side, however sat the second inmand.


    "We''re not stopping," he said, before closing the small window.


    "If you dislike riding in carriages so much, why don''t you just sleep or something?" he asked.


    Evie sighed loudly, making sure he heard it until it ended.


    "You don''t get it, Vroto. You never do."


    Vroto rolled his eyes as his attention went back to the scrolling scenery through the window.


    The small window behind him quickly opened again.


    "Sir, there''s someone in the middle of the road."


    Vroto sighed. "Stop the carriage."


    "GOOD. Finally," said Evie.


    The whole caravan stopped, everyone using this opportunity to stretch their legs and walk around.


    Evie was the first to step out, the daylight caressing her face. Her cold nature could not truly appreciate the warmth, however.


    The further west they went, the less warmth they would encounter.


    She barely noticed it, but her knights did.


    Those who wore tes addedyers of clothes underneath it, doing their best to not get in the way of their movements, while the mages who only wore robes were lucky to not worry about that.


    Vroto got off behind her, walking forward on the road, the man was around 100 meters further.


    The driver leaned to the side, "What should we do?" he asked.


    "Nothing, just wait," said Vroto. "I''ll make contact, Evie. Stay close, just in case."


    "Sure."


    They walked a couple of meters, the man standing on the road was slowly going toward them.


    He dragged his feet, his head weirdly dangling around at every movement.


    "What the hell?" said Vroto.


    "Guys," said Evie, turning to the knights behind.


    Quickly, the knights stopped talking, grabbed their weapons and, in about 20 seconds, encircled the man.


    They all waited, unsure of what they were supposed to do.


    "Should we kill him?" asked Vroto.


    "Yeah. Most-"


    Evie''s sentence was cutoff by a knight walking forward, breaking the formation.


    "Hey! Reaper! What are you doing here, man?!"


    "Go back to your formation, knight. What the hell are you doing?" said Vroto.


    "But it''s Reaper! I recognize him, I think he needs help," he said, approaching him.


    The knight put his hand on his shoulder, leaning forward to get a look at his face, which was falling forward.


    It was as if he had seen a ghost, the knight quickly took a few steps back, a hand readily going to his sword handle.


    "What is it?" asked Vroto.


    "He''s dead," answered the knight, taking another step back.


    "He got caught by that ''Mori''. He''s sending us a message," said Evie. "Alright, mages, burn it."


    Reaper''s neck was behaving like a twisted rag, yet his head went straight up, his empty eyes staring at Evie.


    Swiftly, he moved forward at a surprising speed.


    Vroto quickly stepped in front of Evie, his warhammer ready.


    Evie lifted her hand, "[Freeze]".


    An icy trail went from Evie''s feet, making a straight path to Reaper''s feet.


    Vroto quickly stepped aside as his feet started freezing as well.


    Reaper''s legs froze in ce, a big chunk of ice covering everything up to his waist.


    Something wasn''t right.


    "He looks weird, doesn''t he?" she asked.


    "Well, he''s dead. Should we just go ahead and burn his body?" asked Vroto.


    "Yeah, do it."


    Vroto signaled the mages. They got their wands and staves ready as they started chanting.


    Reaper''s body was truly deformed, his right shoulder was bigger than it should''ve been, and his left leg had a simr appearance.


    His arms, torso and face all had small bumps.


    They moved around under his skin.


    "Wait, hold fire!" yelled Evie.


    It was toote.


    Fire came from all direction, directly hitting Reaper.


    "[Ice Wall]"


    An ice structure quickly rose in front of Vroto and and Evie, shielding them and the knights who were on their side of the circle.


    The other knights looked at each-other, unsure of what was happening, as Reaper kept burning.


    "Get away, you dumb fucks!" yelled Vroto.


    A loud pop echoed, as fire was propelled in all directions, attached to bits of Reaper''s flesh.


    The closest knights patted themselves as those bits of flesh on fire stuck to their armor.


    "What''s this?! What''s this?!" yelled a knight, grabbing Evie and Vroto''s attention.


    One of the bits that was sent flying with Reaper''s body parts was pitch ck, stuck to the man''s armor.


    It was crawling up, toward his face. The knight tried wiping it away, only for it to stick to his hand.


    It crawled up his arm, its number of legs always changing with its overall features, like an eldritch creature that adapted to what they wanted to aplish.


    As it reached close to his face, the numerous legs extended outward from its center of mass.


    "Fuck! Get it off me! Get it off me!"


    As he yelled, the legs went into his mouth, keeping it open as it crawled inside.


    The knight kept screaming, and yelling as it did.


    "Fuck! What''s this?!" another knight yelled.


    "Fuck! Get this shit off me. Burn it! Burn it!" yelled another one.


    Vroto turned to Evie. "What should we do?"


    "Alright," she loudly said, "Stop moving everyone. I''ll deal with it."


    The knights all looked at Evie, smiling in relief as those small creatures kept crawling on them.


    "[Ice Pir]."


    A circr pir appeared under her feet, raising her above everyone and the previous wall she had created.


    After roughly estimating, with her eyes, she cast her second spell. "[True Ice]."


    Like a crescent moon, ice went through everyone who hadn''t been behind her first wall, starting left.


    Screams and cries could be heard as, one by one, everyone got covered in a thickyer of clear, transparent ice.


    It only stopped as it reached her right, freezing thest person screaming.


    "You overshot it," said Vroto.


    Evie''s crescent moon had started too close, and finished too close as well, freezing knights who had been shielded from the initial explosion.


    "Those guy weren''t hit with those ck goo things," said Vroto.


    Evie jumped down from her pir, the remaining knights taking a few steps back, scared.


    "A sacrifice we won''t forget," she said.


    She approached one of the frozen knights, on the left side.


    She stayed still, staring through the ice.


    It was still moving.


    It was extremely slow, but that ck mass was inching, millimeter by millimeter, toward the head of the frozen knight.

 Chapter 44: [Bordering Village]

    On the horizon appeared the majestic mountains, towering above all.


    They felt small as they approached the vige bordering them.


    The road they were on continued forward, a single path going through the valleys between the mountains.


    The bordering vige itself was small, Mori learned from Griswald that the people living here survived by hiking through the mountains and trading what they could find to traders,


    What they went for was usually profession yields, as most people here barely trained inbat and tried to avoid any monsters that roamed the area.


    No gates held them back, and no walls went around the ce. They simply entered unbothered by anyone.


    "There!" said Xannos.


    "This is ourst inn stop. Everyone, make it count."


    "Yes yes," said Xannos, rolling his eyes as he jumped from the driver''s bench.


    He carefully folded the nks he hadying over hisp, throwing them in the back of the carriage as headed straight toward the inn.


    "How long are we staying?" asked Le.


    "We''re leaving tomorrow morning, don''t getfortable."


    "Works for me, the beds here better not have mold, it''s too cold to sleep outside..."


    She joined Xannos inside.


    "I''m guessing by now our... ''Friends'' received the gift you left them," said Griswald with a twisted smile.


    "Reaper might have been useful in the end. However, this probably won''t take out a sovereign that leveled up properly."


    Griswald walked away, shrugging, while holding both of his palms up.


    He was right to react that way, thought Mori. Whether it had worked or not mattered little.


    His only goal was to send a warning.


    Aura was thest one to hop out. She looked out of shape, her eyes and lips palepared to their usual shade.


    As she approached him, Mori ran his thumb over her bottom lip, in thought.


    "It''s been too long sincest time," he said.


    Despite her pale appearances, she blushed.


    "It''s fine, really," she replied.


    "No, we''ll do it tonight. We can''t have you weak for the uing feat we need to aplish."


    "And that feat might never happen with what you have here," said a man on the inn''s porch.


    The man was quite tall, with tanned skin with darker hair. His face looked like it had been worked by the biting cold everyday of his life, with scars and clear damage to his face. One of his horns was even broken, the tip of it missing.


    He was wearing a heavy white jacket, with fur on the extremities.


    He waved at Mori and Aura.


    "Come in! Don''t just freeze there!" he said, turning around and going in.


    Mori went up the stairs and into the inn, followed by Aura.


    The room was quiterge, on one side a firece with multiple couches.


    They all had fur nkets on top of them, even the floor had its own bear hide.


    On the other side was a bar with numerous bottles sitting on the wall behind it. Mori couldn''t recognize any, but tasting something wasn''t out of the question.


    That area looked designed for eating/drinking, while the other side was a proper ce to rx and recuperate from the cold.


    The inn was well-maintained, the smokey smell paired with the flowers truly added a rustic yet weing scent to the ce.


    The man walked behind the bar, where everyone else was sitting.


    "What can I get for ya?" he asked.


    Mori sat at the bar, apanied by Aura.


    "Rooms, we''ll need...-"


    "I mean drinks, what are ya drinking?" he asked.


    Mori looked to his right, "I don''t know which of you ordered-"


    Xannos raised both his hands up, as if held hostage.


    "Hey, none of us ordered anything. He simply offered," said Xannos.


    "That''s right! On the house! You must drink, if you want a room."


    "The price of the room is included with the price of the drink? Is that it?" asked Mori.


    The man shook his head, massaging his forehead.


    "No, no. You don''t get it. ''Leave no one behind''. Out here, if something happens in the mountains, we treat you like family. We wouldn''t leave our kids to die in the cold, like we wouldn''t leave you guys to die in the cold."


    "We''re leaving tomorrow," started Mori.


    "Exactly! And it''s a tradition to eat and drink with your family before leaving and once youe back. Those who have nobody to go back to,e back here. And I enjoy hearing about their journeys. You''ll have to do the same, rules are rules.. Now, what can I serve you?" he asked.


    There was only a single painting in there, Mori noticed. It depicted a family of three, behind the bar on the far right side. The kid must''ve been extremely young, and the woman was stunning.


    The inn, while full of warmth, felt empty. As if cold.


    The man traced Mori''s gaze to the painting. His eyes, while he was smiling, lost their glimmer for a moment, sadness flickering through them.


    "What''s your name?" asked Mori.


    As if brought back to reality, from a distant past, the man blinked a few times, his smile back.


    "Br?k! Now, what should I serve ya?!"


    "We''ll have anything you''ll serve us, Br?k."


    "Hah! Sounds like you''re embarking yourself in a drinking contest!"


    "No need to go through your stock just for us, especially if you''re not making us pay," said Aura.


    "Hey! Stop fucking this up for us. We''ll have everything you''re willing to give!" said Le.


    "Hey! That''s the spirit! This one gets it, I like her!" said Br?k with his booming voice.


    Everyone introduced themselves, Br?k shaking everyone''s hand.


    Even Griswald''s, although his creepy smile made Br?k break the headshake quicker than the others.


    "Alright, we''re starting with shots! This stuff makes you feel like you''re in a volcano in the middle of a blizzard! Hahah!"


    Br?k had lined up sses in front of everyone, taking a bottle that had a red and blue design.


    He served everyone, and as they raised their sses, he made a toast.


    "To leaving no one behind!"

 Chapter 45: [Leaving No One Behind]

    The sound of Xannos, Le and Br?k screaming was a muffled murmur to Mori who sat outside, looking at the empty road and the stars brightly shining.


    Griswald had already gone to sleep, while Aura was probably anxiously waiting for his return among the drunken group.


    Mori opened his profile once again, and sighed.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 1]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Fateweaver 1879892/2,216,838]


    [Health points: 5/5]


    [Cursed Energy: 1477892/1477892]


    [Magic: 10]


    [Strength: 3]


    [Defense: 2]


    [Agility: 1]


    He needed to harvest again. The faster he leveled up in that dungeon, the faster he could get back to it.


    As the night was progressing and Mori preparing to go back inside, he saw someone running down the road.


    The man fell to his knees, dropping a heavy bag next to him.


    People came out of nearby houses, running toward the man. As they reached him, an olderdy asked him something, quickly putting her hand on her mouth as he answered.


    Curious.


    Mori got up, and walked up to the scene. The man was on his hands and knees, the bag next to him full, barely held together by ropes.


    "I''ve got everything... I''ve saved everything," he said to a man next to him.


    "You''ll be good for a few years, kid. It''s sad to learn about Hagr, but good for the vige," replied the man.


    They all looked at Mori who was approaching, frowning.


    "New in town?"


    "Yes," replied Mori.


    "You a trader? It''s a bit early in the season isn''t it? Well, lucky for you this guy got a bag full," said the man next to him.


    "Not a trader, we''ll be hiking through those mountains."


    Their eyebrows shot up as they looked at each other.


    "Well, I hope you''re ready..."


    "Br?k will help us prepare tomorrow before we leave."


    The man standing next to Mori nodded.


    "He''s the best. He helps everyone who goes on expeditions, he''s the most experienced out of us," he said.


    "I''m curious, who''s Hagr?" asked Mori.


    "Oh, you heard that..." his voice became somber, while the man on his knees stared back at the ground.


    "He was my partner," said the man on the ground.


    "He died?" asked Mori.


    "I assume so."


    Mori had a confused expression. "How do you not know? You didn''t see him die?"


    "I had to make sure this bag got back here, I didn''t have time..."


    "Hey, it''s not your fault," said the other man.


    The older woman was walking back to the scene, wiping tears off her face.


    "I can''t believe you would-" started the woman.


    "Come-on, Illska. Your boy knew the risks. He himself came back alone from some expeditions."


    Mori looked at the scene unfolding like an outsider, as if he was part of the background.


    "It''s been this way for too long. How many more must we lose?" she asked.


    "It was the unkindled, again. Hagr couldn''t make it out of the circle," said the man.


    "Circle?" asked Mori.


    The man on the ground looked at him. "Yes, the circle. I''m guessing Br?k didn''t do his big speech yet on all the dangers."


    "It''s almost impossible to see," said the woman, teary. "A circle appears, taking everyone in it away. You can see it by either being close to the edge, or when the weather''s nice. It would look like a blizzard stuck in a cylinder."


    "And you didn''t see iting?" asked Mori to the man.


    "You can''t. It appears out of nowhere, and often-times during bad storms, so you can''t tell you''re in it. It''sbecause of luck that I could see it."


    "If you saw it, why didn''t Hagr make it?" asked Mori.


    The man standing next to Mori answered, his tone impatient.


    "Because that''s how it is. You can''t tell when the storm takes you away, the moment it disappears the people in it disappear too. The protocol is to exit it promptly, and try signaling your partners from the outside."


    "And what happened to leave no one behind?" asked Mori.


    Everyone looked at each other, ufortable. Nobody dared speaking up, leaving an awkward silence between them.


    Getting on his feet, the man grabbed his bag by the handle. "I''ll get this checked tomorrow. I need to sleep," he said.


    Loud scratching sounds apanied the man walking away as he dragged his bag on the floor, waving at everyone.


    The sobbing woman went back inside, uncontrobly sniffling.


    "If you''re truly going out there, Br?k has the best advice you could ask for... But ''Leave no one behind'' is the kind of thing that gets everyone killed. Keep that in mind."


    "Thanks for the advice," said Mori.


    Mori was walking back toward the inn, in thought.


    As he arrived at the inn''s porch, Br?k was waiting for him.


    "Was he alone?" Br?k asked.


    "The hiker? Yes. The ''circle'' took his partner."


    "The unkindled..." whispered Br?k.


    Mori couldn''t tell if it was sadness or anger on Br?k''s face, but his clenched fists and distant gaze spoke loud enough.


    "It took your family?" asked Mori.


    "No," he replied. "I killed them,"


    Br?k sat down on the steps, taking his head in his hands.


    "I left them behind. I saved myself, and that''s a sin I''ll never be able to forgive myself for."


    "You would''ve just died with them," said Mori.


    Br?k''s eyes peeked from his hands, anger on his face as he stared down Mori.


    "How would you know?"


    He stopped, holding his face, his fist hitting the porch.


    "Do you know how long I was waiting outside of the circle? An hour. I was too scared to go in it, thinking it might take us all the next minute. Truth is, I could''ve saved them a dozen times, within an hour."


    "You couldn''t know," replied Mori.


    "It''s not a question of knowing. It''s courage. And Icked it."


    He got back up, "Let''s go back inside, the night isn''t over yet, we can at least celebrate a while longer."


    "Why tell us to leave no one behind?"


    Br?k turned around, giving onest advice before heading inside.


    "It doesn''t matter if you save yourself. You''ll eventually realize you died back there, and the part that died will nevere back."

 Chapter 46: [Early Day]

    Mori was staring at the ceiling.


    He was lying down on the bed, in a room Br?k had prepared for them.


    Liquor had poured all night. Xannos and Le were in a festive mood, matching Br?k''s energy.


    Aura had also some to drink, but less than the others. She couldn''t match their energy at all, and tookfort in Mori being around, who also didn''t drink much.


    Drinking wasn''t something he disliked, however he avoided excess as much as he could.


    Oftentimes when offered, he''d just slide his drink to Xannos or Le, they would chug it down in an instant.


    In a matter of hours, both of them had fallen asleep on the counter.


    Br?k took them in his arms, bringing them to their room like princesses.


    Mori and Aura had done the same, easily finding their room while Br?k took care of the others.


    And there they were.


    "What are you waiting for?" asked Mori.


    Mori was on his back, close to the wall, while Aura was at the edge of the bed.


    There was easily an arm''s length between them.


    If themps hadn''t been off, he would''ve seen her face bright red.


    As the thought crossed his mind, he asked her, "What do you think of what you''ve seen so far?"


    "What are you talking about?"


    "Well, you wanted to see more of this world, what do you think so far?" he asked.


    "Hmm."


    Aura was thinking hard, recalling everything they had seen.


    "I think Dustriver was my favorite ce, however, when we exited the forest around the mansion it was quite a moment. The ins on our way here were something, and that tornado we saw..."


    "A tornado would''ve been way taller than 1 meter in height," said Mori.


    Aura had a disappointed face, not that Mori could see it, anyway.


    "Hmm. I think my favorite part has been the people we met. Surprising how vulgar people are in real life, more than you..."


    "You thought I was vulgar?"


    "Father never would''ve let me speak to him that way... You were something back there. But everyone we''ve met... Especially Le..."


    "Yeah, she takes the crown."


    Aura was ying with her hair, also staring at the ceiling.


    They heard footsteps, Br?k on his way back from Xannos and Le''s room.


    Once they couldn''t hear them anymore, all that remained wasplete silence.


    "I''m getting tired, drink it now so we''re done with it."


    "Don''t rush me..."


    "Why are you acting like this is the first time you do it? It''s been a while, you must be barely holding back," said Mori.


    Mori felt Aura''s grasp on his arms as she climbed on top of him, obscuring his view of the ceiling.


    Her hair was brushing against his face, as her head was above his.


    She wasn''t moving, but he could see her eyes in all that darkness, staring at him.


    She approached slowly until her forehead rested on his.


    Her eyes were closed, he could feel her breathing.


    With his right hand, he patted her head, ying with her hair.


    "It''s been a rough journey, I know," said Mori.


    He kept caressing her head until she finally moved.


    He could feel her fingers digging in his arm while she held his head with her other hand.


    She was finally approaching.


    Huh?


    It was... gentle. While she held him with surprising strength, her lips were gentle on his skin.


    They hovered around until he felt her kissing his neck, sending shivers down his spine.


    He could feel her grip tightening as her tongue licked his neck.


    It was the same way as before, so why did it feel different this time?


    Her heavy breathing against his neck only amplified until he could feel her nails sinking into his arm.


    ...But while he expected her usual animalistic approach, he barely felt her teeth piercing his neck.


    Her hands slid around him as she carefullyid on top of him, hugging him as she kept drinking.


    Her chest was pressing against his, he could feel her heat and smell her perfume.


    Without really knowing why, he held her in his arms.


    ¡ª~~~¡ª


    Mori opened his eyes to the ceiling he had been staring at the night prior.


    As he looked down, Aura''s head was lodged on his shoulder, while she was still on top of him.


    He could feel her chest slowly pushing against his, still sound asleep, her heavy breathing being a testament to that.


    Mori rested his head back on the pillow. It must''ve been early morning, he could already hear noiseing from the lobby downstairs.


    He could still feel Aura''s hands holding him, he wondered how had they not gone numb after a whole night?


    "Aura?" whispered Mori.


    Mori felt her moving, slowly moving her head.


    "Maya? Where..."


    Aura raised her head, realizing where she was, as if reality was only justing back.


    It hit like a truck. Hearing her name for the first time in days.


    Mori hugged Aura, bringing her closer again.


    "I''m sorry, Aura. I miss them too," he said.


    He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment.


    Truth was, they would never leave his mind. Life is built of encounters, and that was one he wasn''t ready to say goodbye to.


    "I''ll never forgive them. I won''t rest until they''re all dead, I promise you."


    Aura wasn''t answering, but he could feel her holding him tightly, as they stayed in that position for minutes while life was awakening in the vige.


    "Will you ever forgive yourself?" she asked, whispering in his ears.


    "I can''t. There will be nobody who can forgive for what I n to do to them."


    "I feel the same anger."


    Aura''s voice had hesitation in it, but Mori could tell she was honest.


    "Let''s join the others," he finally said. "There''s a long day ahead of us."


    Aura rolled on the bed and then sat on the side, while massaging her cheeks.


    "I look forward to the journey," she said.

 Chapter 47: [Preperations]

    On the counter of the bar Br?k had lined up several backpacks.


    "They''re all filled with anything ya might need. They all have the same things, so if any of you get lost, you should be able to bunker down."


    The bags looked heavy, but nothing they couldn''t handle.


    Br?k had clearly thought of everything, from sleeping to eating. Anything they needed was in it.


    "Alright, any of you adept with fire magic?" asked Br?k.


    Nobody could, making Br?k shake his head.


    "Anyone has any experience with this kind of survival?" asked Br?k.


    Mori had seen videos, some dating from decades back.


    Some skan man, who used to be awyer, made videos on youtube about winter survival, Mori had seen most of them.


    ''Outdoor'' something, was its name.


    Not that it mattered, just mentioning anything from his world caused too much confusion.


    "I have experience," simply said Mori.


    "Alright, then you''re in charge. How do you n on making shelters?" he asked.


    "Depends. If we can find a cave that would be optimal, as long as there''s no risk of the entrance being blocked. Otherwise, if we''re out there we''ll need to either thaw the ground or elevate ourselves, but I think we''ll figure it out with what''s out there," said Mori.


    "Sounds like someone knows a thing or two. For now, you won''t need much, it''s not that cold here, but it gets worse the further you go so keep that in mind. If youe across a good ce to rest, sometimes it''s better to end the day early and stay there."


    "I''ll keep that in mind," replied Mori.


    Everyone else was avidly listening.


    None of them had any experience with winter survival, their fate truly resided with Mori.


    Xannos looked like he''d be the one most out of hisfort zone, as for Le, he wondered if she could even be ufortable.


    "If you waited a few days, I''m sure you could join the next expeditions as they leave," said Br?k.


    "Humans are on their way, we can lose them in the mountains, out here it puts everyone at risk."


    "Ah... Are you criminals?" asked Br?k.


    "Well, technically, yes," said Xannos.


    Br?k looked at all of them, but ultimately shook his head.


    "You don''t look like the typical criminals. I''ve seen my fair share, people who try to survive out here to escape justice. Most of them don''t seed," he said.


    "We''re escaping human justice," said Le.


    "Theirs isn''t justice, so you guys are fine here," said Br?k.


    Everyone seemed to agree on that point.


    Their attention diverted to the door that was quickly opened by Griswald. Most of them hadn''t even noticed he was missing in the first ce, not used to having an extra person in the group.


    "Everyone ready?" said Griswald.


    "How close are they?" asked Mori.


    "How close are who?" asked Br?k.


    "Some pesky humans on our tails," said Griswald. "They''re close, most likely a few hours away, I''d say."


    The door behind Griswald started freezing from the ground up.


    Blue mist wasing out from under the door, dispersing inside the inn.


    Griswald was biting his lips, looking around the room while Mori death-stared at him.


    A thinyer of ice soon covered the whole door before it shattered to pieces.


    The person on the other side was wearing a white and blue robe, with intricate patterns resembling snowkes.


    Her eyes were of a very pale blue, while her hair was silver white.


    Her foot was still in the air as she looked inside.


    Xannos, Le, Br?k and Aura all had a surprised look on their face, barely understanding what just happened.


    "What... My door! What the hell?!" said Br?k.


    The woman took a few steps in; she wore short heels, her demeanor giving a sense of superiority.


    She looked at the group in front of her, her eyes stopping on Mori.


    "Hey! You hear me?! You better pay for that door!" said Br?k.


    With a swift gesture, the woman traced a horizontal line with her hand in front of her, an icicle quickly forming and making its way toward Mori.


    It happened so fast, nobody could even see or hear her cast the spell.


    Griswald''s blood whip shattered the icicle as he cracked it in front of Mori, damaging the ceiling and the floor of the inn.


    Griswald turned around. "You see what I mean? None of them even reacted..."


    Aura''s foot had slid forward, while the other two hadn''t moved at all.


    "Rule number one, kids, if someone hostile is in your reach, you should have your spells or weapons ready," said Griswald.


    The woman frowned, with another swift gesture she sent another icicle, which was shattered by Griswald who wasn''t even facing it.


    He cracked his whip above his shoulder, hitting the projectile he couldn''t even see.


    "See. There again, I had to do it. You guys need to toughen up," said Griswald.


    "Shut up, Griswald," said Mori.


    "Sorry," said Griswald, bowing.


    Mori also turned around, showing his back.


    "Is this her?" he asked Griswald. "I thought you said she was too strong for you?"


    "Hey!" she said.


    "She probably thought she didn''t need her knights. Her second-inmand is quite the warrior, and since I''m also close-range, I thought it''d be a rough matchup if they paired up."


    "Hey!"


    Mori turned around.


    She stared into deep, abyssal eyes. They weren''t dark, quite the opposite. Mori''s eyes were white as snow, yet deeper than a bottomless well.


    His expression, as he looked at her, was quite different.


    Disgust, she could tell. Hatred that knew no bounds, it made her blood boil.


    "Wha-"


    She couldn''t finish her sentence.


    Griswald sent her flying through the door she had broken.


    Everytime he cracked his whip, a loud snap sound would resound, louder than when Mori had met him.


    He truly wasn''t at his strongest back there.


    This time, however, there was no snap, and no whistling sound. While most didn''t pay attention to that.


    Mori recognized then and there Griswald''s experience.


    Creating fake sound cues to lead your opponent on was smart, something Mori had never done himself.


    "So, what do we do with her?" asked Xannos.


    "Take the backpacks," said Mori. "We kill her, then we leave."


    "I fear... I can''t let you do that," said Br?k, raising everyone''s eyebrows.

 Chapter 48: [Evie The Ice Queen]

    "If you kill her, it''ll bring unwanted attention to our vige," said Br?k.


    "Listen to the old man," said the woman, at the doorstep.


    Mori and Griswald both had a surprised expression, as they looked through the door.


    Her right cheek looked slightly cracked, as if thin ice wasyered on top of her skin.


    "I know I look weak, but you can''t just casually say you''ll kill me," she said, entering the inn again.


    The air was colder, everyone inside could see their breath as they exhaled.


    From under her feet seemed to extend a cold mist, which quickly covered the floor.


    "Can you confirm something for me? You''re Mori, right?" she said, as she pointed at Mori.


    "Yes."


    She frowned, while taking a few steps forward.


    "Curious. I was told you were strong..."


    "Well, she''s tougher than she looks," said Griswald.


    "Mori, for decimating the human poption in Dustriver, and effectivelymitting a genocide resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, you''re effectively under arrest. From several eyewitnesses, by your hands, hundreds were killed, and from your minions thousands more. The sword that caused a giant rift, where Dustriver used to be, killed anyone remaining."


    "Eyewitnesses?"


    The woman frowned.


    "That''s where you''re confused? A lot of Demonfolks died back there. Several havee forward describing your inhumane acts."


    "It''s my fault," said Le to Mori. "I should''ve made sure we did a better job getting everyone out..."


    "I knew there would be coteral casualties. It was my decision," he replied.


    "Let''s get moving, the faster I take you in, the faster I can get back to my easy life."


    "There is this [Bad Omen] I''ve prophesied-" started Mori.


    "-You think that''ll work? We''ve got a report on it, already, from adventure divers. Some poor folks were stabbing their ally repeatedly. What? Why that face?"


    Right. I didn''t kill those guys.


    Mori looked at Br?k, who wasn''t saying anything, watching the scene unfolding, unsure of what to do.


    "What was your name?" asked Mori, turning again.


    "Evie. Better remember it, I''m the one taking you in."


    "Is everyone at DiveCore this confident? First Luxian, now you?"


    "Listen, maybe we should leave," whispered Xannos.


    "Because we''ve dealt with your kind more than enough before. People who thought they could influence the world by themselves, because they suddenly can use magic. Hell, your vampire servant there is stronger than you. You''re Griswald, I''m guessing? I yed the game too. I''ve dealt with you before."


    Mori sighed, staring into Evie''s fiery eyes.


    He looked at Griswald for a split second, who nodded.


    "Take the backpacks," said Mori to the others.


    Evie''s eyes diverted to them as they started moving.


    "In a sea of gold, he who swims shall be one with the waves. In a tower of gold, he who climbs it shall be its only ruler..."


    Mori started chanting, Evie''s eyes snapping right back to him instantly. She quickly took a step forward, raising her hand to cast a spell.


    As she took a step forward, Griswald pulled on his whip, which was attached to her foot.


    During the split second I looked at the others?! Thought Evie.


    She fell backward, hitting the back of her head on the floor heavily, ice shattered on all sides, sliding on the wooden floor.


    Both of her hands were on the floor, as she was about to help herself up, but Mori was already a few steps from her.


    Chains in each of his hands pierced hers.


    What is this?! She thought.


    On his body, tattoos had ''opened'', dark abyssal holes covered his torso.


    From those holes, the same small eldritch creatures she had seen days ago came out. They started sliding down the chains toward her hands.


    She screamed, quickly trying to remove her hands from the chains that nailed them to the floor.


    "Fuck!"


    She ripped apart one of her hands, split in two as she got it out.


    Blood heavily poured out, solidifying as it touched the cold floor still affected by her mist.


    She kept grunting as she tried pulling her second hand out, but she was toote.


    The hex settled on her hand, sliding around her arm and inscribing itself in her skin.


    Mori withdrew his chain from her hand, surprise flickering through her eyes before she quickly moved to cast a spell again.


    As she tried moving her hand, she realized she couldn''t.


    But he took the chain out? she thought.


    She looked down.


    Ice was building up, her hand hard-stuck to the floor in a chunk of ice, that was growing up her arm.


    "What the-" she started.


    "Kill her, Griswald."


    "What did you do to me?! What''s this?!"


    "Your wish is mymand," answered Griswald, bowing.


    Mori walked back toward the bar, picking up thest remaining backpack.


    "Mori..." said Br?k.


    "Sorry about this, Br?k. Here, this should cover the damages," he said, handing Br?k the remaining gold he had.


    "I don''t worry about the gold..."


    "We''ll be fine."


    As Mori said that, the ground shook.


    Mori looked behind him, Griswald was in front Evie. He was also looking around, unsure what that was.


    "What now?!" said Xannos, almost pleading.


    "Ah, this ain''t good," said Griswald.


    The ground shook again, and again, the dy shortening each time.


    Griswald jumped backward as the empty doorway shattered, arge circle of broken wood now serving as the entrance.


    Through it had jumped in a man in armor, arge battleaxe in his hand.


    "Evie...," he sighed, "I guess that''s the only way you would learn."


    The man who had just entered was quiterge, he had obviously trained a long time to hold thatrge weapon as if it were nothing.


    "That''s the one I was talking about, earlier," said Griswald.


    The man took a few steps forward, hitting his battleaxe on the ice building up on Evie''s arm.


    "Thanks, Vroto."


    He quickly took her in his arm, jumping backward through the door, dropping her on the floor in the middle of the road next to him.


    "This is our chance," said Le. "Let''s head to the mountains while they''re hurt."


    "No. They''re both here right now, and one of them is hurt. Perfect opportunity to kill them both."


    "I agree," said Griswald. "Both of them together are quite the magic/physical bnce, but we have an opportunity, right now."


    "Stay behind," said Mori to the others.


    Both him and Griswald headed outside, standing on the porch of the inn.


    Evie''s cursed hand was on the ground again, ice building up her arms.


    She looked at it, her lips shaking as she processed what was happening.


    "Cut it," she said to Vroto.

 Chapter 49: [Storm brewing]

    "Get a grip," said Vroto.


    Evie looked up at him, as he smashed the ice once more.


    "Don''t touch anything," he said.


    Evie, while barely able to feel heat, was visibly sweating.


    Her ever-so-cold skin had droplets running along it.


    The weather was on the colder side too, a cold breeze always present in the vige.


    Her eyes were jumping around to any and every sound.


    She stood up, unnaturally holding her arm up, making sure she touched nothing. Sure enough, no ice built up, confirming what Vroto thought.


    "Just stay behind me. We''ll buy time until the rest of our troops arrive."


    Evie heavily nodded, taking a few steps backward and staying behind Vroto.


    Her other hand, which was torn in half, had been frozen solid, she probably hoped to keep it intact until a healer arrives, he thought.


    Mori and Griswald were walking down the steps leading to the road.


    "Not so smug, anymore? You know, Luxian managed to get four of my limbs?"


    Evie took another step behind the knight.


    "Where is he?" asked Vroto.


    "You better ask Reaper. Oh. Right."


    Vroto frowned.


    "You''re quite arrogant, Mori.You''re acting the same way she did moments ago, you both aren''t so different."


    "Oh but we are, because she''ll be dead in a moment, and I won''t."


    Griswald rolled his eyes. "Humans, am I right?"


    Vroto ignored him, his eyes remaining on Mori.


    A small wind had picked up, cold like the rest, but differently.


    This wind felt like it was biting his face, dry and icy.


    The day was still early, and the sun high up but no signs of its warmth down there.


    Aura, Le and Xannos were standing on the porch behind, all wearing the cloaks Br?k had provided, while Aura had in her hands the extra cloak and the backpack for Mori.


    The moment Vroto''s eyes sat upon them, Griswald whipped forward, a loud snap resounding as it reached him.


    As if he had predicted it, the knight easily deflected the whip, turning on himself at the same time.


    It looked as if he was about to vertically strike forward, as he took a giant step, bringing his battleaxe in range.


    His weapon was high above his head, quickly going down.


    Chains came out from the ground around him, but Vroto dodged them all with ease. As his Battleaxe would''ve reached Mori, he raised chains in front of himself.


    "No! Grab it! What are you doing?!" said Griswald.


    Next to Mori''s face, the battleaxe that should''ve been striking his chains was whistling past his head, heading for the group on the porch.


    Griswald quickly turned, grabbing the battleaxe''s handle with his whip.


    As he did, Vroto had already punched Mori, sending him flying meters backward.


    Griswald did a 180, swinging the battleaxe horizontally back at Vroto, who jumped to dodge it.


    Griswald did another 360, swinging it back at Vroto right away, who jumped while smiling, as if he expected as much.


    As Griswald started his next 360 going right, Vroto quickly got inside the arc his opponent was describing, ready to punch the life out of Griswald.


    Vroto''s smile quickly faded.


    Griswald 360 abruptly stopped, as he came back on his movement, going left.


    Vroto got ready to jump again, but the whip had gotten extremely faster, only dodging by a hair out of reaction speed alone.


    Why was it faster? he thought.


    As he looked closer, he realized his battleaxe wasn''t attached to the whip anymore.


    He quickly looked left, but it was toote, he tried using his armguards to absorb the shock.


    At the end of a chain Mori was holding was the battleaxe. Griswald had traded it with Mori before returning on his 360 spin.


    Mori did a 360 himself, going the opposite way, Vroto got his armguards ready to absorb the shock again however on the opposite side Griswald took the battleaxe before it touched Vroto, spinning it the opposite side again.


    Vroto turned around, however Griswald had faked out, only doing a 180 toe back the same direction he left.


    The weapon hit Vroto''s side, making a huge dent in his armor, while Mori took back the battleaxe as it hit him.


    Mori and Griswald kept trading the weapon between them, describing wide arcs as they iled it around.


    Vroto did his best to keep up, however his position was horrible. He was dead-center between both of them, and their relentless attacks made it impossible for him to cover all angles.


    The repeated feints and fake-outs, and them trading his weapon added fuel to the fire.


    As he finally got used to their horizontal movements, they both had started adding vertical sweeps, and as he turned around they would use their chains and whips to attack in the small dy they had before picking the weapon right back up.


    As Griswald picked up the battleaxe, Vroto stomped. The ground heavily shook, unbncing the both of them.


    Vroto quickly ran toward Mori, who was the most open. Griswald wouldn''t reach him with the battleaxe for a good second, giving him enough time to turn the 2v1 into a 1v1.


    As Vroto would''ve reached Mori, in a split second his eyes went right, as he heard a whistling sound, stopping his movement and dodging backward.


    Evie had tried to send an icicle forward, however, the ground shaking threw her aim off, her projectile was heading straight for Vroto had he not dodged it.


    "What the fuck are you doing?! Stay back! Do fucking nothing!" yelled Vroto.


    Evie''s whole body was shaking, as she took a few steps backward.


    She looked at her own hands, disbelief on her face.


    Griswald who was going to bete on his attack on Vroto, sent the weapon flying toward Evie.


    "No you don''t!" yelled Vroto, sprinting at an unimaginable speed to catch up to it.


    In his peripheral vision, He saw Mori''s chain extend further than it had before, taking the weapon''s handle before his eyes and pulling on it.


    Mori had another clean hit on the same side they hit before in one clean sweep, sending Vroto meters further to the ground.


    Evie didn''t go toward him, nor did she attack to buy time.


    She was walking backward, scared.

 Chapter 50: [Snowstorm]

    Br?k was looking up, from the porch.


    "What is it?" quietly asked Aura.


    "This weather is weird..." he answered.


    In front of them, the battle was pretty much over. Vroto was on the ground, while Evie was too scared to even fight.


    As Aura was about to take a step forward, Br?k quickly stopped her.


    "No offense, but this fight might be above us," said Br?k. "You don''t want to create the same disy that ice girl did."


    Anger shed in Aura''s eyes, followed by indignation as she looked at Br?k.


    But he was right.


    She had dealt with Adventure divers, and that Ogre, but she ultimately had to unseal her Father, back at Griswald''s domain, despite Mori asking her not to. Had she not done it, she would''ve been overrun.


    "What are we supposed to do?!" she asked.


    "Well, for now, watch," said Br?k.


    The wind had picked up, the gust loudly hitting the buildings around, making Mori''s and Griswald''s clothes p in the wind.


    "This..." said Br?k.


    "What is it? Is it a storm?" asked Le.


    "We usually don''t get those down here, it''s usually in the mountain range. We get some cold, some snow depending the seasons, but no big storms."


    "Well, I guess it starts now," said Xannos.


    "There''s just no way... not out here..." muttered Br?k.


    His gaze had diverted from the sky, which had lost its deep blue to be rece by grey clouds.


    He was looking at the end of the street, where people waved at them.


    It was locals that Br?k knew very well, his neighbors and friends.


    They were waving, and throwing fireballs upward, a signal he knew very well.


    "What''s happening?!" yelled Mori, turning around to face Griswald. "Is it her? She''s creating a storm?!"


    "Unlikely! It''s that pesky little thing. Here to annoy us," yelled Griswald back.


    "What are you talking about?!"


    "It''s the unkindled. For some reasons, he''s trying to get us!"


    After everything he had heard, Mori had some guesses about what was happening.


    "Alright! Griswald! Go get Br?k and get out of here! Stick to the n!"


    "What?!"


    The gust had gotten so strong, yelling barely made it through.


    Mori looked at the group on the porch, snow had started to mix with the wind, making visibility harder.


    "Get Br?k out of here! Stick to the n!"


    "Got it. See you soon, Mori!"


    Griswald turned around, running toward Br?k. Mori had no idea how he even managed to do that, for him, even a single step was extremely hard to make.


    Next to him, he heard a shattering sound, to the ground on his left.


    Turning around, he saw Evie, her hands still shaking as she cast another icicle.


    It wasn''t even close to hitting him.


    Alright. I should have time to finish her off.


    Mori tried to spin his chain, but the wind simply made it impossible. Just raising his arms was a hard task.


    Evie took a step back, as she saw Mori going toward her.


    There''s no way I''m letting you get out of here.


    Mori spoke words he didn''t think he would utter again.


    The wind, like thest time, took away his words but their meanings remained.


    Evie looked up, the tip of a sword was piercing through the grey clouds, discernible even through the storm.


    However, as it slowly descended, it suddenly stopped, and ascended back where it came from.


    Fuck?! Really?! It''s not going through?! No matter, I''ll finish this with my own hands.


    Mori took several additional steps. He was around 5 meters away from her.


    "You''re dying, today," yelled Mori, smiling.


    Every step he took needed everything he had to give.


    Behind her, by luck or by fate, he saw a single shing light, a tiny sparkle reflecting on a piece of metal behind Evie, hidden among the snowstorm.


    Mori''s instinct kicked in, ducking as fast as he could, his body t on the floor as he heard a whistling sound going right above his head.


    As he looked up, Evie was already on Vroto''s shoulder, as he walked the opposite way.


    The second one who gets away, thought Mori.


    After onest nce, Mori got up, and turned back toward the inn.


    However, he couldn''t see it.


    The amount of snow was too significant, anything beyond a couple of meters he couldn''t see. He wasn''t even sure if he was facing the right way.


    There was no point in overthinking it, he simply walked forward, until he eventually hit his tibia on a low-fence.


    Since when is there a fence here? What the hell?!


    He looked left and right, but his vision was only getting worse.


    Yelling would do no good now.


    Mori randomly went right, hoping he''d be getting closer to the inn.


    After a few steps, the gust pushed him backward.


    He fell t on his back, on a fluffyyer of snow.


    His face started to sting from the speed at which the snowkes hit it, but that was nothingpared to things he experienced before.


    He got back up but could barely stand up, falling to his knees momentster.


    I won''t make it, he thought. If at least I had the backpack...


    Mori stayed down. He curled himself into a ball, trying to protect his head with both his arms as the storm just kept increasing in intensity.


    Something then hit him.


    It wasn''t physical, it felt like magic.


    It felt as if he was drunk, falling backward in his bed while his head was spinning. As if staying awake was an uphill battle he was losing, barely able to keep his eyelids opened.


    The cold barely reached him anymore, the cold air that filled his lungs didn''t sting as much.


    The wind that pushed him left and right was merely an embrace.


    It was as if his head finally hit the pillow in afortable bed, one that was chill on both sides.


    It would have fluffly nkets, like cotton candy clouds, barely able to feel them.


    It was as if he was floating, in the middle of ake, one that was quiet and silent.


    No noise, nothing.


    Not even the hexes, constantly screaming.


    Nothing.

 Chapter 51: [A Single Flame]

    It felt like waking up the morning following a night of heavy drinking.


    It had been a dreamless slumber, from which waking up brought nofort.


    His head was still spinning, as he felt weak rolling on himself.


    His back was against a cold, hard floor. It felt like his skull was about to explode, a stinging headache just appearing.


    "What the hell..."


    Mori opened his eyes, but wasn''t met with the sky. He wasn''t in Brok''s inn, or in a carriage going toward a prison cell.


    He was in a cave.


    He closed his eyes again, taking in his current situation.


    He breathed deeply, then opened them again, sitting upright on the floor as he looked around.


    He was in a square room. There was a singr torch on a wall with nothing else on any walls.


    All of the walls were smoothly polished, the torch slightly reflecting on the stone despite it being ck.


    The floor, like the walls, was made ofrge rectangr ck tiles, the overall feel and look giving luxurious vibes. It must''ve been a material close to marble, he thought.


    The only wall that was unlike the others had arge arching entry way.


    On the other side was a pathway that wasrge at first, but converging toward another room.


    Mori got up, dusting himself as he looked around, walking along the walls in the room he woke up in.


    What if...


    Mori went back to the center of the room, bringing his arm forward to the back wall.


    He tried his best conjuring the chains, however nothing happened.


    "Nothing?"


    A flicker of light went through Mori''s eyes.


    "Right. Almost forgot this is a world based on a game."


    Mori brought his hand forward again, this time using the spell the way it was ''supposed'' to be used.


    "[Cursed Chains]."


    He looked at his hand, then turned his palm around.


    Nothing.


    After thinking for a short moment, biting his lips, he brought up the next best thing he could.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 1]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Fateweaver 1879892/2,216,838]


    [Health points: 5/5]


    [Cursed Energy: 0/1477892]


    [Magic: 10]


    [Strength: 3]


    [Defense: 2]


    [Agility: 1]


    Good. My path didn''t move. My energy being this low, however, is a problem. It should recover over time, but still... What could''ve used all of it?


    Mori looked at his spells. He had almost forgotten about that page in his profile.


    Weak Curses, Possession, Bad Omens, Seals, Hallucinations, Endless Nightmares, Distorted voices, Abyssal Chains, Midas Touch...


    Mori hadn''t forgotten about them.


    The main problem was his level being low didn''t meet most spells requirements.


    There were two things he did to go around those requirements.


    First one was to burn his Mana, or ''Cursed Energy'', in his case, to make up for the requirements. But some spells would burn way too much mana, leaving him defenseless afterward, leaving his selection extremely limited.


    Damocles Sword was the highest level spell he could use. Its requirements were lowpared to the others, but still forced him to burn most of his mana to make up for it.


    While burning mana was the main way to make up for it, there was also the second factor.


    Rituals.


    Curses require rituals.


    Not doing them also burned additional mana. Which meant some of these spells, while being intermediate, still burned energy.


    Rituals, however, were his favorite part of his ss.


    The spells had minimal ritual values. That value went from 0 to 10, as he hadn''t seen anything higher yet.


    Any ritual he''s able toplete with his target would raise his current ritual value with it.


    If his ritual value was higher than the required one, the potency simply increased.


    Mori didn''t look at all the spells, as it would''ve taken an amount of time he wasn''t ready to invest.


    He knew about most of them, but the vast majority he had unlocked at early levels, and those curses oftentimes were minor inconveniences. None of which would help him out.


    "And none of them cost 0 mana at this point, it''s useless. The only option is..."


    Mori turned around, looking at the pathway leading to the next room.


    It''s the only option.


    A single path. No signs, no hints, nothing. Who knew what was there, and whatever it was could be dangerous.


    With no chains to defend himself, he was truly weaponless.


    The inscription on his torso was thest thing he wanted to use.


    Opening them to let the hexes out would be a worst-case scenario. With no cursed energy, there was no way to control them, or even close the holes in his chest.


    "At least I have my clothes. Not that it makes a difference..." he muttered.


    He slowly walked forward, toward the pathway.


    While his steps were careful and calcted, the absence of any sort of noise made each step echo on the walls.


    He couldn''t see anything ahead. The path led to a room, and all he could see was the wall at the opposite side.


    The room was about 100 meters away, but he could distinguish lights dancing on the floor tiles, shadows fluttering on the ground.


    Something was in front of that torch.


    As he kept walking forward, he slowed down his pace.


    He could hear something.


    What is this?


    A low vibration wasing from the room, quiet yet noticeable.


    As he finally approached the entrance, his pace slowing, he stopped at the entrance, looking to his right where the sound came from.


    The room was simr to his, ck tiles covering every wall, with the same ssy reflection.


    On the floor, however, was a fire lit from a single log resting on the ground.


    A single clean me danced from it, no visible smoke even came out of it.


    The sound was truly rxing, a crackling and sizzling that were a lot softerpared to usual, perfectly blending with the mainly empty room.


    Next to the fire was arge but thin cloth on the ground.


    It looked affected by time, but still in good condition.


    And on top of it lied something.


    It was small.


    Seemingly asleep, in a deep but peaceful slumber.


    Its head was lying on top of its paws, the body shorter than the log on which the fire was lit.


    Its fur was of an abyssal ck, edges shining with a dark blue and purple, giving a cosmic feel to its appearance.


    Part of its fur on its back was seemingly aze. It looked like the fur was brightly lit ember.


    It was a cat.


    It was purring as it slept, its eyes gently closed.


    Its tailed was slightly moving, like little tremors. Maybe it was chasing something in its dream, thought Mori.


    Mori took a few steps, entering the room and heading toward the fire.


    The cat opened its eyes, looking at Mori as he walked forward.


    Its eyes gazed at Mori, but it felt like what looked at him was extremely far.


    The eyes looked like distant gxies, dark and mostly empty.


    Yet, at the center of them, where the vertical iris was, something that looked like a single kindled me.


    It was tiny, and barely alive, but it was there.


    The cat didn''t look scared or bothered by Mori''s presence.


    As Mori reached the fire, a few steps away from the cat, it was already done arching its back, stretching.


    They looked at each other for a moment, waiting.


    "Are you... not a talking cat?" asked Mori.


    The cat held Mori''s gaze, but lied back down, resting its head on its paws again.


    Mori sighed as he looked around the room one more time.


    Memento Mori.


    After turning quickly, Mori looked at the cat''s face, which was still lying on its paws.


    "That was... telepathy," stated Mori.


    Yes.


    His eyebrows arched, as he had stared at it. It hadn''t moved, not even to blink.


    Do cats blink? thought Mori.


    Yes.


    Mori''s expression went from amazement to concern.


    So you can read my thoughts.


    Yes, in this room I can.


    Mori had mixed feelings. The cat looked like no threat, but plenty of cute things in nature were deadly and brutal.


    I am no threat. You are also reading my mind, in this room.


    How is it I only hear you when you answer me?


    In time, maybe, you''ll learn to navigate a sea of tranquility.


    Mori sat down, carefully avoiding stepping on the cloth.


    You seem tired, and I''ll let you sleep, promised. I just need to know where I am, and how do I leave this ce?


    The cat''s eyes were staring at Mori. Would it have been another human being, this long of a stare would''ve been ufortable.


    This one was the opposite, however.


    It felt... soothing.


    As if the cat was gazing at his soul, seeing the true him, which he himself hadn''t seen in a while.


    This is what you were looking for. The Crowned Dungeon.


    So that means you are...


    Yes. You can call me the Unkindled, Mori.

 Chapter 52: [The Unkindled]

    "So you brought me here?"


    Mori''s voice echoed on the empty walls.


    Yes


    "When I was told people randomly disappeared, it did make me wonder if this was what''s happening."


    I''m looking for someone to clear this dungeon.


    Yeah, that''s why you took Br?k''s family away...


    Mori remembered his thoughts could be heard, but unapologetically sat there.


    He was right, he thought.


    He could understand if he truly needed help with this dungeon, but why bring innocent people who could never survive, like Br?k''s wife and kid?


    I was looking for this ''Br?k'' you''re thinking of. He exited the area, and while I kept the portal open longer in hopes he woulde back inside it, or that the other two left it, none of those two things happened.


    So they are...


    Dead.


    Mori looked at the cat again. It looked like it was nodding off, its head resting on its front paws again, slowly blinking.


    While it looked tired, it was still sharply answering Mori telepathically.


    "The other hiker who was taken yesterday?"


    He''s here.


    "There''s only me here."


    The Unkindled got up on all fours, slowly stretching again, only to lie back down facing the fire.


    The dancing mes reflected on its eyes as he stared at it.


    This Dungeon is trying to find one person to conquer it. Everyone has their own room, and everyone has to go through it mostly alone.


    "Mostly?" he asked.


    It is not impossible to meet others. Meeting others as you climb is the only way you will be able to go to their personal room, or for them toe here into yours.


    This system wasn''t something totally new to him. It felt a lot more like those ''single yer'' games, where once you met some people once, you could ess them at anytimeter on.


    Only this time, they weren''t NPCs, but real people.


    "How do I meet other people?" he asked.


    There''s around 1% chance to encounter someone on a new floor.


    How-


    Open your profile.


    Mori was slightly disgusted at how easy it was for the cat to understand his thoughts.


    He felt like an open book, while the Unkindled easily only let out thoughts he wanted Mori to hear.


    Mori opened his profile, but nothing had changed.


    Although, something did get his attention.


    Outside of his profile was a square, named [Dungeon].


    Mori opened it, and a lot more appeared in his field of view.


    He was slightly overwhelmed, but also impressed by all those new things.


    The first noticeable thing was a tower of levels he could scroll through.


    He was now at the bottom, [0-0].


    I guess that''s where everyone''s room is.


    Mori realized he voiced his thoughts again, but the cat not answering confirmed his guess.


    The only avable option for him right now was going to [0-1].


    Besides that, there were quite a few more tabs. One of them was ''Friends''.


    It had a ''recently met'' list, while the friend list was empty. It said [Meet people to add them in your friend list].


    That means I can''t add the others right now.


    Indeed. You will need to meet them inside the dungeon first.


    Mori was slightly startled again, but slowly he was getting used to it.


    The thoughts sharing, while invasive, wasn''t something he hated.


    It saved a lot of time, and there was a true understanding between him and The Unkindled. At least in one way.


    The next thing he noticed was a floor nner. He could move things around his room, but as it was empty there''s nothing he could do.


    "What''s the point of this?" he asked.


    You can buy things, or find things to use in your room.


    "So a bed, chairs, paintings, that kind of stuff?"


    Yes, most things you can think of could be found.


    "How?" he asked.


    You can buy some things from me, or other people you encounter on the different levels. Some monsters will drop things as they die, and some things you can simply pick up in levels if you want to keep them.


    And then I could use the floor-nner to ce them around. Simple enough.


    It did feel like a waste of time, however. Why even bother decorating?


    You''ll spend a lot of time here. It''s easier on the mind to have your own room with your own things in it. It has a lot of uses.


    "Alright, so I''m supposed to climb this dungeon. Why can''t I use magic?" he asked.


    The cat was still staring at the dancing me, Mori felt a sort of ''Sigh''ing from his mind.


    I felt some promising people in the vige. I never usually aim that far, but I had to, this time. Sovereigns I avoid. Your magic doesn''t work here.


    Why?


    The stone in which this dungeon was built absorbs anything that isn''t mana. And mana itself is repelled, that''s why most people can''t leave using magic.


    ...It absorbs what isn''t mana, but repels mana?


    The kind of energy sovereigns use isn''t pure and simple mana. You use Cursed energy, as seen on your profile. There''s only a handful of people like you, almost everyone else uses mana, you were simply unlucky to be there.


    So as long as I''m here, my cursed energy will be depleted to 0.


    But doesn''t that mean the inscription on my body-


    That was done by someone else who used normal mana. If you were the one to inscribe on your own body, weaving Cursed Energy, it would''ve been absorbed by the dungeon. Those hexes you''re hiding would''ve been out, roaming this room, and you most likely would''ve died at their hands.


    Mori got up, stretching his legs and thinking.


    The cat looked at peace with the me. And as Mori assembled the puzzle in his mind, it let him think.


    He wasn''t as insensitive as it seemed, but it did feel as if he had given up on whatever his purpose was.


    Mori got the dungeon system out again, scrolling through the options, but nothing interesting stuck out. The only thing that was truly of use was the level selector.


    As he was about to select the first level, he quickly asked.


    "You sell things, you said? How about weapons?"


    To get the shop window opened, all you need to do is ask me. You will notice I sell a wide variety of things, but you have no kindle, right now.


    "Kindle?"


    The currency the versions of me collect from people trying toplete this dungeon is called kindle. You looked at your ''Stash'' tab earlier, the amount of kindle you have would appear at the bottom, however right now it''s at 0.


    In front of Mori opened a new window, it was the shop the cat was talking about. It also showed his currency at 0.


    There were multiple ''kindled tiers''. He was at tier 0, the selection of items extremely limited.


    Food, water, and basic weapons. There was a minimal selection for his room, but nothing remotely close to being worth spending on.


    As you spend more on my shop, it will go higher in tiers, unlocking new things for you to purchase.


    Or I could just try to find what I need on the levels I clear.


    You could. The choice is yours. Everyone''s approach is different.


    Can I deal with the first floor without a weapon, and magic is the real question here.

 Chapter 53: [0-1]

    Mori was sitting next to the cat, who was seemingly asleep, although he doubted he was even capable of sleep.


    Reality was going to be quite hard for him. He was essentially a magic user, without magic.


    [...]


    [Strength: 3]


    [Defense: 2]


    [Agility: 1]


    How would he even ovee this? He can''t use curses to strengthen himself like he used to.


    Inscription required mana, and enchanting did too. Inscription significantly less, but the amount didn''t matter if he was stuck at 0.


    "What will the first room be like?" asked Mori.


    The Unkindled, still nodding off, telepathically answered.


    For you to find out. Layouts change on every floor, and the monsters and items too.


    Mori opened the [Dungeon] menu again, looking all the way at the bottom.


    He pressed it.


    [Level 0-1]


    He was teleported, the room quickly fading out, changing for another simr one.


    He was in a tunnel, with tiles simr to the ones before. It really looked like the [0-0] level, but more torches decorated the walls.


    He looked behind him, he was at the end of the tunnel, so there was only one way to go.


    He walked toward a torch on his right.


    Let''s try this.


    He tried moving the torch, but it barely moved. It was tightly fixed to the wall, and he simply didn''t have the strength to pull it.


    "Really? Am I this weak without curses?! A fucking torch? Is that the first enemy I encounter that is actually hard to deal with? Screws and nails?!"


    The first room was a few meters forward, as Mori spoke up, he saw something walking in his peripheral vision.


    He quickly turned, his fists closed tight, ready to react.


    It was a skeleton, considerably small, about 4 feet high, aimlessly moving around in that room, to Mori''s relief.


    It didn''t enter the passageway he was on, letting him get back to that torch.


    He put a feet on the wall, and pulled with all his strength, the only thing yielding being his own arms.


    He fell backward, quickly getting up again.


    "That''s bullshit. This dungeon is fucking pay to win. How am I supposed to progress without a weapon? And how can I get a weapon without money? Can''t even get this torch?! Really?!"


    He tried pulling on it, then noticed something.


    [Stash?]


    He pressed it. The whole torch started to light up with a soft orange hue.


    It looked like it was turning into ember, as it slowly disappeared from the wall.


    Mori smiled, opening his [Dungeon] window, quickly rotating to the [Stash]tab.


    The torch was in it, upying the first slot. There was a few options, but taking it out of the stash was greyed out. The only thing he could do is use it in the [Floor ner].


    Makes sense, getting items out of stash while on the dungeon floor wouldn''t be a smart design. All I need to do is exit, take it out and re-enter. Now that I think about it, there was one more of those in the room I woke up in.


    Mori quickly scrolled through the tabs, going back to the dungeon floors.


    The floor he was on was lit up, [0-1]. His room was greyed out, however.


    He tried his best pressing it, or finding anything that could be pressed that would bring him back.


    But nothing.


    So that''s how it is. Something that feline forgot to mention.


    Mori slowly approached the first room, staying at its edge.


    On the opposite side was arge door, closed.


    A single skeleton roamed the room, to his relief.


    It wielded no weapons, so it would most likely turn into a fistfight.


    What are my options anyways? The only way is forward.


    Mori entered the room, the skeleton barely even noticing his presence.


    Truly the first level.


    Mori walked toward it, making the least noise possible as he approached it from behind.


    He was slightly crouching trying his best to sneak up to it.


    As he reached it, he quickly pushed it to the ground with all his weight.


    He was on top of it, sitting on its back.


    The skeleton was startled, tried reaching him, but his arms couldn''t turn backward.


    Mori smiled, closing his fist and bringing it backward, before taking a good swing at it.


    Describing a wide arc, he hit its skull directly.


    He expected it to shatter right away, but the only thing that shattered seemed to be his fist.


    Were bones always this solid?


    Mori changed strategy, using his fist like a hammer instead to avoid damaging his knuckles further.


    The sound of its skull repeatedly cracking, echoed in the empty room for several minutes.


    The little thing kept struggling, Mori wondering if he could even damage it.


    Eventually, as damage piled up, its skull shattered, the whole body crumbling with a small ''ding'' resounding.


    Mori quickly opened his profile, but he hadn''t leveled up.


    He sighed.


    Pain was throbbing through his fist. He got up and took a few steps back, examining it.


    It was broken, how long would he need to stay in his room for it to naturally heal?


    As he looked down, where the skeleton was before disappearing, there was something on the floor.


    He crouched next to it, it was extremely small, but it looked like a singr me.


    Something as big as what a cheap lighter from a corner store would sell.


    He approached his hand, barely feeling heating from it. It was hovering right above the floor.


    "The skeleton dropped... fire?"


    Mori took a chance, touching it with his index.


    It looked liked it consumed itself, disappearing in an instant.


    [Kindle: 1 (+1)]


    Mori''s eyebrows raised, in surprise.


    While the skeleton not dropping anything truly annoyed him, if all monsters are guaranteed to drop kindle then it wasn''t as bad as it seemed.


    He got up, walking toward the shut door.


    As he did, it slowly croaked open, leading him to another short passageway.


    Torches were on his right, and as he progressed, he took most of them, adding it to his stash.


    Further, where the next room was waiting for him, he could see monsters roaming inside it.


    Two small skeletons.

 Chapter 54: [Skeletons]

    Mori was peeking inside the room, trying toe up with a strategy.


    However, there was none he could think of.


    One ssic way to deal with multiple opponents was funneling them.


    He was lucky that there was a passageway that would allow the funneling strategy, he''d need to try and agro1 one.


    With luck, he''d be able to lure only one of them toward him, and could take his time hammering his fist.


    However, if both of them came, even with the funnel strategy, without a weapon adding some sort of reach he wasn''t in a better position.


    At least, with that strategy he could easily keep track of both skeletons at once, while trying his best to take down one of them first.


    The other ssic way to deal with multiple opponents would be to run around them.


    He had yed games before where running around, and hitting the closest enemy was truly a good strategy.


    Usually, there was always an enemy in immediate reach, while another one was a bit further behind, on its way to the action.


    By the time the enemy that was behind reached him, he should''ve been able to stagger the other one.


    It was all about positioning and persevering.


    However...


    My stats are so low, there''s no way I can run long enough.


    Both enemies were patrolling the room extremely slowly, they were unaware of Mori and looked overall as dumb as the previous skeletons.


    Truly a level 1 encounter.


    Mori entered the room, opting for the first strategy.


    Please, please, please...


    The extremely oblivious skeleton closest to him finally noticed him.


    As soon as he did, Mori retreated, hoping it would follow him.


    It looked extremely confused, as it stood there simply watching him.


    He eventually took a step, slowly approaching Mori in the passageway.


    As it entered it, Mori had a sigh of relief.


    It didn''t take long until they were far enough that Mori felt safe tackling the skeleton again.


    The sound of its bones shing against the hard floor scared him, he nced up quickly at the room but the other one wasn''ting.


    Repeatedly, Mori hammered both fists, the monster unable to retaliate.


    Eventually, its skull caved in, crumbling on the floor and consuming itself like the previous one did.


    I''m getting the hang of it.


    [Kindle: 2(+1)]


    Nothing else besides that currency had dropped. Mori''s shoulders dropped as he sat against the wall, his head resting on it.


    He was focusing on breathing while working on his frustration.


    And I didn''t level up either.


    He closed his eyes, calming himself.


    He had yed simr games before, and he enjoys a real grind.


    Spending hours getting almost nowhere felt good, as eventually you did go somewhere.


    You were stronger, wiser, and smarter.


    Here too, he knew he would eventually go somewhere, but it wasn''t a game.


    This universe stems from Elder Heir Online, and he knew quite a few things about the game in his world.


    But he knew nothing about this dungeon, and its whole system differedpletely from normal ones.


    Individual rooms, teleportation, forced toplete it, and his magic not working?


    To top it off, he was going at a snail''s pace against easy opponents.


    Nothing guaranteed he would get somewhere, or that he would have the glory of protagonists he read in novels or saw in animes.


    He did hope for something to drop that would make his dungeon runs easier, but he kept his hope in check. All he wanted was anything, and he didn''t even get that.


    Perhaps being a protagonist wasn''t meant to be.


    His breathing had slowed down, and he felt ready to face the next one.


    He got up and slowly walked, ready to jump it while its back was turned.


    As he was about to jump forward, the skeleton turned around. As it saw Mori, it threw its fist forward, surprising Mori who wasn''t expecting such quick movement.


    Or maybe I''m the one who''s slow, a fucking 1 in agility...


    "Alright. You want a fistfight, huh? I''ll fuck you up."


    He threw his fist down at the monster, hoping to hammer its head, but it took a step sideways, and punched his stomach.


    With nothing going his way, Mori shifted his weight forward, hoping to topple the skeleton.


    It barely worked, he did fall forward but not straight on the skeleton, which ended up with him on the bottom, the monster on top of him.


    He tried punching up, while the skeleton did the same thing, punching down.


    Mori''s face was treated like a punching bag, while he tried his best fighting back.


    He hadn''t felt this kind of pain in a long time.


    One of the reasons he made it this far was how he could deal with pain, hunger, thirst, and many other things.


    He usually kept some of those at a minimum, so he could listen to his body''s needs, but this stinging pain, while not that bad, still hurt.


    Mori kept fighting back, he had no other choices. His hitpoints were going down slowly, they were now at 3.


    Thest time they had been so low was with Luxian, where they hit 1, despite all his tricks.


    "AAAahhh!!!!"


    Left, right, left, right. He kept hitting as much as he could.


    The monster kept hitting back, until its motions stopped.


    Quickly, it consumed itself, leaving Mori alone on the cold floor.


    He slowly rolled on his belly, getting himself up while exhaling loudly.


    His face was cut in several ces, and his hands were in excruciating pain.


    He looked down, ready to pick up the kindle.


    Once again, it was a single me, barely visible.


    And something else.


    It looked like a globe floating next to the me.


    "An item?! Finally?!"


    Its grey color revealed the fact that it was onlymon, but in Mori''s eyes, that was a huge win.


    He quickly touched it, light briefly filled the room before going out.


    In his hand, he was holding his first weapon.


    Finally, we''re getting somewhere.


    [Kindle: 3(+1)]

 Chapter 55: [First Boss]

    He held it with both hands, inspecting it.


    It was the first dropped weapon he truly held.


    Ah, I can inspect it. Well, it is amon item, but still quite my luck.


    [Common spear]


    A slight boost to piercing damage, not super useful here.


    Still, he was relieved.


    There was a genuine world in which he could''ve had those drops in order: Staff - Wand - Tome - Orb.


    Whatever would drop next, his spear would be his fallback.


    Happy with it, he walked toward the door, ready to get to the next room.


    It was already opening as he approached it, leading to another passageway.


    This time, however, it was slightly bigger, and had more torches.


    After taking all of them ¡ªWhy leave them there anyways?¡ª he noticed that instead of the passage leading to yet another room, it lead to a set of big arching doors, with a design more intricate than the previous ones.


    "So here we are. My first Boss."


    Mori''s fists still hurt, and his face still stung, but waiting wouldn''t fix those issues anymore. Thatst encounter had really done a number.


    He tightened his fists a few times, looking at them as he got himself mentally ready.


    He pushed through the heavy doors.


    They opened to a room resembling the one before, truly minimalistic, with the generic dark tiles.


    Will the whole dungeon be this way?


    In that room was a single enemy.


    "I should''ve guessed it," he said, exhaling.


    How many skeletons will I face?


    This one, however, was... different.


    As Mori entered the room, more torches lit up, creating dancing shadows on the floors and walls.


    The skeleton noticed him right away, turning right toward him.


    It had two skulls, and way too many bones for it to be a normal human being.


    It had four legs, four arms, and its chest had way too many ribs.


    Mori lifted his spear toward it, slowly walking sideways.


    "If I can''t beat you here, then what''s the point of even seeking vengeance this far? You''ll be my first stepping stone to annihting humanity, consider yourself lucky."


    Mori''s grip on the spear tightened. His resolve was burning through his eyes as they stared at his opponent.


    The skeleton wasn''t capable of understanding anything he said, but it did understand the resolve in his eyes.


    It took a step toward Mori, the sound of bones hitting the solid floor gradually increased as it turned into a sprint.


    It lunged at Mori, trying to punch him, but he had his spear ready, pointed at it.


    However, a spear was truly a poor weapon against an opponent full of holes.


    It went through ribs, getting awkwardly stuck.


    Mori pushed back on the spear with all his might.


    He then used his foot to try and leverage harder as the skeleton''s fists swung in the air between them.


    As it got unstuck, it stumbled backwards but quickly regained bnce, thanks to its four legs.


    Mori had already switched strategy, however, as he described a wide arc with the spear, hitting it sideways.


    It was effective, making stumble again, sideways.


    Without waiting for it to recover, Mori hit it again, describing yet another arc.


    It wasn''t too hard. Its reach and the momentum created by the wide arcs added a lot more force than his fist could do on their own.


    The boss tried catching his spear, only to have its hands repelled and a few fingers shatter.


    Good thing the four arms weren''t on one side.


    He hit it a dozen times.


    He must''ve been close to victory, he felt it.


    Its movements were slightly more erratic.


    They looked panickedas it tried to adapt to Mori''s attacks without sess.


    "Thanks. You''ve been a good stepping stone," said Mori as he was about to hit it again.


    His hit should''ve connected at that moment.


    But his spear was cleanly caught.


    The skeleton used all its hands by anticipating the direction the hit would take.


    Several fingers, and many more bones in its chest area were broken, fallen to the ground.


    As it held the spear, half the torches extinguished.


    The ones remaining seemed to have a slightly redder hue than before.


    Mori quickly looked around, surprised by the change in scenery, swiftly brought back to his opponent by the noise it was making.


    The sound of bones hitting each other, grinding against each other.


    "What the..."


    The whole structure was changing, Mori didn''t know what he was looking at.


    Suddenly, one of its hands let go of the spear, and grabbed another hand.


    Mori could finally get the spear out of its grasp.


    Whatever it is you''re doing, letting go was your final mistake.


    Mori brought the spear backward again, getting ready to swipe forward.


    The skeleton was still holding its own hand¡ª


    Wait.


    It quicklyunched forward the hand it was holding. It looked like an optical illusion; the skeletons had separated into 2 different entities.


    As it did, no bones shed with another.


    It was cleanly arranged in a way that the separation had every bone easily slide out in-between others.


    The thrown skeleton hit Mori in the face, making him stumble backward.


    The first time he did.


    He took a few steps to recover, but his opponent was already swinging again.


    He quickly took a step back, but the other one was already upon him, hitting him straight in the face again.


    A series of jabs shared by both opponents pushed him back several steps, his hp slowly depleting.


    Their hits were weak, but his defense stat was low, paired with low base hitpoints.


    As he tried to take another step back, Mori''s back hit the wall.


    He quickly ducked, dodging another punch that shattered the skeleton''s hand on the wall.


    Mori used that moment to get out of between the two of them.


    He was now pacing sideways, circling around them, trying to force their positioning into a straight line.


    He was already out of breath as he was walking.


    He held his spear back, ready to sweep forward when the moment woulde.


    He was staring at them.


    Nothing would make him look away.


    He wasn''t blinking, and barely even noticed his own pained breathing.


    The moment they would line up is the moment he would attack.

 Chapter 56: [Orbs]

    There.


    They both ran toward him, but in a single line, like he had predicted.


    However, as they approached, the one closest to him slowed down.


    It threw a hand backward, which the other one took.


    It propelled its friend forward, flying toward him.


    Mori smirked.


    Expecting as much, he did a wide arc, striking its head right-on with his spear.


    The skeleton hit the ground a few times as it rolled on it, hitting the wall at decent speed.


    It was weak, trying to get up, but going for it would''ve been a mistake and he knew it.


    Mori kept his eyes on the other one,ing toward him.


    It ran forward, arm held backward, ready to strike, but Mori''s reach with a spear simply couldn''t bepeted with.


    He struck its head vertically, making its chin touch the ground in a blink.


    The skull shattered, pieces of bones scattering around the floor, covering it in white dust.


    Mori turned toward thest one remaining.


    The only thing he saw in his peripheral view was movement.


    In a split-second reaction, he ducked.


    He dodged its strike by a hair, the air whistling above his head.


    He didn''t have much leverage, but he used his spear to sweep its legs.


    The strike had minimal strength to it, but it made it stagger backward long enough for Mori to chain his attack with another hit.


    The skeleton crumbled to the floor.


    Mori got on top of it, ready to pummel its head but before any hits connected, it consumed itself, leaving no bones or. dust around.


    He loudly exhaled, sitting thenying on the ground, exhausted.


    His breathing was louder than ever, he closed his eyes a moment as he deeply inhaled.


    He let go of his spear, and without even realizing it, everything went dark.


    [Level up!]


    ¡ª~~~¡ª


    Fuck, it hurts.


    Mori''s eyes opened up to the same ceiling they had closed on.


    The adrenaline was gone; the rush had only left pain behind.


    His face and hands were in truly bad shapes, just moving his arms while keeping his hands still somehow hurt as well.


    He sat upright, closing his eyes as he tried inhaling through the pain.


    Items had dropped, still waiting for him.


    I''m truly d there''s no time limit on those, thought Mori.


    Three globes had dropped, and a single me like the previous rooms.


    The first two were grey, however, the third one was white.


    "What..."


    White? There''s grey... then light blue, yellow, orange, red and purple. There shouldn''t be anything white.


    Unsure of what it could''ve been, he decided to get the other ones first.


    He touched the first globe; it illuminated the room briefly, then revealed its content.


    [Common Dagger]


    Less reach, forcing me to get even closer to enemies? No thanks. I guess it''ll be useful for other things than fighting.


    Mori then walked over to the next grey Orb, illuminating the room again.


    [Bone Dust]


    Mori stashed it right away. He had no use for it, but as there didn''t seem to be a limit to the stash, there was no point in leaving it behind.


    His best guess was that it could be used for some sort of profession, however, he only knew a bit about Inscription.


    He didn''t even have his inscription kit with him. Making that dustpletely useless to him at that moment.


    He then took the fluttering me.


    [Kindle 5(+2)]


    He turned toward the remaining orb, staring at it intently.


    There was no point in overthinking it.


    He grabbed it.


    [Dungeon Drop: Recycler]


    Mori received the notification as the orb burst into multiple rays of light.


    A recycler? But where is it?


    Mori looked where the orb was, but no item had appeared.


    He turned around, inspecting the room, but truly nothing.


    His eyebrows popped up in realization. He quickly opened his profile.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 2]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Fateweaver 1879892/2,216,838]


    [Health points: 10/10]


    [Cursed Energy: 0/1477892]


    [Magic: 20]


    [Strength: 6]


    [Defense: 4]


    [Agility: 2]


    Mori suddenly stopped moving, only just realizing he had leveled up.


    He sat down, closing his eyes for a brief instant, taking in the moment.


    He was one step closer to his goal.


    Magic going up is what I really need for my curses. The rest doesn''t matter that much for most spells.


    He still appreciated the other stats going up.


    While getting ess to stronger spells without burning most of his cursed energy was his primary goal, in here, that mattered little.


    The only real goal here was to survive the dungeon.


    He looked at his profile a good moment, and then went pressed [Dungeon].


    The Dungeon ovey appeared, he went straight to his stash.


    Next to the torches, there it was.


    [Recycler].


    He could set it up in [0-0], the tooltip giving no other information on its uses.


    Since he was already there, he set it up in a corner.


    The way it worked was quite interesting, he thought.


    It looked like a 2d view from above of the rooms connected by a passageway pathway.


    He could visualize the dimensions of things he wanted to add. In this case he only had torches and the recycler.


    He didn''t set up any torches, however, as the first thing he would do when he got back would be rest, and that would be impossible in a bright room.


    Mori went back to the main [Dungeon] ovey, [0-0] wasn''t greyed out anymore.


    Above his current level, [0-2] was now avable, and next to his current level was a new option appearing.


    [0-1-S]


    Mori frowned, unsure of what that one was.


    His current level, [0-1] was greyed out, but the 1-S next to it wasn''t.


    It could''ve been because he was already in it, but he wasn''t sure.


    I''ll ask the Unkindled when I get back.


    Without waiting any longer, he pressed [0-0]


    The lights seemed to darken. Everything felt like it was getting further away from him, as if he was falling, until nothing.

 Chapter 57: [Recycler]

    Mori slowly opened his eyes again.


    "Did I fall asleep, again?"


    He quickly sat upright, the hard-cold floor quite ufortable.


    Yet he felt refreshed, more than he had in a long time.


    He felt too good.


    He looked at his hands; they were normal.


    He felt his own face massaging his cheeks, his eyes, his nose.


    Nothing.


    No pain at all.


    "Totally healed..."


    Mori looked around the room, the same one he had appeared in the first time around.


    He didn''t wait a moment to head toward the passageway leading to the next room, where the sleepy cat would be.


    He walked normally, he was in no rush. He opened his profile again while doing so.


    Receiving a 10 in magic at level 1 truly was a gift, but he couldn''t make use of that gift.


    Maybe if he was lucky to find an item that somehow had a magic modifier, but such an item would be so high level, the chances he''d get one soon were slim.


    Some items did have level restrictions when it came to certain stats. Some even had skill or ss restrictions, while rarer.


    However, a weapon that scales off a certain stat was extremely rare, especially for magic.


    He would most likely find staves and wands that wouldn''t help him at all, as he can''t use magic anyway, but he was still hopeful.


    Either he needed to be lucky, or needed to find a way to inscribe or enchant weapons he was getting, so he could make them scale off his best stat.


    A spear scaling in magic would make the whole process a lot easier.


    As he finally arrived in the Unkindled''s room, he promptly closed his profile and looked at the cat, who was seemingly asleep by the me.


    "I''m back," he said.


    You cleared the first level, Mori.


    "I did. It wasn''t easy for someone like me."


    A sovereign, you mean?


    "Yes."


    You''re not the only sovereign in here.


    "So that ice girl is also here, in the end," replied Mori.


    No.


    "Just to confirm, the people I was with are here as well... right? A vampire, a subus, a half-demon?"


    Only the vampire stayed. With luck, maybe you will meet her.


    "How''s her progress?" asked Mori.


    She is going way faster than you, but it was expected.


    Mori sighed in relief.


    His mind had beenpletely focused on his own problems that he had barely thought about those three.


    Since the dungeon was a solo experience, it wasn''t such a bad thing that the other two left the circle, and Aura could take care of herself, he thought.


    "Can you give her a message for me?" asked Mori.


    Telling you she''s here is the best I can do.


    As it answered, something caught Mori''s eye.


    "Ah. The recycler."


    He approached it, carefully inspecting it.


    No. No. No.


    "It weirds me out, when you read my thoughts like this."


    You''re also reading mine.


    Mori was trying to figure out how it worked. His first thought wasthat it could turn his items into better ones, which received the first no.


    His second thought was that maybe it wouldbine items together to make a better version, which also gathered a no.


    Hisst thought was him dreading the idea it maybe was only a way to dispose of garbage, which could be an issue.


    "So what is it for, then?" he asked.


    The recycler looked like a sort of chest, an old one that was made using a darker type of wood.


    The metal that held it together was heavily scratched and twisted, even rusted at some ces.


    The recycler lets you turn unwanted items into kindle.


    Mori''s eyebrows went up in amazement.


    That would truly be a game changer.


    Wish I had taken every torch off the walls before leaving.


    He opened the chest, he couldn''t see the bottom of it.


    It wasn''t due to the low lighting of the room which only had the cat''s dancing me in front of it, it truly had no bottom.


    He didn''t dare feel around inside, however. It would be a dumb way to risk his life.


    "That reminds me, how is it I ampletely fine, but in there I was truly messed up?" he asked while inspecting the recycler.


    Beating a floor boss will heal you once youe back here.


    That''s a useful feature. Makes healers and potions useless, a true blessing.


    Only floor bosses will heal you. If you go back to the same floor and clear different levels, you won''t be healed. Would you sustain injuries now, you would be forced to go to [0-2] to heal that way again.


    "So I can go back to the same floor to farm it?" he asked.


    Clearing [0-1] opened [0-1-S] for you. Rules are different there, the monsters are the same level as [0-1], but yield fewer rewards and way less experience.


    Most people will farm those areas before heading to the next level, to try and get a bit more equipment or experience.


    "I beat that boss once. If the others are the same level, then I shouldn''t have a problem clearing them."


    There are no bosses on S floors. Only monsters, alone or in packs. That is also where you might encounter other people clearing the dungeon, like you.


    Mori turned around quickly, his eyes fixed on the yawning cat.


    How is it the most important information you keep telling me nonchntly?!


    The cat slowly closed its eyes again, ignoring Mori''s thoughts.


    Other yers meant he could find allies, but that meant he could also be finding enemies.


    "What do I gain from killing other people stuck in here like me?" he asked.


    Anything in their stash or [0-0] room will go to your own stash.


    Then most likely, there will be enemies.


    "How do Ie back from [0-1-S], then? If there are no bosses?"


    You caneback whenever you want, just use the [Dungeon] menu.


    Mori walked toward the me, next to the Unkindled, and sat beside it.


    He looked at it, his mind drifting as he was mentallying up with a n to conquer this dungeon.

 Chapter 58: [The Shop]

    The me danced nicely as Mori stared at it next to the cat.


    "Let me see the shop."


    Amost instantly, before him appeared a shop with a lot of interesting items, ranging from 1 kindle to 10 in price.


    The things he could buy varied, but the inventory was quite small.


    It was all extremely basic things.


    The [Food] Category was the one with most things to offer, with a wide selection of vegetables and meat.


    There were mainly only ingredients, with almost nothing ready-to-eat.


    Some things that were prepared, however, seemed to count as ingredients.


    Most notably, pasta and noodles were there, something he had no idea how to make.


    The next category was [Room] where he could buy things to add to this [0-0] level.


    There was almost nothing in there, and what was seemed useless.


    A bed that was mainly a stack of hay, a pillow which looked like a smaller stack of hay, torches which he already had, a drawer that was quite small and various other things that were in truly poor shape.


    The only useful thing in there seemed to be the bonfire over which a pot was suspended, held by metal bars.


    [Kindle: 4(-1)]


    I need to eat eventually, the most basic fire with a pot will do just fine.


    Mori set the bonfire in the middle of the room.


    It slowly appeared, further from the Unkindled''s me, adding even more light to the otherwise dark room.


    The sizzling and crackling started as soon as the logs materialized.


    Mori approached it, he could feel the heat as he extended his hands toward it.


    The pot hanging over the fire looked like it was made of old iron.


    The next step was the [Food] category.


    There, a stack of potatoes.


    [Kindle: 3(-1)]


    It hurt to spend for food this way, when he could''ve used curses to ignore most of his basic needs.


    He sighed, buying the next necessities.


    A bathroom kit and buckets of water brought his kindles down to 0, something unavoidable.


    He set it up in the room he arrived in, but kept the water here. The room with the Unkindled would be his main hub.


    The other one would be a sort of storage for things he might need ess to, or perhaps somewhere to train, he didn''t quite know, yet.


    "Oh, what''s this?" he muttered.


    The shop has enough experience to go to the next tier. New items will be avable. Congrattions Mori.


    The Unkindled''s voice resounded in his mind again, something he was getting used to.


    The shop''s visualyout had changed. When it first appeared, floating before him, it was a grey background with no outline, and mainly text and bubbles.


    Now it had a thick ck outline going around the whole menu and visually it looked slightly better.


    When he selected [Tier 1], in the shop, a glowing white outline defined itself around the new items Mori had ess to.


    Instead of ''Basic'' equipment, he now had ess to ''Common''.


    The basic weapons, for example, used to be a long stick, and rock at the end of a rope. Now, he had a wide variety of mon'' weapons like the one he already had.


    "Alright. Let''s try this recycler."


    He walked toward the chest in the corner.


    He opened it and got one of his torches out of his stash. He threw it in, the chest closing by itself as he did.


    [Kindle 1(+1)]


    Yeah, as expected.


    "How much to get to the next tier for the shop?" asked Mori turning around.


    For you to figure out.


    "Why do you even offer a shop? And why are you in my room? This is weird, you know? No other dungeon does this, but you''re pretty casual about everything yet reveal nothing."


    I''ve talked too much already, I''m getting tired. It''s all about kindle. Bring me more, and the rewards are greater. That''s all I care about.


    Mori rolled his eyes while shaking his head.


    It made little sense.


    This world was based on a game.


    If he was on his character, on Elder Heir Online this dungeon would''ve been one of the most basic ones he ever went through.


    Experiencing it in reality, however, was a different story, especially with permanent death.


    He wanted exnations, and above all, to understand what was happening, but the wall he faced with the half-exnations truly annoyed him.


    Why kindle? Other than it''s in his name? What is it, even?


    And one other thing was on his mind. The cat did mention he had a 1% chance of stumbling upon someone else in the dungeon.


    How?


    The vige bordering the mountains wasn''t popted enough to have a 1% chance of encounter in there, if everything was taken into consideration.


    Mori walked over to the buckets of water lined against the wall, taking it with both hands.


    His strength had indeed leveled up, he could feel it, but it was still quite low.


    He arrived at the fire, filling the iron pot with it.


    "Fuck."


    He spilled some water, sshing the fire with it, but it was still going strong, to his relief.


    It didn''t take too long for it to start boiling.


    He threw in two potatoes. That would be the day''s meal.


    He looked over his shoulder.


    "Come get some," he said to the cat.


    It opened its eyes, confusion showing through its expression, as it slowly got up, stretching.


    It walked for the first time, getting next to Mori thenying down on the floor again, closing its eyes as soon as it could.


    Once the boiled potatoes were done, he took the pot and set it on the ground next to him, waiting several minutes for it to cool down.


    He took his [Common Dagger] and used it to get them out of the pot.


    "There," he said.


    He set in front of the Unkindled half of one, it was still steaming hot, burning his fingers.


    Mori at his own portion, while the cat nibbled at his.


    It''s quite bad.


    "Yeah. Yeah, it is," replied Mori.

 Chapter 59: [0-1-S]

    [0-1-S]


    Mori pressed it.


    He was transported to yet another room that looked truly basic, like his.


    ck tiles, torches, the same boring decor, he thought.


    Already?!


    The room he arrived in had a small skeleton in it, staring straight at him.


    There were no doors, no windows, no passageways, only him and that skeleton.


    Readying his spear, Mori slowly dragged his feet forward.


    The skeleton was also taking its time, as if he was figuring out the best approach to take.


    Without warning, it sprinted toward Mori, its fists clenched as the bones clicking against each-other echoed through the room.


    Mori readied his spear behind him, ready to do a wide swipe as soon as it would be in range.


    It kept running at a constant pace, soon within his reach.


    Now.


    The air whistled as Mori tried his best to time his strike with the Skeleton''s pace.


    The hit connected, propelling the skeleton sideways to the ground, rolling a few times.


    It felt good.


    He could tell he had gotten twice as strong. The strength he could apply to his strike and the speed at which he unleashed it were way better.


    He leisurely walked to the skeleton that was getting up, striking its head with the spear, making the monster disappear within seconds.


    Only 1 kindle dropped, with no items showing up.


    Mori turned on himself, scanning the room.


    He quickly went around it, taking the torches so he could recycle them, his best money-making method so far.


    They all gave 1 kindle, but each room he had been through on [0-1] had at least 4 of them, and this room was no exception.


    He wasn''t rich yet, but food would be no issues if he kept going this way.


    Still, he wasn''t aiming to live a luxurious life down there.


    The true goal was to tier-up the shop one more time.


    Once he had gathered all the torches, he looked around again, but there was no passageway.


    One wall had the outline of what could be a passage drawing itself in the middle of it.


    It was slow, and dark but he as he approached he could clearly see it.


    "So there''s a downtime between rooms. Good to know."


    Mori sat down before the door, but as time went, he eventuallyid down and napped.


    A distant echo woke him up, it was faint and small but constant.


    He sat upright.


    He noticed the passageway had fully materialized, for how long he couldn''t tell.


    He squinted, his vision still adjusting.


    Someone was walking toward him.


    Swiftly, he got up and pointed his spear forward.


    The person who was walking toward him lift both hands up.


    Mori got the [Dungeon] menu up and running, ready to press the [0-0] button whenever needed to get out of there.


    The person walking through the passageway was slender, and gracious in the way they walked.


    It was clearly a female, but Mori''s internal turmoil calmed down as he finally could see her face.


    An elf.


    He slowly lowered his spear, but kept it pointed toward her.


    "Who are you?" he asked.


    She was surprisingly taller than him, but not a trait Mori disliked.


    She didn''t have a smug or pretentious look; she looked mostly concerned and worn out.


    Her arms were slightly shaking as she held them up.


    "Aleesia, I''m friendly, truly," she said.


    She wore leather armor; it looked rather used and in bad shape, cuts and nicks covering it.


    "Why should I believe you?" asked Mori.


    She frowned a moment, thinking.


    "I have no weapons on me," she said.


    "You could use magic, for all I know."


    She bit her lip while looking to the side.


    "Hmm. I guess you''re right. Well, I don''t use magic, I''m only good with bows," she replied.


    "That proves nothing," said Mori.


    "Here."


    She turned sideways and opened her profile.


    Mori approached within a few steps, his spear still in her direction, as he quickly nced at it.


    "Level 2, so you haven''t been here long too," said Mori.


    "It''s been a week, maybe."


    Mori finally took his spear away, letting her finally lower her arms, which were barely holding up.


    "I''m guessing you''re also farming this level?" said Mori.


    "Farming?"


    "You''ve been clearing [0-1-S] rooms to get more levels and items?"


    "Hah! Hahhahah..."


    Aleesia''sugh was truly desperate.


    "No, no no no. No farming at all. I''ve barely held on all this time, actually, so when I saw a path open..."


    "These monsters aren''t tough. What do you mean, you barely held on?"


    "I leveled up after clearing [0-1], so far things were going great, but I broke my bow during the fight..."


    Her stats did support what she was saying.


    Mori internally sighed.


    Her problems were her problems. He had no obligation to help at all.


    "Sounds rough... Listen," he started, before being interrupted.


    "That damn mind reading cat! It told me if I came here, right now, then I would meet someone who could help me out, and here you were... I did have to spend hours dealing with the skeleton in that room... but still..."


    Her movement was erratic, her speech barely made sense, it was almost muttering.


    She looked exhausted.


    "I''ll help you," said Mori, cutting her mid-sentence.


    Her eyes brightened, as if the exhaustion had vanished.


    "Thanks so much. Truly, I don''t know how I..."


    Her sentence trailed off, as her eyes went upward, following the motion of her head.


    She fell backward, barely giving Mori enough time to jump forward to grab her by her wrist.


    He guided her descent to the floor, saving her head from what could''ve been a serious injury.


    Carefully, heid her against the floor. She didn''t look in pain, but still seemed to be in bad shape.


    I guess she was running on adrenaline, thought Mori.


    He sat next to her, studying her closer.


    He reached over, touching her face. Her skin was smooth and surprisingly hot.


    He crossed his arms over his chest, closing his eyes.


    1% chance, huh?

 Chapter 60: [Aleesia]

    Mori was walking circles, in thought while a new passageway was drawing itself on another wall.


    Read thetest tale on M-VL-em|p,yr


    He had peeked at the room Aleesia came from, but nothing stood out, besides the fact it had no connecting room besides his.


    As he got back to his side, he was surprised by the passage carving itself, despite it being slow.


    She was still lying on the floor, passed out.


    I could kill her.


    He approached her, her expression was at rest, her chest slowly moving up and down as she breathed.


    All it would take was the spear he had, or the dagger.


    A clean thrust right in her heart, or maybe cutting her throat open.


    It wouldn''t be the first time he killed someone, he thought.


    He had done worse in Dustriver.


    Her eyes opened to Mori staring at her, her expression instantly went toward scared.


    She took a moment to realize where she was, and to remember what had happened, before smiling.


    "Ah, sorry, I must''ve been tired..." she said.


    "All good."


    "What was I saying..."


    "That the cat sent you to me," he said.


    "Ah yes. That cat... I did exin that just giving me a bow would allow me to repay the kindle I would owe. It didn''t care at all. And I had no food, so of course I had to get water and food, and days went by..."


    Mori sighed.


    "You''re an idiot. You could''ve bought a stick, or that rope with a rock attached, then you wouldn''t be in this situation."


    "I told you, my strength is low-"


    Mori joined his hands together and closed his eyes while exhaling loudly.


    "Listen."


    He then looked at her. She was a true beauty, with all the ssic features.


    She had that hourss shape truly mastered, and the fact she was tall only helped her out. Her breasts were big, yet not too much.


    Her face had that elvish gic. She truly had no imperfections, her skin or facialposition were almost perfect.


    "You don''t look like a fighter. Add to that the fact that you''re level 2, I understand that. However, how stupid can you be when you have a choice between a fish and a fishing rod, and you take the fish?"


    She looked down, her cheeks rosy as she embarrassingly yed with her hair.


    "You sound like my father," she muttered.


    "What?"


    "Nothing."


    She helped herself up. As he looked closer, she seemed better now than she was hours ago.


    Her face looked brighter, at least.


    "I''ve trained with a bow, my father allowed it. It was always target practice, he''d never let me get close to any sort of danger."


    "Wouldn''t you need to level up eventually, to be less in danger?" asked Mori.


    "Yeah. When I would be old enough, he said we''d start working on my level. He''d arrange for me to be escorted by royal guards through the early levels of a dungeon, and that for now, I should focus on court etiquette, that sort of thing."


    "So you''re a princess."


    "Yeah, not an important one, however, don''t get your hopes up..."


    "Wait, what did you mean, when you would be old enough?" asked Mori.


    "Ah, I''m only 25. He said we''d wait a couple of decades."


    Right. Elves.


    "And one other thing, it''s been on my mind. If you''re an elf, you shouldn''t be on the south continent, how did you get here?" he asked.


    She looked away, seemingly embarassed again.


    "I ran away," she said.


    "All the way to the demon territories?" asked Mori.


    "What? No. I don''t think my butt could handle a carriage ride that long."


    "You ran away in a carriage?" said Mori, raising his eyebrows.


    "How else? In any case, my driver was supposed to be taking me to a neighboring country''s court. He said he knew a shortcut through the whispering forest. I somehow fell asleep and woke up here."


    "The whispering forest?"


    "Yeah. Its entry is forbidden,people who enter it disappear forever. My driver said he knew a way to avoid its danger, he said he went through it all the time... Something must''ve happened."


    ''Something must''ve happened''? Someone clearly wanted to get rid of you.


    "So the Unkindled kidnaps people from other ces than the mountain range. Now it makes sense."


    Mori turned around, the passageway was nearpletion, they could soon get to the next room.


    Mori opened his [Dungeon] tab, Aleesia appeared in the recently met list.


    "I''ll add you to my friend list, if you don''t mind."


    "I''ll do the same. We should probably help each other," replied Aleesia.


    He quickly added her, the whole process pretty simple.


    "Here, take this," said Mori, handing her his dagger.


    She awkwardly took it, holding it as if it was disgusting.


    Mori was about to turn away, but quickly went back to her.


    "You... know how to use it, right?" he asked.


    "Yes... of course," she said.


    She brandished it, shing the air left and right with little force.


    You sent me someone extremely useless, Unkindled.


    Mori was no weapon expert, yetmon sense was enough to see everything she did wrong.


    "Okay, first, hold it right," said Mori.


    He took her hand and tightened it around the dagger, forcing her to hold it the right way.


    "See? That''s where your hand should be, and it shouldn''t be all soft, use whatever muscles you have."


    He let go, watching her handle it.


    "Like this?"


    "What? Not even remotely? Are you doing this on purpose?"


    Aleesia''s face when straight into a pout as she stomped her feet on the ground.


    Mori''s expression remained the same as he sustained her gaze.


    I feel sorry for her father, now.


    "Alright, I''m done with you. You''re on your own."


    "What! Wait! Okay, okay I''ll try again."


    She did her best, biting her lips as she concentrated on holding the dagger ''right''.


    It was far from right, and she concentrated way too much for such a simple task, however it was already better.


    "Good, seems you''re not a total lost cause."


    "That means you won''t leave me behind, right?"


    "For now. Let''s just get to the second room.


    Mori started walking toward the freshly created passageway.


    He could hear her steps quickly elerated as she caught up to him, walking beside him.


    "Why are you taking torches?" she asked, as Mori took one.


    "Long story."


    "Huhuh."


    After walking for not that long, they eventually reached the next room.


    Peeking inside from the passageway, Mori could tell it was only one skeleton.


    "Alright. You get it."


    Aleesia quickly turned toward him.


    "What? I can''t. You should be the one..."


    "You want to take the fish? Again?"


    "Your metaphor is weird..." she muttered, as she entered the room.


    She pointed the dagger toward the skeleton, who noticed her quickly.


    As it approached, her stance totally broke.


    She took several steps back, until she reached Mori.


    "Alright, maybe you should-"


    Mori pushed her back inside the room, the skeleton was within reach and jumped forward, trying to grab her.


    She jumped sideways while shrieking.


    "Why would you do that?!" she yelled.


    Mori shook his head in disbelief.


    She kept running circles around the room, trying to keep the most distance between the skeleton and herself.


    "You''ll need to attack it, eventually," said Mori.


    Despite the waste of time, he was impressed.


    She wasn''t too bad at running, and her movements were swift and graceful. It didn''t look like she wasted energy stomping her way around; it looked as if she floated on the floor.


    As if she glided on the floor with every step she took.


    Oh. Finally?


    Her grasp on the dagger''s handle tightened, she was about to try and attack.


    She took a step forward, quickly advancing within the skeleton''s reach, and shed.


    Mori''s blood was boiling. He tried to find ways to calm down, yet nothing really could.


    "Did you close your eyes. Right there? Did I see it right?"


    Aleesia looked at Mori for a split second, biting her lips while running backward again.


    She opened her mouth, as if to answer, but quickly changed her mind, and concentrated on the enemy before her.


    She was getting nowhere. No wonder it took her hours to clear her [0-1-S] room, before it connected to Mori''s.


    As she kept running around the room, she had walked in front of Mori, the skeleton in her footsteps.


    As it passed Mori, it suddenly turned its head and stopped moving, as it realized it had another target within reach.


    For a very short moment, it stood there looking at Mori.


    Like a sh, Mori saw light reflecting on the dagger''s de as it flew toward the Skeleton''s head.


    It easily impaled it, chunks of bones crumbling to the floor as the skeleton slowly fell to its knees. The dagger was clean through.


    It disappeared, with only kindle appearing on the floor, no items.


    Breathing deeply, Aleesia approached, taking the kindle on the ground, while looking at Mori with a wide smile.


    "See, I can do it," she said brightly.


    Mori did short nods, his eyes closed.


    When he opened them again, his neutral expression gave little to how he felt. His voice, however, betrayed his annoyance.


    "Did I see you. Just now. Throw your only weapon?"


    Aleesia''s smile slowly faded.

 Chapter 61: [Some people are bothersome while dead]

    Mori was pacing around the room, while Aleesia sat against the wall in silence.


    He was waiting for the next room toe up. The overall pace of their progress was extremely slow.


    He needed to get to the next floor as soon as possible.


    They would most likely level up in the next room. After that, he would have no choice but to go back to [0-0].


    "So, how did you get here?" asked Aleesia.


    Mori turned around.


    "The mountain range west of Dustriver."


    Aleesia was nodding.


    "Wish I could''ve visited that part of the continent," she said.


    Mori approached closer, doubt on his mind.


    "You... want to visit the continent where DiveCore is most established?"


    "Dive what?"


    His eyebrows shot up.


    Elves are so far removed from world politics, they probably see the border conflict as something that will roll over in a couple of years, or decades.


    "Humans have arrived from another world, they took over several regions, don''t you know?"


    Her face showed he was right, she had no idea what he talked about.


    She looked as if she was digging deep, looking inward and outward for clues as to what he could be rambling on about but nothing.


    "Well, that''s just how humans are. No offense to you, but wars are somon it''s pointless to keep track. They rarely poke at us, not that they didn''t try, just recently they sent some emissary trying to bribe some of our council members."


    Mori''s attention was undivided as he listened to her talk.


    "Can you tell me more about that?" he asked.


    "Well, they said they were peace emissaries. They went through the trouble of reaching us so we gave them an audience."


    In the game, reaching the elves is extremely hard. The worst part was probably having to listen to them afterward, as their arrogance toward humans was unparalleled.


    It was only hard if you went there with no knowledge. Once you knew the inner-workings of the elvish society,ing and going was actually pretty easy. They most likely made it look like they went through hell while just using their game knowledge.


    "Anything stood out?" asked Mori.


    "Well, my father said once they were told elves wouldn''t ally themselves with anyone they simply left, just like that."


    "How long ago was this?" he asked.


    "Maybe six months? What? Why?"


    Mori started pacing again, tuning out Aleesia''s voice that echoed in the background of the room and his mind.


    He took a few steps toward her again.


    "Don''t you think it''s weird they came all the way you, only to nicely turn around when turned down?" he asked.


    "What else can they do but leave? We wouldn''t have changed our minds, they probably realized it."


    They already knew you wouldn''t ally yourself with anyone. Everyone knows how you believe yourselves to be above anything the realm goes through. Anyone with an ounce of intelligence would realize they went there for other reasons.


    Mori scratched his head, while biting his bottom lip.


    "What''s your name?" asked Aleesia.


    "Didn''t I mention it? Mori."


    "Huh. Mori. The emissaries also had funny names."


    "What do you mean?" asked Mori, confused.


    "Steadfast, Karma, Reaper, they don''t sound like names we''re used to from you guys."


    Mori''s gaze went nk, his hand firmly gripping his spear.


    The passageway''s outline kept drawing itself on the wall, silently progressing through the tiles as he stood there, immobile.


    Aleesia''s eyes jumped around the room.


    She felt like anything she said, at this point, triggered Mori, which wasn''t far from the truth. It also felt like anything she did upset him, so keeping interactions at a minimum felt like the right thing to do.


    But something felt wrong.


    "You seem concerned, is there something I should know about them?" she asked.


    "I''m guessing you escorted them out, saw them leave, maybe tailed them a while."


    "I don''t know, I''m not really a part of all that stuff..."


    "It doesn''t matter, it was your mistake to even trust humans to be decent."


    "But you''re also-"


    She didn''t finish her sentence. If Mori''s stare was knives, she''d be stabbed to death right there.


    "Once we get out of here I''ll fix the problems you''re causing."


    "I doubt they''ll let new visitors in anytime soon-"


    "I don''t care if they let me in or not, I''ll kill and burn my way through your stupid forest if I need to."


    The intensity in his tone changed the mood, the air felt colder and the silence between words heavier.


    "W-What? Why? Did we upset you?"


    Mori''s eyes and muscles softened as he took a deep breath.


    "No. No you did not."


    Humans upset me. I told the moderator I would be the antagonist, but this isn''t the kind of antagonist I want to be.


    "Your kind is arrogant," said Mori, calmed.


    Aleesia wasn''t answering, still trying to figure out what was happening.


    "In your arrogance, you tend to underestimate people who can easily take advantage of that. Like humans."


    "There are wars recorded in our books, we have lost none against humans, doubt it would start now..."


    "I don''t care about what happens to you. You guys will reap what you sow."


    Aleesia''s face was getting redder, and her muscles more tense, but her self-control was surprisingly good.


    She calmly replied, but her words were cut short and dry.


    "Good. So I guess we''ll lose a war you think might maybe happen someday who knows."


    "What I''m thinking about, Aleesia, is the World Tree. The grasping roots. The divine-tier portal. The Divine Elixir. The Divine Tears. The-"


    Aleesia jumped on her two feet, rapidly walking toward Mori.


    "How do you know all of this?! Some of these things are secrets even among the council!" she said.


    She looked at Mori up and down, trying to assess him but nothing stood out.


    The same weak-but-useful human she encountered.


    "You''re working for them?" asked Aleesia.


    "See, that''s what I meant by arrogance. You think they discovered your secrets on their ''peace mission'' and then spread that information?"


    "W-"


    "When they came through your gates, they already had that information. They have more than that, actually. They probably looked weak and stupid to you, huh? As they strolled through your city?"


    Aleesia''s eyes went down, as she nervously yed with her hair.


    "I need to go back, quickly, I must warn everyone..."


    "Yeah, sadly I also now need to go back with you, but this ''quickly'' part might not be possible."


    Mori bit his bottom lip again, "If they get their hands on divine tears they could even the ying field..." he muttered.


    Mori nced at the wall, the passageway had appeared, finally allowing them to go through.


    "Let''s rush, then. Let''s pick up the pace, find some sort of strategy so..." started Aleesia.


    "It''s useless," replied Mori. "Quick or not, they most likely already have their hands on what they need. I killed Reaper not so long ago, so he shouldn''t have any clones in your city but still..."


    "You killed reaper?"


    "Quite easily, actually."


    Aleesia tried to resist chuckling openly, which Mori immediately noticed.


    Well, I''m level 2 and stuck on the first level''s farming level with her. I''d have her reaction too, in her shoes.


    "Alright, let''s head to the next room. No point in overthinking what''s happening outside of here, we could die in the next room for all we know."


    Aleesia recovered her serious expression, as she followed Mori through the passageway.


    "I''m sorry," she said, breaking a short silence.


    "What for?" asked Mori frowning.


    "We do tend to be arrogant. I barely ever gave a thought to anything outside of what was in my immediate world."


    Mori sighed, but for once, not in disappointment.


    "It''s fine. Worlds tend to crumble when we least expect it. All we ever knew was something we thought wouldn''t end, but then it does."


    Aleesia''s tone was surprisingly serious as she spoke with Mori.


    "I might''ve tried to run away from home, but that was just for attention."


    Mori''s eyebrows went up, in disbelief.


    She''s extremely childish and stupid. But saying something like this requires maturity some people I know would never get in their lifetime.


    "I thought maybe things would start going my way, if I did this. And now here I am, while everything and everyone I love is in danger..."


    "If you hadn''t run away, you wouldn''t have met me here. Now that you did, you can make a difference, something you couldn''t do, would you have stayed. Worlds crumbling create stronger people, like you and me need to be."


    Aleesia looked at Mori, smiling, her cheeks pink.


    "What?" said Mori.


    "Nothing."


    She jogged thest steps toward the room. Without waiting for any instructions, she went straight for the monster in the middle of it.


    She was still closing her eyes as she swung randomly in front of her, but she did so while standing her ground.


    Not running away.

 Chapter 62: [System abuse]

    "Just open you eyes, for fuck''s sake."


    Mori''s patience was at a limit, but as he keptining she eventually hit it by chance.


    The skeleton dropped kindle, and bone dust.


    "I''ll take the bone dust," said Mori.


    "Sure, I don''t even know what it''s good for."


    [Level up!]


    "Oh, I leveled up," said Aleesia.


    "Same, apparently."


    He opened his profile.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 3]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Fateweaver 1879892/2,216,838]


    [Health points: 15/15]


    [Cursed Energy: 0/1477892]


    [Magic: 30]


    [Strength: 9]


    [Defense: 6]


    [Agility: 3]


    If I could harvest hexes while waiting for the next room to open, it would at least be worth my time.


    "Do we wait for the next room?" asked Aleesia who was done looking at her own profile.


    "No, I''m done with this floor. I''m moving on to the next level."


    She stressfully yed with her hair, a trait Mori noticed came around often.


    "Let''s just leave for now," he said.


    He opened the [Dungeon] window and pressed [0-0]. As he disappeared, he could hear her starting a sentence but couldn''t make what she was trying to say.


    It was that feeling of finally being home, weirdly enough, despite the room being empty, it wasn''t such a bad feeling.


    The dark tiles wouldn''t be what he went for, and there were no decorations, but it was his room, after all.


    Not his ex''s room, not his mother''s basement, truly his.


    There were some things he could''ve bought in the shop to make it morefortable, butfort wasn''t important for now.


    Every single kindle he had needed to be spent wisely.


    He walked through the passageway, going to the Unkindled''s room, which had the cooking pot and Recycler.


    Wee back.


    "Nice surprise you had for me," said Mori.


    I wasn''t offered food in a long time, this was my thanks to you.


    For the potato?


    Yes, but I won''t influence your progress any further.


    Mori headed toward the recycler, dropping in the bone dust he had, and most of his torches.


    He sat next to the recycler, in thought.


    Are you not going to invite her here? Or answer her invite?


    Mori sighed, it was bothering him.


    [Aleesia invited you to her room.]


    Mori was ignoring it, focusing on what he wanted to do now that he had more capital.


    The chest reopened.


    Mori bought 5 swords for 50 kindle, instantly dropping them right into recycler.


    After a moment, it reopened again, he then bought another set of 5 swords, and dropping them in the chest.


    Already?


    Mori opened the shop again, ready to buy another set of 5 swords, but the shop already showed the new tier was unlocked.


    The content that was outlined when selecting [Tier 2] was rare.


    Mori chuckled, then went back to rotating through swords for 50 kindle into the recycler.


    The unkindled got up, stretching but ultimatelyid back down near its me.


    I guess it doesn''t care that I''m rotating items through the recycler.


    [Aleesia invited you to her room.]


    [Aleesia invited you to her room.]


    [Aleesia is requesting an invite to your room.]


    [Aleesia is requesting an invite to your room.]


    [...]


    Is she that hopeless?


    Mori sighed, capitting. He wanted to enjoy calm and quiet, but that onlysted a brief moment.


    He could hear her footstepsing from the end of the passageway, the room in which she must''ve arrived.


    "It''s pretty dark over there," she said loudly, making her way toward the room with the Unkindled in it.


    "I''ve removed all the torches."


    "Yeah... I can see that."


    She finally appeared, slowly walking while holding her hand to the wall on her right.


    "It looks a lot like my room... but you have the cooking thingie, and a chest... how did you get them?" she asked.


    "Bought one, and dropped the other."


    "Oh, and why is the Unkindled here, now?"


    There''s a version of me in every room upied by someone.


    "Why did you set up your things in this room?" asked Aleesia. "Isn''t the constant mind reading bothering you?"


    "I don''t mind it."


    "It sure bothered me, at least. Truly annoying, no offense, kitty. What are you doing?" she asked.


    "Rotating through items."


    "Rotating? What do you mean?"


    "I dropped a recycler, on the first floor. It allows me to break items for kindle."


    "What?! That sounds extremely useful! What are the odds of dropping a recycler?"


    "I don''t know. Most likely low, seeing how useful it is."


    It''s quite rare, yes.


    "There you have it," said Mori.


    Aleesia approached and sat next to Mori.


    "So you''ll just keep buying swords and breaking them? What''s the point? You''ll never end up with more kindle."


    "Buying things in the shop eventually levels up the shop."


    "Ah, right... but aren''t the prices higher in higher tiers? What''s the point?"


    "Knowing what''s in the higher tiers will help n, simply."


    The third tier seems to take a while, probably won''t waste time trying to unlock the fourth one for now.


    "So what do we do now?" she asked.


    "We keep going, our separate ways."


    "Can''t we try finding each other in one of those levels?" she asked.


    "We''d waste too much time, also I think you can handle yourself just fine."


    "Yeah, true... Wait, really?"


    Mori rolled his eyes, as he kept rotating swords into kindle.


    "Yeah, really."


    Ah, finally, the next tier.


    "Here," said Mori.


    Mori went to the weapon section, selecting a [Common Bow], a [Quiver] and [Arrows x10].


    He was annoyed by the fact that they were all sold separately.


    Once bought, he threw them in front of Aleesia, who had sparkles in her eyes.


    "A bow! Thank you so much! They were so expensive, I thought I''d need to go back to [0-1-S] for days..."


    "It''s not free," quickly cut Mori.


    "What? I have nothing to offer..."


    "Give me anything you won''t need, that you drop. Weapons, resources... Anything you won''t use, and I''ll use the recycler to break them into Kindle. If you do a good job, I''ll even feed you."


    Aleesia''s eyebrows raised with her lips, forming a wide smile.


    "Nice! This kind of teamwork is exactly what we''ll need to get out of here!!!"


    Teamwork? You''re essentially my employee...

 Chapter 63: [Employee of the Month]

    You spent more than half your funds on her.


    The invasive thoughts of the Unkindled echoed in his mind again.


    "Yeah, but the return on investment should be quite substantial. Most of what she will be dropping won''t be useful to her. Clubs, maces, swords, resources for professions and more. I''m not even sure what the others do with those drops, maybe keep them in their stash. Besides that, it all goes to waste unless they have a recycler."


    A recycler can be bought on the fifth shop tier.


    "I can''t even begin to imagine how much is required to unlock that tier. Just thisst one was what, 1000? I can''t even buy anything in there with what I have left. Hopefully Aleesia brings back useful things to recycle."


    Mori got up, stretching.


    Mori had sent Aleesia away, hoping she would progress a bit.


    He was about to do the same.


    Aura was leagues ahead of him days ago, he had still only beaten [0-1].


    After giving Aleesia the bow, he asked her to go and get done with the next floor, which she reluctantly did, hours ago now.


    "Alright, time to go..." said Mori.


    He opened the [Dungeon] tab, again.


    [Aleesia is requesting an invite to your room.]


    "What? Already?"


    Mori invited her.


    He heard her walking from the next room, quickly making her way toward him.


    Did she even clear the floor, or just waited around scared?


    She finally appeared, a smile on her face.


    "What happened?" asked Mori. "Did you clear [0-1]?" he asked.


    "No..."


    "What? Seriously?!-"


    "I''ve cleared up to [0-5]," she brightly said.


    What?


    Ohoh.


    "You''re kidding?" he asked.


    "I''m pretty good with a bow, and now that I have one, it changes everything! I will require more arrows, some of them are now quite dull," she said, approaching.


    She dropped on the floor the loot she got from the rooms.


    "I know you like torches, so I took them as well."


    A nice pile of lootid before Mori.


    "But it''s only been hours..."


    "The progression curve isn''t that steep it seems. You''ll manage, I''m sure. You must also have your favored weapon unlocked now, right?"


    Mori''s expression was nk.


    That girl is... stronger than me, right now? Really? The one that moments ago was closing her eyes while swinging a dagger?


    "No, I''d need a magic-scaling weapon," finally answered Mori.


    "Oh, I''ll keep an eye out! I just came to let you know how it was going, I''ll go back to it! Good luck!"


    "Good luck," responded Mori.


    He watched as she opened up her own system screen, disappearing before his eyes again.


    He took everything she dropped on the floor, bringing it to the recycler and slowly recycling everything.


    I''m surprised you aren''t more frustrated.


    Mori didn''t bother turning around, he was almost halfway through the pile of items she had dropped.


    "Theonly reason I''m frustrated is because I was lucky to get a sovereign ss. I didn''t earn anything, I just started from a privileged position. It''s disgusting the way I''m going through this dungeon, I imagined something more heroic."


    The way you do it matters little to me, as long as you clear it. You have your own goals too, with those humans.


    "You''re right. Heroic or not, I''ll get my revenge, this matters little."


    Mori opened his [Dungeon window] and pressed [0-2].


    Everything faded as he was transported to the floor he selected.


    The same decor weed him as always.


    He didn''t dislike it; the simplicity made everything easier to enjoy.


    He appeared at what looked like the end of a tunnel.


    He slowly walked toward the room, slowing down as he approached the first room.


    As he walked toward it, he could hear the monsters inside walking.


    He couldn''t tell how many, but they must''ve been skeletons, he could recognize the way they ''clicked'' as they walked.


    It was also too frequent to be only one.


    He did his best to be quiet, slowly walking along the wall.


    All he had was still a spear, the safest weapon in terms of reach. Multiple opponents would be rough, but at this level he could manage.


    He finally was right by the entry of the room. He peeked inside silently and quickly, stepping back the moment after.


    Mori massaged his forehead.


    It was a single enemy, but this one was a dog made of bones.


    If thest room is a dog pack, I don''t know how I''ll manage.


    He took several more steps back, then sat against the wall of the passageway.


    "What''s even the correct strategy here?"


    He tried mentally reviewing fights he had done in games involving a simr enemy.


    "No point in overthinking it right now."


    Mori got up and walked toward the room, tapping the ground with the spear, attracting its attention.


    It quickly turned its head toward him and took a few steps back while tilting its head upward.


    Is it trying to growl?


    Mori''s spear was pointed toward it. He took a few calcted steps while trying to get a feel for its speed.


    The dog ran backward, then sideways, trying to go around Mori.


    "Really?"


    The dog ran forward, its limbs clicking on the floor as it rapidly closed ground on Mori.


    A few steps from him, it jumped.


    Mori, without any trouble, swung the spear sideways, turning the dog into a jigsaw puzzle.


    The usual kindle dropped on the floor, with no item.


    "Really? It''s this easy?" Mori approached the kindle, touching the small me.


    The door at the end of the room opened.


    He walked toward it, while contemting his profile.


    "Was it really only hard because of my low level?"


    Mori finally understood what Aleesia meant by ''Thecurve isn''t steep.''


    Even he should manage swift progression at this rate.


    He walked for a short moment, reaching the next room which had a dog and a short skeleton.


    He chuckled. "It''s basically the same thing as [0-1]."


    Mori smiled as he entered the room directly, tapping his spear on the ground.

 Chapter 64: [Cooking]

    Mori materialized in a room he had gone through too many times to count. It was still fairly empty, but the other one had slightly changed.


    Arriving to the other room, the unkindled was still by its me, staring at it.


    It was slightly bigger, most likely a result of spending more kindle, he thought.


    Some things had changed. Afortable bed was now ced in one corner.


    It was a stack of hay piled up, but an actual bed which made the nights more enjoyable.


    Spending on trivial things hurt him deeply, but it was clear he would spend a long time down there.


    Sleeping right should help make the progress faster in the long run, opposed to sleeping on the hard floor.


    A littlefort shouldn''t be too bad, and the price for this one wasn''t too high either.


    "It wasn''t hard, in the end."


    "See, I told you," said Aleesia.


    She was on the armchair by the fire, another addition to Mori''s room.


    Aleesia had be the unofficial roommate, she barely spent any time in her own room.


    It bothered him at first, but he eventually got used to it.


    "So, tomorrow you''ll be doing the [2-0] boss?" asked Mori.


    "Yeah. It''s way too easy, there''s no point in dragging things longer, especially with this new bow," she said smiling.


    Mori had bought a rare bow, which made Aleesia''s progress even faster.


    "If we assume we need to clear 10-0 to clear this dungeon, rare should be good enough until half-way through it. Around halfway, we should start saving for a legendary one."


    "Do you think we''ll need a divine or nightmarish weapon to clear the 10th floor?" she asked.


    "I''ve never seen any dungeon requiring something more than legendary. I think levels paired with a legendary bow should be fine. Still, we can hope for a legendary bow with a special effect, maybe one will drop."


    "And something scaling with magic for you,"


    "Yeah, I''m not too hopeful. You might be the one conquering this dungeon, unless Aura gets to do it first."


    Aleesia rolled her eyes.


    "Always talking about this Aura," she muttered.


    Mori ignored her rambling, heading toward the fire.


    He had made some changes. It was originally a fire with a pot hanging over it, but he now had a pan, a wok, a bigger pot, and various cooking utensils.


    Cooking was a useless skill. That''s what he always thought.


    But there was no other profession he could see himself training in there.


    Leveling cooking wasn''t that hard, and even without any help it was quite straightforward.


    "What are we eating, today?" she asked.


    "Rice and beef, I think."


    "You know, you''re turning into a stay-at-home husband,"ughed Aleesia.


    "I regret teaching you that concept."


    "But I''m going out there every day, bringing loot back to ''put bread on the table''. Almost feels like we''re that typical married couple you described the other day."


    Aleesia was sitting sideways in the armchair, her head and legs dangling on the sides. She was staring at the ceiling, her head slightly moving left and right, as if she was mentally singing a song.


    "You''re exhausting," said Mori.


    "Well, we don''t know if we''ll ever get out of here, maybe we should."


    "Should what?"


    "Get married."


    Mori sighed as he sat in front of the fire, lining up tes and bowls.


    He opened the shop, getting the necessary ingredients.


    The ingredients he unlocked inter tiers were pretty good, despite a slightly higher pricepared to lower tier things.


    The main difference was really variety, not quality. It was all pretty good, if prepared the right way.


    Some limitations did exist. He had no teacher, so it was a lot of trial and error with the recipes and technique, but leveling up did somewhat help in those areas.


    As he leveled up, it was as if he understood taste better, and working a wok simply felt easier and simpler.


    His level was still low, but he truly felt the change, over time, quite a weird feeling.


    But in the end, level wasn''t everything. He''d need to find a teacher, or maybe books.


    Finding new ingredients could also be interesting, he thought.


    Hm. Let''s use chives today.


    Mori made the rice, the easiest part of the meal. The hardest part was making the beef into something that wasn''t super dry.


    There was no ''soy sauce'' option, or any sauce he knew, for that matter.


    Not even ketchup. Not that he would use it, anyways.


    So this time, he opted for something sweet, using honey as the main ingredient for the sauce.


    -


    "Alright, it''s ready, get yourself some," said Mori.


    Aleesia got up quickly, as if she had been waiting for that moment the whole time.


    "Hey, leave some for me, at least?" said Mori.


    "Yeah yeah," she said, taking 3/4ths of the beef.


    Mori rolled his eyes, but truthfully, he had made more, knowing she would take most of it.


    The portion remaining was enough for him, and he had even made a small te with only the beef for the Unkindled.


    He didn''t need to eat, but it felt right to include him.


    "So, how was today? Not too hard?" asked Aleesia, her mouth full.


    "I thought you spent most of you time at home learning manners?"


    "Yeah, I spend most of my time on it because I''m bad at it, hahaha" she said,ughing.


    It somehow even got a smile from Mori.


    She was cute at times, especially when she puffed her cheeks when Mori was mean. She quickly ruled his behavior as tough love.


    Whatever he did, rolling his eyes, sighing or even calling her a spoiled brat she ruled as tough love.


    He had no control anymore; he started wondering if he even had any to start with.


    "Already?! You gotta be kidding me."


    "I was hungry," simply replied Aleesia, her te empty.


    She got up, massaging her belly as she ''heavily'' walked toward the bed, letting herself fall on it.


    It''s good.


    "Yeah. It was. I didn''t know you could make meat sweet and it still tasted good," said Aleesia.


    "Well, in human culture this is pretty normal now, but it does lead me to wonder what elves eat usually. Never really thought about it."


    "Mostly nt-based stuff, and not as tasty as this. Eating is more of a chore for me, usually, than something to look forward to."


    "Speaking of chores, I think it''ll be good for you to learn how to cook-"


    "No way. You''re already quite high level, better if you handle it..."


    I agree.


    The Unkindled was purring,ying next to its personal me.


    "I start wondering how you even survive when I''m not here," he said.


    "I just wait for you, really."


    "We''ll find you something useful to do while waiting. A useful profession, maybe alchemy or something..."


    "What?! No, I''d rather rest, honestly. I''m going so fast through the levels, a champion needs her rest," said Aleesia.


    Mori sighed, while piling up the empty dishes near the fire.


    He walked to one of the numerous water buckets along the wall, bringing one of them close to the fire.


    Washing dishes was something he made Aleesia do at first, but it was a battle he didn''t feel like fighting today.


    "You want me to do it?" she asked from the bed.


    "Don''t offer to do something you''ll obviously not be doing."


    "I would totally do it," she answered.


    "Yeah, the worst way possible. Real life''s hard, without a maid, huh?"


    "Haha, but I have one right now..."


    Mori tilted his head backward, inhaling deeply.


    "I''m kidding! Kidding! Gee, don''t be so serious all the time."


    "Maybe a day where you remain in your own [0-0] would help you," said Mori.


    "I was KIDDING. Tomorrow I''ll cook! and clean!"


    "It''s fine. Instead, try finding a profession you would start."


    "How about you teach me cooking?"


    "What? I myself need a teacher, how could I help you?"


    "Well you seem to know enough to get me started, at least. This beef with honey, I''d like to make it too!"


    "Sure, but you could''ve just paid attention earlier."


    "Alright, tomorrow then! Let''s do it again!"


    "Sure. But if you don''t pay attention, I''m sending you back to your own room."


    "Yes yes, no need for threats, boss," she replied.


    Once done with the dishes, he piled them up next to the fire, but not close enough that it would be heated the whole night.


    Mori walked toward the Unkindled, getting several nkets out of his stash,yering them on the floor.


    The unkindled got up, stretching its legs wide before stepping off its old and used cloth, and onto Mori''s nkets.


    It did a few circles like a dog, and let itself fall on them, purring again.


    Good.


    Mori walked toward the bed, but as he reached him he sighed.


    Again?


    Aleesia was doing the starfish method, taking all the space on the bed for herself, sound asleep. Again.

 Chapter 65: [2-0]

    Mori materialized into the [2-0] passageway, it looked like the previous levels.


    ck tiles and those same torches on each side.


    A week ago he probably would''ve taken all of them, But since they only recycled for 1 kindle it became tedious.


    Money is money, but he''d only bother with them when purposefully farming.


    Here, he was instead just aiming to kill this boss.


    Aleesia told him it was easy, slightly longer, but not that bad.


    From [0-1] to [1-0] had been easy, especially since he kept leveling up, and could maintain a level lead by farming the S levels.


    On top of torches, some rooms had started being slightly more decorated. Thest one he hadpleted had a chest, which he hadn''t seen once before.


    Its content wasn''t useful: bundles of threads. He recycled them, he couldn''t find any other use to them.


    The routine was quite boring, he truly wanted to go faster but it would require a miracle to do anything faster.


    Onest look.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 20]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Fateweaver 1879892/2,216,838]


    [Health points: 100/100]


    [Cursed Energy: 0/1477892]


    [Magic: 200]


    [Strength: 60]


    [Defense: 40]


    [Agility: 20]


    Alright, let''s hope I hit 21 before the boss room.


    Mori had no new gear, besides his spear now being a [Rare Spear].


    "You better drop a weapon that fits me, this time..."


    He started walking toward the first room, his hands tightly grabbing the spear.


    A screeching was echoing in the passageway, a high-pitched grinding sound.


    It was continuous, varying in intensity.


    Mori approached carefully, it was the first time he was hearing that eery sound.


    He stopped moving.


    In the middle of the room he could see it. An undead, nothing new from the previous rooms, but this one...


    A heavy sword, a trulyrge piece that was dragged directly on the floor, the tip grinding against the tiles.


    The whole floor was in shambles, the undead must''ve been aimlessly walking for a long time, Mori guessed.


    The de must''ve been 5cm wide, but it''s height was where it was most impressive, and it looked sharp.


    Only the tip seemed nicked, which made sense in the way it was handled it.


    Mori inhaled, holding it for a few seconds then started running as he exhaled.


    In a matter of seconds, he reached the undead, his spear piercing its body.


    Mori quickly pulled the spear out and took a few steps back.


    He had learned the hard way having your weapon stuck in the enemy''s body was an easy way to reach a game over.


    The undead''s attention was on him, it looked like all the other ones, really.


    The smell was putrid, but he learned to just ignore it the best he could.


    It''s dposed body didn''t bother him, he had seen bodies in worst shape in Dustriver.


    The undead was taking steps toward Mori, its heavy sword still dragging behind it.


    That weapon is clearly to heavy for-


    The air whistled right in front of Mori, as he saw in slow-motion the sword cut the air right in front of his eyes.


    What?


    Mori took several steps back.


    The Undead, who had only been dragging that sword with one hand, had a burst of speed once his second one held the handle.


    Now that he was two-handing it, his steps seemed to be faster than they were before.


    Instead of dragging the sword on the ground, it was now holding it straight, like a knight.


    "Heh... really?"


    Mori raised his spear again, it was steadily facing the undead once more.


    He was taking sidesteps, carefully looking at his opponent''s movement.


    The undead took a sudden step forward, doing a side sweep.


    On top of the ''swoosh'' sound, Mori felt his hair moving from the discement of the wind.


    There''s no way I can ever block that.


    Mori focused on dodging and carefully positioning, while keeping his eyes on his enemy.


    The undead stepped forward again, sweeping sideways.


    Expected as much.


    Mori wait until the sword was out of the way, and used the spear to pierce its shoulder.


    A loud ''clunk'' could be heard as the tip of the sword was against the floor once again, the grinding sound filling the room once more.


    Mori quickly withdrew his spear, and took a few steps back.


    Alright, let''s see how you swing that sword with one arm.


    The undead was still walking toward Mori, but without waiting for it to attack, Mori quickly stabbed its torso again, making it step back.


    Well it''s not too hard, despite its weapon.


    Mori kept the pressure up, stabbing at it multiple times without connecting.


    Despite one of its arms not working, it still managed to lift the sword and block some of Mori''s hits while threatening a counter.


    Mori lunged forward with the spear, only for it to be blocked in another loud ''clunk'' sound.


    It didn''t matter, however, he kept trying, over and over again.


    Until finally it connected, hitting its neck.


    In a fit of rage, it started iling its sword forward without any logic behind the movements.


    Despite that, it gave Mori a hard time as the hits were consistently fast, he moved back until his back hit the wall.


    Fuck.


    Mori took the spear at its end, and made a move toward the undead''s legs with the maximum reach he could achieve with a spear.


    The undead quickly moved to block, never realizing it was a feint.


    Mori brought the spear back quickly, and firmly pushed it into its torso again, this time not withdrawing it.


    Using all the strength remaining in his legs, he pushed forward with the spear into the undead, making it fall backward onto the floor.


    It tried raising the sword once on the ground but Mori was quick to put his feet on its arm.


    Using his spear, he repeatedly stabbed the undead until it finally was defeated.


    Its sword loudly dropped to the ground, while its main body disappeared.


    Mori dropped his own spear, dropping on the ground as he tried to control his breathing.


    Heid on his back, closing his eyes a moment.


    He could hear the door opening. The way to the next room was now clear.


    It was harder than anticipated, but now that I know how they behave with a two-hander, I should be fine.


    Mori made a mental note of the encounter, trying to mentally review the way it behaved.


    The easiest thing to do was to try and hack at its shoulder after it swung its sword.


    Undead''s limbs weren''t too hard to render useless, unlike the skeletons. Their body was in such a condition that most hits were critically injuring them, however, they needed more hits to go down.


    If there''s another one in the next room, I''ll hit the shoulder then the leg right away, or maybe one shoulder and the next one...


    He finally sat upright, extending his arm to reach the sword.


    He took it and inspected it.


    [Undead 2H-Sword]


    Basic.


    It wasn''t bad, probably an increase from a [Rare 2H-Sword] from the sword, but spears were too safe for Mori to pass on.


    He stashed it, and got up after taking the kindle.


    After dusting himself, he headed toward the next room.


    He slowed down once he approached the next room. He could clearly see the next enemy right in the entrance.


    Mori''s grip tightened, as he squinted to discern if it was facing him or not.


    Mori mentally sighed.


    It''s not.


    Going at snail''s pace, he approached as silently as he could.


    It was right there.


    A few more steps.


    But how?


    Should I pierce the skull? Can I even apply enough force? Maybe at an angle...


    Mori started lowering his center of gravity.


    His main idea was to go through the back of the next, and hopefully up the skull.


    He had no real anatomy knowledge, but he believed that should do it.


    Regardless, their bodies were weak, so it should work no matter what.


    One step. Another.


    He inhaled.


    Quickly, his spear split the air and pierced the undead through the neck, and up its skull as nned.


    Mori sighed, as he stood straight up, while the undead went to its knees, the spear still in its skull.


    Wasn''t too hard.


    It happened in a sh.


    An arc described by a short butrge object,ing from the right side of the entrance.


    Another undead was right next to the entrance?


    Mori tried to take a step back, he wasn''t out through the entrance, which meant that swing would never reach him.


    That undead must''ve been randomly triggered to attack, he thought.


    His step back, however, stopped in its tracks.


    He realized the spear was still stuck in the undead''s skull.


    He tried pulling it out, but it was already toote.


    A loud breaking sound filled the passageway, as what appeared to be a mace broke it clean in half, leaving a piece of wood in Mori''s hands.

 Chapter 66: [Broken Weapon]

    Mori''s hand still tightly grabbed the broken piece of wood.


    Mori leaned forward, bursting into a sprint.


    He entered the room; he heard the mace as it swung right by him.


    As he entered the room, he slid on his knee, changing direction, and went toward the undead next to the entrance.


    Still holding the broken piece of wood, he ran toward it, baiting it to swing.


    Mori stopped in his course, dodging the crushing weapon easily, stepping into its reach to nt the broken piece of wood into its shoulder.


    As he did, a punch connected to his jaw, sending him rolling to the ground.


    Fuck.


    Mori''s head was spinning, that hit truly shook him.


    He put a knee to the ground, using his hands to slowly raise himself up.


    He looked up, the undead was slowly walking toward him.


    That''s why long reach weapons are best. Fuck.


    The piece of broken wood was still in its shoulder. There was no way for him to get it without being in the ''danger'' zone.


    His vision was finally clearer, and the undead was closing in.


    He got up on his feet, still staring at his opponent.


    Oh.


    Behind the undead, the one he killed had dropped something.


    Shit. A yellow globe?!


    Mori was taking steps back, the undead slowly making his way toward him.


    Mori squinted.


    No... Not yellow. That''s a Golden quality item. Mythic.


    Mori was slightly sweating, still slowly stepping back.


    Now.


    He sprinted again, describing a wide arc around his enemy.


    Air whistled again.


    The undead did a short sprint burst, violently trying tond a crushing blow on Mori''s head.


    Mori weirdly side-stepped it,unching himself on the ground and rolling a few times.


    He stabilized himself with his hands and quickly got up, sprinting toward the orb.


    As the undead had another short burst, lunging forward, Mori did the same, jumping toward the Orb.


    Please be weapon.


    Mori''s finger touched the orb, sh-banging the room for a split second.


    He brought his arm before his eyes, blocking the light while getting up once more.


    [Spear of purity]


    It was light, barely weighted anything.


    Its color was a marble white, somewhere between a bright cream and grey.


    Mori took several steps back, while inspecting his weapon, making sure not to hit the wall behind him.


    It looked like a spear, but had a second pointy end, like a trident.


    The second prong was way shorter and smaller.


    The other end of the spear was also pointy and sharp.


    The way it was made looked optimal for throwing.


    With my agility, there''s no way I can risk throwing my only weapon. What are the effects?


    The undead started running, bringing Mori back to his current situation.


    No matter. I can beat this guy with any spear. This one being Mythic just nailed the coffin.


    Mori brought the spear back, ready to strike the undead when it would be in reach.


    What is this sound?


    Mori could hear a low vibration resonating through the room.


    Purring?


    His mind went back to the enemy as it was now just about to be in range.


    "This is your unlucky day," he said as he quickly brought the spear forward, his whole body following the movement.


    The undead''s mace hadn''t even started moving, that Mori had already pierced its torso with ease.


    Rays of light blinded Mori.


    He realized they came from the tip of the spear,inside the Undead''s body, through the small gaps.


    Mori smiled, as the rays were duplicating, bing brighter by the seconds.


    He chuckled, but his smile slowly faded.


    His grin gradually turned into a concerned expression.


    The light kept growing brighter as more rays made itout in a matter of seconds.


    "Wai-"


    Mori looked at the spear, and looked at his right arm holding it.


    A detonation shook the whole room.


    The tip of the spear exploded in a ball of blinding light.


    Mori''s body ragdolled backward, rolling on the ground multiple times.


    He violently tumbled all the way to the wall, his body colliding with it, before dropping back to the floor.


    His ears were loudly ringing, his forehead against the hard floor.


    Not moving.


    He opened his eyes, slightly lifting his head. Everything was foggy.


    As his eyes moved left and right, it felt as if there was a dy in his vision.


    His head was spinning faster than it ever had, and his vision reflected that.


    He let his head drop to the floor again.


    It then came.


    The pain.


    His whole body was in shock, but the adrenaline had dyed it.


    His whole body was aching.


    He moved his legs slightly, trying to get upright, but the slight movement felt heavier than anything he ever lifted.


    He opened his eyes again, everything was still foggy.


    In panic, he remembered in a sh he was fighting an enemy up until now.


    He looked left and right, while trying to bring himself up.


    He was able to position himself back against the wall, the best he could do.


    The room was empty. Despite his head still spinning, he could tell.


    Only him remained, with a grey orb further away.


    The spear was a meter in front of him, on the floor.


    Mori chuckled.


    He moved to wipe the sweat off his forehead, but something was wrong.


    He looked at his right arm.


    It was gone.


    Mori''s vision blurred, his eyes going nk as he saw his right arm torn away, only his shoulder remaining.


    He couldn''t hear the ringing paired with that purring sound, while they were still loudly echoing.


    He couldn''t feel pain anymore, he couldn''t smell that burnt odor.


    He could barely process what was happening.


    It was as if the world had stopped.


    His eyes finally detached from his missing arm and went to the spear.


    He got on his knees, and crawled on all 3, reaching it.


    He grabbed the spear with his left hand, using it as leverage to get up.


    He fell back to his knees twice before finally making it.


    The grin waspletely gone, as he used the spear like a walking stick to get toward the opened door.


    He ignored the orbs on the ground, and slowly headed to the next room, a trail of blood following him.


    The door had opened, he simply crossed it.


    Mori''s expression was stuck in a menacing frown, as the spear kept tapping against the ground at each step, echoing through the passageway he was going through.


    He couldn''t hear it.


    The only thing he could now hear was that ringing, and purring.


    One step after the next, he kept advancing.


    He wasn''t willfully moving, his survival instincts had taken over.


    He fell to the ground, the spear slipping and his head hitting the floor.


    It was bleeding, he could feel the warm liquid against his cheek while it rested against the ground.


    His left hand reached around, finally grabbing the spear again.


    He brought it toward him, slowly getting up again.


    His head was spinning hard, he stumbled to the wall, hitting his torn shoulder against it.


    The tapping restarted, echoing through the passageway.


    He used the wall, sliding his body against it while using the spear with his left hand.


    The entrance was right there.


    He could see it, light at the end of the tunnel.


    He approached it, slowing down.


    He tried looking inside, but everything was so blurry.


    He barely could tell where the walls started. Blood kept flowing from his head, getting into his eyes.


    He started falling forward, quickly catching himself by using the spear to stop his descent.


    His body was unsteady, his head tilted forward.


    I''m going to pass out.


    Everything was slowly fading to ck, but then slowly went back to normal, a pulsating nightmare.


    He bit his lip, splitting it in half.


    He took another step, finally stepping into the room.


    His gaze raising from the ground, he looked up. It was blurry, but he could tell there was one enemy.


    He stopped moving. It was going toward him, or he thought.


    He tried to listen to sound cues, but the ringing and purring filled his head.


    He tried lifting the spear, while unsteadily anchoring his feet to the ground.


    The shadow that was moving through the blurry mess was getting bigger and closer.


    He brought the spear back, as he tried concentrating on what he could see.


    Putrid. He could smell it.


    He didn''t wait and lunged forward, stabbing at anything that would be there.


    He smiled.


    In front of him, everything was getting brighter again.


    It felt as if the ringing got louder. As if the purring was making the room tremble.


    The explosion followed, everything in his field of view bing shades of white.


    His eyes went to his left arm holding the spear.


    He could see it, almost in slow motion. It was blown to pieces, disintegrating.


    He sawyers of his own arms as they were consumed by the st.


    His whole body elerated backward, violently hitting a wall.


    Everything finally faded to ck, the ringing and purring finally stopping.


    [Level up!]

 Chapter 67: [Old times]

    "Mom?"


    "Yes Jacky?"


    Is that me, right there in the living room?


    Mom left the hospital?


    "What are you doing?" asked Jack.


    "ying a game, wanna join? It''s a steampunk turn-based roley game! You like those, no?"


    "Ehh. Maybe next time?"


    What? Say yes! Why would you say no?!


    "Oh, I see... All good, maybe next time?" she said.


    "Yeah, next time."


    The room became darker, but bright lights started shing around.


    As Mori squinted, the light wasing out of a shlight.


    A policemen?


    "Are you Jack Law?"


    Mori staggered backward, showing Jack who was standing where he was, frowning.


    "What is this about?"


    "It''s your mother."


    Mori fell to his knees, the scene changing yet again.


    "Are you seriously trying to eat my leftovers?! So pathetic."


    Jessica?


    "Sorry, I know this has been hard on you," said Jack. "This is just a rough patch, things will get better and I''ll be able to cherish you better."


    "When? You haven''t taken me out to eat in months. We even have to live in this poor people district, it''s disgusting."


    "Right now we''re just doing what we can to get through the worst, then it''ll get better, I promise."


    "Right."


    I should''ve left there.


    Knocking?


    Mori turned around, his front door again.


    He stepped aside, Jack was standing in front of it.


    "Uhh. Jack, I guess?"


    "Yeah, who are you?"


    "George, I worked with your mother. I''m sorry, I heard what happened... Hope she makes it out of the hospital soon."


    "Thanks. What can I do for you George?"


    "I need to retrieve some work material. The timing isn''t the best, I know, but we really need it."


    "Sure."


    "Thanks, kid."


    George? Ah, I had forgotten.


    Jack sat on the couch, while George entered his home, followed by four more people.


    Did they need to be this many?


    They started looking around, room by room, while Jack was on his phone in the living room.


    This... This one has a gun?!


    "Mori."


    Mori turned around, it was his mother on her hospital bed.


    He stepped aside, expecting Jack to appear, but he did not.


    "Mom?"


    "How do you enjoy my game, so far?"


    He tried getting a good look at her, but tears were obstructing his view, sliding down his cheeks.


    "Ah. Look at your arms. You''re pushing the limits, huh?"


    "Is this really you? Are you really there?"


    "Listen, don''t push yourself too much, alright? Games are meant to be enjoyed, right? Make sure to enjoy the small things, too."


    "They killed you. You''re dead. I will never see you again."


    "Mori-"


    "The only enjoyment I''ll have is when all of them are dead, everyst one of them. I swear, I will."


    "Mori?"


    Jack squinted again, his vision blurry from tears revealing a ceiling, he was on the floor.


    "Mori?"


    Mori brought his arm to his face, wiping his cheeks.


    "You moron!"


    Jumping on top of him was Aleesia, her arms reaching his back as she tightly hugged him on the floor.


    Her head was hidden on his shoulder, he could feel her hands slightly trembling as she desperately held onto him.


    He could feel her quivering while quietly sobbing, she just kept repeating his name and some synonyms to the word stupid.


    He brought his hand to her head, caressing it.


    "There there," he said.


    Wait, my arms?


    Mori lift both arms up, they were there, attached and well. The tattoos were there too, identical to what they should''ve been.


    He let his arms fall back to the floor, closing his eyes while exhaling deeply in relief.


    I survived.


    "You dumb... small-brained..."


    "Alright, alright, I''m here."


    Aleesia detached herself from Mori, her face was a mess.


    He smiled, an expression that said ''no need to worry anymore'', and she smiled back.


    Then, in a quick motion, she did a wide-arc p, throwing his face sideways.


    "You stupid fuck. You n on dying in here? You''re not leaving me alone in this hell-hole!"


    Mori slowly brought his head straight again, with only a faint smile remaining.


    "Sorry, I know-"


    Another wide-range p echoed through the room,turning his head. His ears were now slightly ringing, he even felt a little dizzy.


    "Yeah right! You couldn''t care less! You are so reckless, you basicallymitting suicide by dungeon! The Unkindled told me what state you were in. Don''t even try to y dumb."


    I know you can hear this, stupid cat. Just know you won''t be getting food for a while.


    "Don''t make that face!" said Aleesia. "If it wasn''t for the Unkindled''s good will, you''d be bleeding out to death in that room."


    "But I beat the boss, I should-"


    Mori''s eyebrows arched.


    Right. I need to use the menu to leave the boss room, and only once I leave that I''m healed.


    "You did a real good job on that boss, and on yourself too," she said.


    Mori sat upright, Aleesia still on hisp. He leaned in, hugging her.


    "Alright. I''m back. That''s what matters. I can''t die in here now, while they''re still alive."


    He broke away, gently pushing her aside while standing up and stretching.


    He was in his room; it was the same way he left it before, with the cat by its me.


    He got close to it, and crossed his arms on his chest. But his expression softened.


    "Thanks for getting me out of there."


    It wasn''t me.


    "Huh?"


    "It wasn''t?" said Aleesia.


    You selected [0-0] in your dungeon system, that''s what brought you back.


    "But I was unconscious."


    Indeed.


    This makes no sense.


    Mori frowned.


    How? Did I subconsciously do it? Thoughts can be used, while less intuitive, to navigate the different systems. Still, I''d need to be conscious to do it... unless my subconscious did it?


    "Don''t worry," he said, turning toward Aleesia. "I won''t tempt fate again."


    "You better not."


    "That spear''s st takes away my arm holding it. If I lose both arms, I''m most likely passing out, so we know my limit is one st per level."

 Chapter 68: [Spear of Purity]

    Mori was in thought, in front of the fire he used for food and general heat.


    On the other side was Aleesia, grimacing while cutting vegetables on a cutting board.


    "Don''t hold a knife like it''s dirtyundry. Your maids won''t do everything for you your whole life, you need to be able to do this much."


    "They very much would do everything for me my whole life, actually," she muttered.


    "What was that?"


    "Nothing."


    "Thought so."


    And this is why I need to inspect weapons, in the future. thought Mori.


    Mori was holding the spear, its details were quite intricate, as if hand-forged.


    From the prongs to the pointy end at the other side, its design was truly beautiful, a work of art.


    Mythic weapons are in a league of their own. I was quite lucky.


    Mori kept looking at it while Aleesia did her best to prepare food. His cooking level had increased significantly, but her learning new skills wouldn''t be such a bad thing.


    Mori had considered giving the spear to Aleesia, with it she could most likely deal with enemies easily, and she wouldn''t miss them by throwing it.


    However it wasn''t an easy decision.


    If the spear was somehow deflected, she would be in a bad position, and would have to retrieve it, at which point she needs to get in range.


    But then what could stop the enemy from picking it up?


    She could probably use her bow, then the spear after assessing her opponents. There is a world in which this spear propels her progress forward.


    However, he wanted to test something as well.


    What if using the other end of the spear didn''t incur an explosion?


    It would then simply be a mythic-level spear he could use, and he had no problems blowing himself up while using the other end while guaranteeing a hit.


    Since he isn''t throwing it, if it''s deflected or stopped he''s still holding onto it.


    "I''ll keep it."


    "So you can blow yourself up?"


    "I''ll use the other end," said Mori holding the spear up.


    She nced quickly, stopping her cutting motion.


    "Hm. I hope that works."


    "It should. I''ll let you know, but I think for now I can use it well, and eventually I''ll let you have it and trade it for something else. Something scaling with magic, hopefully."


    She nodded while grimacing. Her tongue was out sideways, as she did her best using the knife on the cutting board.


    Mori sighed, but made noments.


    So I just beat [2-0], and she''s close to [3-0]. We''re making decent progress... At this rate, by [10-0]we should be around level 80? We could maybe push our levels by farming S levels.


    "How was [2-8]?" asked Mori.


    "Easy. Like always. As long as I don''t run out of arrows."


    "Well, don''t getfortable. It will get harder."


    Mori turned while sitting, facing the Unkindled.


    "What floor do you think we''ll start having a hard time?" asked Mori.


    For you to figure out.


    "Really?"


    Assessing threats and your own progress, while making adequate preparations is a skill necessary for anyone who wants to conquer this dungeon.


    "I just want to know around what level do you think our progress will slow down. No need to go into specifics."


    Maybe around [5-0] or [6-0].


    Mori nodded. That was what he had in mind.


    He got up, and headed toward the recycler, dropping on the crafting materials dropped from monsters.


    The [2-0] levels didn''t drop much kindle, but the recycler truly made their lifestyle bearable.


    "Should we get armor?" asked Mori across the room.


    "Huh?" she said, concentrated.


    "I thought we should save up for legendary armor, but we could also just start with a rare set... but since you''re going so fast through floor, maybe we don''t even need..."


    Mori''s sentence trailed off, as he went back into his thought pce.


    Aleesia was barely listening anyway, focusing on her task.


    In the background of all of that, the Unkindled was staring at its me.


    After most material were dumped in the recycler, he moved on to the weapons.


    As they progressed through higher levels, drops became moremon but they were still of quite low quality.


    This mythic weapon he dropped was the highest he ever gotten, he hadn''t even seen a legendary tier weapon before, which is a tier lower.


    His luck was unbelievable, yet not that useful for now.


    It was too strong.


    Can I even train to be able to use that spear? Without curses I don''t see how I can physically stop my arm from blowing up.


    I doubt you can protect yourself from that st with stats alone.


    "Right."


    "What are you saying?" asked Aleesia.


    "Just talking to the Unkindled. I think the only way I can stop my arm from blowing up would be with some sort of armor that can take the st head-on. But then... I''d need something covering the whole arm, and gloves too. I''m guessing levels would allow me not to pass-out so easily, and could maybe lower the damage done overall while not protecting me from it..."


    Mori trailed off again, but Aleesia wasn''t paying attention anyways.


    Mori spent hours juggling thoughts. His decisions were not extremely important, but a bad one would probably slow them down in intervals of weeks or months.


    Unkindled? How is Aura doing, now? You said she was progressing swiftly, before?


    She has reached the [8-0] level some time ago.


    Mori''s surprised showed on his face.


    I did not doubt she had potential, but [8-0]? While we''re still so far down? Impressive. She might actually conquer this dungeon before we get close to do it ourselves.


    She won''t be conquering it.


    Mori quickly turned toward the Unkindled.


    "What? Why?" he asked. "She''s doing so good, worst case, she''d just need to farm [8-0-S]."


    She hasn''t moved from her [0-0] room in a week, and probably won''t be able to keep going. She will most likely die in there.

 Chapter 69: [New Approach]

    "What do you mean, she hasn''t moved in a week?" asked Mori.


    She didn''t interact with me as much as you did, I don''t know what happened.


    Mori''s surprise was disyed on his face. He sat down against the wall, contemting.


    "You guys were that close, huh?" said Aleesia.


    She shrugged as Mori was unresponsive, going back to her cooking.


    The sound of her knife hitting the cutting board filled the room, the smell of a salty soup stock rapidly propagated.


    She was carefully stirring it the way she had seen Mori do it, randomly adding her ingredients to the pot.


    The Unkindled got up, catching her attention. He was clearly looking at Mori.


    Telepathically conversing like that made her feel slightly excluded, but she had no insecurities about it.


    "But it could work," said Mori.


    "What could?" she asked.


    Mori got up suddenly.


    "We''ll speed things up," he said.


    Aleesia frowned, unsure of what he meant.


    "How?"


    "We''ve taken a very long time just to get to a quarter of where Aura got by herself."


    "She must be quite strong."


    "And we''re quite weak."


    Mori approached the fire, it was warm as always and the smell was even better now.


    He wasn''t sure if the taste would trante, however; he paid attention in the corner of his eyes and she truly just randomly selected what would go in the soup.


    He sat next to it, taking an avable bowl and using thedle, served himself a portion.


    Aleesia''s eyes were staring at him, the intensity matching her facial expression.


    "It''s hard to eat if you''re staring like that."


    "Pretend I''m not here."


    Another sigh left Mori''s lips, but she hadpletely tuned them out. She was immune.


    He finally had a sip.


    "No bad."


    "Right?!"


    Mori ate some more, and it truly wasn''t too bad. She had properly done the stock, which helped make anything she threw in taste great.


    "So what did you mean by speed things up?" asked Aleesia, her mouth full.


    "Can''t you swallow first?"


    "Sowwy."


    Mori rolled his eyes, shaking his head.


    "There''s a way for us to go faster. I had the idea some time ago, but now that we''re out of time, I''ll go ahead and do it."


    "She''s really important to you?" she asked.


    "I''d rather not lose her."


    "Huh," said Aleesia, attitude in her voice.


    "The way it''ll work is pretty simple," said Mori, with a weird smile on his face.


    Aleesia was attentively listening, while the Unkindled was purring, seemingly not paying attention.


    "I''m the Cursed Sovereign. I''ll let hexes loose on S floors, letting them kill anything they see."


    "They''re like things you summon?" she asked.


    "Not exactly. But hopefully the dungeon sees it that way.


    "I''m not sure I see the point," she replied.


    Mori put his bowl on the ground, he was done with it.


    "They''ll stay there, roaming the floors. They''ll keep killing monsters for me, and whenever an adjacent room opens up, they''re bound to stumble upon it. The Unkindled confirmed it, items not picked up are sent to the stash after some time, it was confirmed when I came back here from the [2-0] boss unconscious."


    Aleesia served herself another portion, still payingclose attention.


    "That would speed things up for sure... He''s fine with it?" she asked, pointing at the cat.


    "He says any way is the right way, as long was we conquer the dungeon he doesn''t mind."


    "Really? What if we did really... really horrible things to get there?"


    Just conquer the dungeon.


    "Ehh."


    "Don''t you want to get out of here faster too? We both have things waiting for us."


    "It''s risk-free?"


    "Yeah."


    Maybe.


    Mori got up, stretching his back.


    He felt fine. No pain remained from what he had experienced during the boss fight.


    He felt mentally fatigued, however.


    He slowly walked toward the bed, letting himself fall on it.


    There''s absolutely no way to join her in her room? he asked the cat.


    You need to meet first. She most likely won''t leave her room anymore.


    You helped Aleesia meet me. How is this any different?


    I could make the timing right because she was in the room with one of my selves.


    Most people avoid staying in the room I am in. They find the mind-reading intrusive. You seem fine with it, however.


    You probably don''t even see us like people. We''re like ants to you, I would guess. There''s no point in being shy about thought you probably couldn''t care less about.


    You''re incorrect. Mortals fascinate me. I''ve been in here for so long, yet most avoid me. It''s been a while since I''ve had this kind of entertainment.


    Mori was staring at the ceiling, while Aleesia was most likely trying to clean the dishes.


    She was making a ruckus. He clearly heard her breaking something, and acting like nothing.


    He opened his profile, in thought.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 21]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Fateweaver 1879892/2,216,838]


    [Health points: 105/105]


    [Cursed Energy: 0/1477892]


    [Magic: 210]


    [Strength: 63]


    [Defense: 42]


    [Agility: 21]


    The growth curve was about to steepen, and he knew it.


    But there was still a problem.


    Can I beat the final boss, you think?


    I don''t think so.


    Mori''s expression went toward surprise.


    The Unkindled was quite direct, oftentimes not a behavior he expected. It was refreshing, however.


    An honest and direct answer saved a lot of time and wasted breath.


    Mori stared at the tilesposing the ceiling, while his thoughts truly were somewhere else.


    His mother, for one.


    Why am I remembering those moments? he wondered.


    Aleesia was finally done with the dishes, and by the moment she joined him in the bed they shared, he still had no answer to his questions.


    She swiftly fell asleep, in yet another weird position.


    Unable to join her in that slumber, Mori got up.


    Really?


    The room was a true mess. The dishes were barely done, and everything was disced. She had taken off her clothes. He could see them on the floor at spots quite far apart.


    Who does this?


    She reminisced about it earlier. In her home, her room always goes back to what the same clean state, what she did to it rarely mattered. Her maids were always a few steps behind, ready to clean her mess. She''s apparently truly struggling.


    Mori mentally sighed.


    I guess we all have our ''battles''.


    She''s doing her best to impress you.


    I''m not impressed.


    Mori sat next to the Unkindled, by its me.


    Without really overthinking it, he picked it up, bringing it in front of his face.


    Its feet were paddling a little, until they went limp, dangling in the air.


    Its eyes were truly something out of this world. Even during his first ythrough of the game, he had never seen something like this.


    He couldn''t tell what race or even realm he came from. A true mystery.


    "Do you not mind that I hold you like this?" he said.


    The cat was just staring at him, in Mori''s grasp.


    A lot of people kill me when they first meet me.


    Mori frowned.


    "That''s insanely stupid. Why would anyone do that?"


    You considered it too. Nobody wants to be here, so upon learning I''m the cause, a lot decide to simply kill me. I understand their anger. I don''t want to be here either.


    Huh. I thought this was your home?


    More a prison.


    Mori put the unkindled down on hisp, petting it. It was purring.


    Like a sh before his eyes, something struck him.


    "Why could I hear you purring? When I was using the spear."


    I was watching.


    Only watching?


    Only watching.


    So you''re truly not the one who brought me back? asked Mori, while scratching its head.


    It took a moment for it to answer, surprising Mori who was expecting the usual quick answer.


    I am not sure what happened. I was watching, and thought you would die there. I was surprised, when you were transported here.


    Mori picked the purring cat again,ying it next to its me.


    He lied on his back on the cold floor, struggling with his thoughts.


    "You truly don''t mind if I let hexes out?" he asked.


    I don''t.


    "It will attack anything. Other people clearing the dungeon too."


    People often attack each other, especially if they encounter someone who is wearing something that looks fancy. All I care about is that someone eventually clears this dungeon.


    "I will clear it. I had nned on it before you brought me here. Now that everything hase to this, I have no choice but to do it."


    Because of that girl? Aura?


    "Yeah. It will be my fault if she dies. I have already killed Maya and Torryn. I''m afraid of what I would do, if I killed her too."


    The Unkindled didn''t say anything, but got up and walked on Mori''s chest, lying on it.


    Mori''s eyes finally closed, slumber taking him.

 Chapter 70 : [Something Dark]

    Mori''s consciousness slowly returned from the sweet slumber.


    The smell of bacon brought him back to a time where his mother would cook him some, as he woke up.


    The ''ssic'' breakfast, bacon, eggs and toast.


    As he sat upright, the Unkindled slid down his torso, falling on its paws, on hisp.


    He massaged his neck and back briefly, Aleesia was cooking bacon and eggs.


    She looked in his direction, noticing he woke up.


    "Ah, Good morning!"


    "What are you doing?" asked Mori.


    "As you can tell, making breakfast."


    "Yes, I can tell, I just don''t understand why you out of anyone would wake up early to cook."


    "Well, honestly, I didn''t wake up early. Actually, I''ve stayed in bed way longer than usual..."


    "Oh, really..."


    "You must''ve been exhausted."


    Mori got up, the Unkindled falling once more, this time hitting the floor.


    Using a spat, Aleesia was moving the bacon around, trying to make it not stick. The eggs, on the other side, were scrambled.


    "I saw you do it,st time, the taste is pretty good."


    "Yeah. Where Ie from, it''s extremely salty, you don''t really even taste the meat anymore. It''s done with really any meat, popr in poor districts."


    "You lived in a poor district?" she asked.


    "Not at first, but had to eventually."


    Mori sat next to Aleesia, she was still concentrating on her task at hand. She seemed stressed from his presence, from the way he watched her handle the pan, but she was in control, still.


    "Why did you have to live in such a ce?"


    "We became extremely poor, we had no choice. That''s how I learned about some privileges we had in higher districts. Food is one of them. Everything is greasy and salty in lower ones. There''s barely anything of good quality to even cook with. Even the air, I''m sure they had done something to it..."


    "The air? Haha, air is air..."


    "You would be surprised... How about you? You miss your princess lifestyle yet?"


    Aleesia chuckled as she put the pan aside, satisfied with the result.


    "I learn something new everyday, I guess. Honestly, I miss my home. It''s fun to live this way, but I still would rather have my old lifestyle."


    Same, thought Mori, remembering the older days at home.


    "Serve me a te," said Mori.


    "Yes, sir."


    Mori signed at the Unkindled toe his way. It stretched and slowly walked toward both of them.


    Mori threw some of the meat in his te at it, it started eating right away, one small bite at a time.


    "What happens to my cut-off limbs if I''mpleting a level?" asked Mori.


    You mean if you lose an arm, what happens to it once you kill the boss and leave the level?


    "Yeah. What happens to the arm left behind, on the level?"


    It disappears as your body heals on its way back here.


    Good.


    "What should I do?" asked Aleesia.


    "For now, nothing."


    The food was good,


    Mori opened the shop, he had thousands of kindle, but what he wanted was rather cheap.


    [Rare Holy Dagger]


    Finally, he got up and opened the [Dungeon] tab.


    "See you soon," he said.


    Here we go.


    [2-0-S]


    Huh.


    The room was wider, and the ceilings were taller. The usual torches were nownterns.


    If he was there for kindle he would''ve taken them all, they must''ve sold for more than torches.


    The designs on the walls were also better than the typical rectangle tiles he was used to. It looked like something that would fit the gothic category.


    In the middle of the room was a goblin.


    Ah, so the [2-X] floors will be goblins. Good to know.


    It was quite small, and it''s body built like an egg. It wore no armor, only rags.


    His main weapon was a scimitar, while he also had a wooden shield in his other hand.


    It didn''t look stronger than previous floorsmonsters, but it had to be.


    What form an enemy had was of little effect in Elder Heir Online. A kid that''s twice your level would probably make you regret waking up.


    However, experience yed a big part too.


    Levels, stats, even spells, they all didn''t matter much if not used properly. Some basic spells would win fights faster, if used properly, rather than using the highest level learned spell at all times.


    This goblin, while small, most likely had stats to make up for it, maybe a slightly higher intelligence, too.


    Nothing that couldpare to me, however.


    His spear was out, the explosive side with the two prongs backward while the pointy tip was forward.


    He leaned forward, and started sprinting. The goblin raised its shield, bracing for impact, one foot back and one forward.


    Mori''s spear went through its shield, easily piercing it and going through the goblin''s body. It was clearly visible on the other side, surprising Mori.


    This weapon is way too strong.


    Mori got it out of its body, and kicked the goblin to the floor, where it shortly died, leaving only kindle behind.


    He then looked at all the walls around the room, looking for which one would connect to the next room.


    Lines were drawing themselves on one of the wall, but it was only barely visible as they had only just started carving themselves.


    "Good."


    Now the hard part.


    Mori got the holy knife out, carefullyying it on the stone floor, as he sat down himself.


    He then breathed deeply, closing his eyes and trying to concentrate.


    It''s easy, really. Just do it quick.


    He took a string out, and tightly rolled it around his left arm, close to the shoulder.


    Looking at the knife for a moment, once he felt ready he tightly grabbed it, holding it against his left arm.


    "Okay. One. Two..."


    He tried applying the most strength he could, but his instinct kicked in, keeping him from truly cutting his own arm.


    The knife was barely a quarter of the way in, and pain was already kicking it.


    In a reflex move, he took the knife out of his arm, but then got it back in there.


    He couldn''t cut it clean off just by pushing it down, he had reached the bone and the pain was overwhelming.


    His instincts were in the way, and the more pain he experienced, the less pressure he was able to apply, barely cutting through the bone.


    "FUCK."


    He started sawing through his arm with the knife, while screaming. He did his best, increasing the speed as much as he could, fighting through the pain.


    Back and forth with a knife with no teeth, minutes passed until he had finally made it through.


    He screamed even harder, as he sped through the rest of his arm, cutting it clean through.


    It fell down to the floor, in a puddle of blood.


    Mori quickly looked up, at the door.


    He was fine; he had more than enough time before the door would ever open, he just needed to not pass out.


    He took his arm out of the blood puddle, putting it next to him on the floor, and inspected it closely.


    He rolled it on the ground, and found the biggest sized tattoo, that was holding shut the hexes.


    "There you are..."


    Using the knife, he started butchering the seal Xannos did. He cut it in all the ways he could imagine, yet all he had was a butchered arm.


    "What? How is it not working... is the seal too strong?"


    He turned the arm around, looking at the other seals.


    He was about to start cutting one up, but quickly stopped mid-motion.


    Patternsyered the seals, but one ''main'' recurring pattern was how the seals had a straight line going all the way across where the holes would be.


    It was like the slit of two shut doors, or a closed eyes.


    "Maybe..."


    Mori starting cutting through one of the seals, going through that ''slit'' that went all the way across, leaving the seal around intact.


    He went back and forth, doing his best to not touch the rest of the seal, and he could feel it seeding.


    It wasn''t like the other side, where he just hacked at flesh, he felt the knife going through the arm, into a hole, not bones or flesh.


    He kept cutting back and forth, until the seal started vibrating on the arm, as if waves emanated from that seal, on the surface of his skin.


    He smiled, as he went harder and deeper, until finally it broke.


    It opened like doors during a backdraft, the other side a deep dark abyss he would recognize anywhere.


    A hole that went deeper than he could even imagine, and through all that darkness something even dark was moving around, he could tell.


    Its numerous pointy legs came out of the arm, stretching it open while it was getting out.


    Mori was amazed, but quickly got his dungeon menu opened before the hex waspletely out, and left the room.

 Chapter 71 : [Speed Things Up]

    Mori fell to his knees as he returned to his room. The pain was intense, blood still dripping from his arm.


    Aleesia ran toward him, dropping the silverware she was holding.


    "Are you okay?!"


    Mori closed his eyes a moment, taking a deep breath between his teeth.


    "Yeah. Just take this and shove it on my shoulder."


    She followed his finger with her eyes, he was pointing at a torch on a wall.


    "You mean¡­"


    "Yeah, burn it."


    "But that''ll cause more damage¡­ and hurt even more," she said.


    "It''s fine I''ll heal it right back, just do it."


    Aleesia had a concerned look on her face, but from his insistent look she got up and went toward the closest one.


    She took it, approaching her hand from its me, the heat quickly stopping her.


    "This is insane¡­"


    She then approached him, kneeling next to his damaged arm.


    "Alright, now it''s important that you keep going and don''t stop."


    Aleesia was biting her lips, she wasn''t cut out for this.


    She doesn''t have a choice.


    "Do it," repeated Mori.


    She finally shoved it on what remained of his arm, causing him to scream.


    She looked away, turning her head as she couldn''t sustain the sight of what was happening.


    "Do it properly! Fuck!"


    Her looking away made her move the torch slightly out of the way.


    She reluctantly looked.


    The disgust on her face was showing, the color it had slightly fading. She was pale and silent.


    "Fuck! Give it!"


    Mori sat better, taking the torch from her hand with his only avable hand, dropping the spear in the process.


    He took it, and truly shoved it in. The smell of burnt flesh took away any remaining draft of bacon and eggs.


    He breathed heavily, while holding on with the pain.


    Once he was done he threw the torch on the ground, and picked up the spear.


    He didn''t say a word, and left for [2-0-1], leaving Aleesia with the burnt smell.


    She was staring at where Mori stood moments ago, in disbelief.


    She turned toward the cat, looking for its reaction, but it was seemingly asleep.


    She stood up as well, took the torch and threw it in the recycler.


    She felt sick at the smell.


    "This isn''t normal." She said to herself.


    About thirty minutes passed, before Mori reappeared, fully healed.


    "What? How?"


    Mori smiled.


    "I blew myself up with my remaining arm, using the [Spear of Purity]''s dangerous side,? he said, smiling.


    Aleesia frowned.


    "Likest time? You used it close range?!"


    "Yeah. I just need to be careful to not use it before the boss room, then at the boss room I take it out quickly, ande back here all healed up."


    Aleesia brought a hand in front of her mouth, truly concerned.


    "But¡­ this can''t work, that''s too much pain, nobody normal can handle this¡­"


    "I''m getting Aura out of here.?


    Without waiting any longer, he opened his dungeon window and went to [2-1-S].


    As quickly as he arrived, he disappeared.


    Aleesia dropped to the ground, her face still in disbelief.


    Around fifteen minutester, Mori was back again.


    "Quick. A torch!"


    Panicked, she got up stumbling upon herself and quickly went for another avable one. She ran to him, and sat next to him again, doing her best to burn his stump.


    "Fuck! Just let me do it!"


    He forcefully took it again, properly burning himself as he breathed through his teeth, screaming here and there.


    He threw it on the ground again, picking up the spear and leaving once more.


    Once he left, the room became totally silent again, only her and the cat.


    She could feel her own heart pumping.


    She could hear her breathing, it was surprisingly loud.


    She got up again after a moment, going toward the torch.


    The sound of Moriing back stopped her.


    "Another torch!"


    "Wait¡­ you''ve already beaten a boss?"


    "It''s been like half an hour, have you not moved? Fuck, the torch!"


    You''ve been standing there for around 45 minutes.


    Really? Thought Aleesia.


    She ran toward the next avable torch, and back to Mori.


    As she was about to try again and apply it to him, he simply took it from her, and applied it himself.


    "I can-" she started.


    Mori''s screams cut her off, as he burned himself again. His attention was stuck on his arm, as he burned its butchered extremity.


    He let the torch fall to the floor again.


    "Mori¡­" said Aleesia.


    He was gone as she finished saying his name. The room going back to silence.


    It felt like no time had passed, as he came back again with his cut-off arm bleeding again.


    This time, however, he didn''t bother asking her to get the torch, he went to it himself, and applied it himself.


    Aleesia stood there, nkly watching as it happened.


    She could barely smell the burnt skin anymore, it felt surreal.


    Once Mori was done, the same pattern repeated, leaving her in a silent room.


    She couldn''t tell how many times he left and came back. He barely even looked at her as he came back.


    He always went right for the torch, and left. He woulde back for a split second, healed, and leave again.


    It felt like a bad dream.


    He has gone insane, she thought. Or I have.


    It was like a routine he had mastered. He knew exactly where to go, and what to do.


    Aleesia went up against a wall, and sat against it, her head in her hands.


    She would shake at times, as Mori''s scream came around from time to time.


    Screams, however, became fewer and fewer.


    As Mori kept repeating the process, it became faster and quieter.


    He was getting used to it, he was able to cut his arm in two clean cuts, soon he''d be able to do it with one strike , he thought.


    Pain was bing manageable. It was always as painful, and he felt every second of it as hard as the first time.


    Something had changed, however, as he could withstand it better.


    The second and third time he had done it, he had a hard time going through with it.


    He stood in the S room, after having killed the monster, in silence.


    He didn''t want to feel that pain anymore, torturing himself this way.


    But the image of Aura slowly dying in her room was what kept him going.


    She must''ve been weak, pale, barely able to move around.


    It''s my fault again. Like Maya and Torryn. He thought.


    All he needed to do to cut off his own arm, was picture Aura, the same way Maya and Torryn were, at the end.


    When he did, the knife he held was heavier. Suddenly, cutting his own arm wasn''t as bad, and didn''t hurt as much.


    He was flowing through the levels, not due to his cut-off arm, but the spear. A mythic level item at this level made everything extremelypared to what it was before.


    He probably didn''t even need to use the explosion at this stage, however it significantly sped up everything.


    The boss fight that couldst anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour was cut short to a few seconds.


    They couldn''t defend themselves from the st, even with a shield.


    One more loop, then the [3-0] boss is next.


    Mori smiled.


    He had done more progress in one day than he had in the past weeks.


    He opened his menu again, the final S room before he would move on to the next set of levels.


    He cleared it in a matter of seconds, those goblins didn''t stand a chance.


    He got on his knees again, and got himself ready to cut off his arm again.


    He closed his eyes, breathed deep, and pictured Aura.


    In one clean movement, his arm fell once more to the ground, in a puddle of blood.


    He turned it around, quickly locating the biggest seal, and proceeded the open it.


    It had be quite easy from doing it so often.


    He took the knife, and slid it through the seal deep enough, making it open like a dam holding too much water.


    It''s abyssal depth wasforting, as he looked at it through the hole on his arm.


    He got up, ready to leave to be healed again, but no hexes wereing out.


    He waited a moment despite the pain, but no eldritch feature ever came out of that hole.


    He approached, looking inside.


    He saw something move, like waves of darkness.


    From his cut-off arm on the ground, a dark spike reached out.


    Mori tried to dodge it, sidestepping.


    The spike bent, its speed faster than his, piercing right through his arm.


    He tried to reflexively grab it with his other arm to take it out, quickly realizing he couldn''t.


    The spike, like a hook, went around his arm, slowly tightening his grasp on him.


    He tried moving backward, but the hex kept climbing.

 Chapter 72: [Hexed]

    Mori struggled backward, falling on his back trying to get rid of the hex.


    He tried scraping it off on the floor, but it wastched on.


    The thing that wasing out of his cut-off arm further on the ground was bigger than usual.


    That arm on the ground was deformed, not longer resembling anything that used to be a human body part.


    What was exiting from it had a strange shape. It almost seemed human.


    The way it had four extremities resembling arms and legs, and something that could''ve been a head.


    The way it behaved was exactly like a hex, crawling out. Everythinging out of that body was trying totch on the ground and any surface it could, with its multiple extremities almost resembling tentacles.


    Mori was pushing the ground with his feet, trying to get further away but it was barely budging. Rather, he was the one getting pulled.


    Another spike left the mass, piercing his shoulder.


    Mori grunted in pain, he tried to move his pierced arm toward his shoulder to remove the spike, but he felt it anchoring around his back.


    Even if he could, his arm barely moved, that hex was holding him tight.


    Mori looked around rapidly.


    The spear?! Where is it?!


    Next to the arm, on the floor.


    In a desperate move, he got up and ran toward the hex. It didn''t hold him back, rather it weed him, its body seemingly opening.


    As Mori got close to it, he leaped to the ground, sliding next to it with his arm extended toward the spear.


    He touched it, with the tip of his finger, but the spike in his arm violently moved him, like a whip, to the nearby wall.


    Mori fell to the ground, leaving a dent in the wall.


    His head was spinning.


    Ah. Purring. Again. You like what you see?


    Mori''s body felt heavy against the ground. He lifted his head, the thing that was still attached to him was crawling on the floor. It was heading toward him.


    "What do you want..."


    But it didn''t answer.


    It kept moving forward.


    "You can''t kill me... I''m all you have."


    It was insanely close and looked more and more humanoid, yet nothing besides its overall form hinted at it. On what could''ve been its back, a swirling pattern was described on the abyssal surface.


    It was a pattern created from it''s ''skin'' caving in, as if something swirled its body on that area.


    The thing was already upon him, climbing from his feet.


    "Don''t..."


    It didn''t listen, progressing on his torso, then toward his mouth.


    Mori clenched his jaw, but the hex forcefully entered his mouth, its texture was almost a fluid, but not quite.


    Mori thought his jaw would break, and it almost did, as this mass made its way down his throat.


    It thinned itself, everyst bit of its being crawling inside Mori''s body, the spikes in his arm and shoulder thest things to make it down his throat.


    Mori was on his back, his eyes nkly staring at the ceiling, while his hands slightly trembled against the floor.


    The purring had stopped.


    It felt like time was suspended in that room.


    For the next hours, he remained there, against the floor, eyes nk.


    His body was shaking, and spasms were happening frequently.


    His eyes had a ck swirling pattern in them, it would growrge, his entire eyes bing ck, but as if he was fighting it, they would grow smaller and dissipate.


    From the tip of his finger could be seen the abyssal color taking over, the skin of his arm gradually turning into a void of colors.


    That void would reach up, gradually reaching his shoulder then his neck, but would eventually regress.


    ¡ª~~~¡ª


    Mori sat upright, his eyes emptily scanning the room.


    His eyes looked tired as he finally located the spear next to his arm.


    Or what remained of it.


    You really had to do such a number on it?


    Mori looked at his left shoulder, what remained of his arm wasn''t bleeding anymore.


    He barely felt any pain, nothing like what he experienced all the previous times.


    He walked toward the spear and picked it up.


    The next room was visible at the end of a passageway that had appeared on a wall, but he had run out of arms to get rid of.


    Mori walked back to it, using the tip of the spear to move it around, but no hex woulde out of that.


    Mori stumbled backward, holding his forehead.


    It was burning hot, and a headache was making its way through. He cracked his neck and opened his [Dungeon] menu.


    He selected [0-0].


    The scenery changed before his eyes, the familiar room he lived in for the past weeksing back before him.


    Sitting on the bed was Aleesia, holding her knees close to her chest while staring at the nkets.


    When she saw him appear, she sprung up, rapidly getting out of bed.


    "Where... I thought you were dead..."


    She walked toward Mori.


    Her face wasn''t the same one from before, shocked and stressed.


    It was a striking difference.


    She looked... worried.


    Dried tears on her cheeks, her eyes red from a clearck of sleep. Her hands were trembling, and her gaze felt like it tried to hold on to him.


    As she approached, she slowed her pace down. She looked like she would hug him, but she was standing about two meters away from Mori.


    She was staring at him, but not his missing arm.


    She was staring at his eyes.


    "What is this?" she asked.


    Mori only raised his eyebrows, wondering what she was talking about.


    "Your eyes... That ck thing?"


    "Ah..."


    Words felt heavy, as if each of them took the breath out of his lungs.


    Mori staggered again, holding onto the spear.


    "Mori..."


    She got closer, slowly stopped.


    "It''s getting bigger... The things in your eyes."


    Mori opened the dungeon system.


    "You... go home for now."


    Mori kicked her out, surprise disyed on her face as she disappeared, leaving Mori alone in the room with the Unkindled.


    He dropped to the ground, the sound of the spear clinking against the ground, thest thing echoing in his mind.

 Chapter 73: [Swirling]

    Mori''s head was spinning, unable to focus on anything in the room.


    He saw shapes and colors moving around in a blur every time he regained consciousness.


    It was a fleeting moment of sanity in a swirling pool of insanity.


    That thing yed with his mind, but he wouldn''t let it win.


    It felt like he was swimming in a whirlpool, constantly trying to get out of it while it constantly pulled him in.


    His head would constantly be pulled below the surface, he''d start choking and drowning.


    He would il his arms and struggle with his legs to get his head out of the whirlpool, and whenever he did he would take the biggest breath he could.


    He was tired and exhausted, but once he stopped fighting, he would be pulled into the depths.


    He could feel it, its twisted nature at the bottom of those depths. It wanted him. It was pulling, he could feel its presence creeping on him.


    Mori barely had moments of lucidity, barely making it to the bed, letting himself fall into it.


    Nothing in this room mattered, if he ever lost the battle.


    He didn''t know what to expect, if he did.


    Invitations from Aleesia kepting, but he kept ignoring them.


    There''s nothing she could do.


    Mori closed his eyes, and kept swimming.


    ¡ª~~~¡ª


    Seems you''re fine.


    Mori opened his eyes to a ceiling he would recognize from any other, just from the way light danced on it.


    He slowly sat upright, holding his forehead with his only arm, a headache still ringing through.


    He sat on the side of the bed, his feet touching the colder ground.


    "How long?" he asked.


    "A few days."


    Mori''s head quickly turned, Aleesia was sitting in front of the fire.


    "What? How are you here? Did I not kick you out?"


    "You did, then I sent requests until you epted one."


    "I didn''t ept any request..."


    "But you did," she said, standing up with a cup in her hands.


    She approached him, and handed it to him.


    After a few nods and gestures, he finally listened to her and took a sip.


    Tea.


    It was pretty good; he thought. It didn''t help with the headache, but most likely nothing could.


    "How long have you been here?" he asked.


    "About two days."


    Mori shook his head while frowning, his eyes staring at the ground.


    "It''s all... messed up. What happened? So I did ept your request? That was real?"


    "Yeah."


    Mori frowned even deeper. He could recall snippets of what he had done, but everything was fragmented and hidden behind a shroud.


    "What else have I done?" he asked.


    Aleesia took back the cup he had finished, walking back toward the teapot to serve some more.


    "Nothing much. Your fever was running high. You spoke a little, and you looked like you were struggling."


    She walked back toward him, giving him the cup again.


    "You shouldn''t havee. I can handle myself-" Discover what''s next on m-vl-em,py-r


    "Being alone does not mean being independent."


    "But-"


    "You''re acting like people are tools to be used, but when ites to it, you act in our interest before yours. You think going through the hard part alone will save those around you, but truly that''s the stupidest thing I''ve seen you do."


    Mori''s mind went to Maya and Torryn.


    They died by his actions. But would they still be alive, if instead of trying to send them away, he kept them around?


    What was the right decision?


    Being alongside him was a brand for death.


    I don''t even expect myself toe out of it alive. How could I even bring others into this?


    "There''s no reason for everyone to sink with me. You too. Even if I were to die here, you can handle yourself in this ce. You''re an elf, you could live for a very long time, until a day someone else tries toplete this dungeon again."


    Aleesia pped Mori, the sound of the cup he was holding echoing through the rectangr room.


    Mori''s face went sideways, slowly going back Aleesia.


    Swirling ck patterns appeared in his irises, small but noticeable.


    She took a step back, as she looked into his eyes.


    Mori looked on the ground, where fragments of the cup were sprinkled around the floor, in a pool of tea.


    "Listen-" started Mori.


    "-No, you listen. You can''t make decisions for everyone around you. If you want to truly control me, then put a cor on me and treat me like a dog, otherwise don''t bother. Don''t pretend you''re doing this for me."


    Mori was holding his head again, the swirls in his eyes noticeably disappearing.


    "I would dly take care of you when you need it. All you need is ask. Honestly, I''m not even sure you know how to ask. Just the other day, when I made some breakfast while you were sleeping, then you woke up, then I said ''Hey, do you want some?'' and then you said ''No,'' but then you were clearly hungry, so then I said-"


    Mori got up, putting his index fingers on her lips.


    "Sh."


    She shook her head.


    "Oh, now we''re embarassed? Yeah, I saw how you looked at my te. I know you wanted some. But no. You couldn''t ask. Asking is above you.


    The other day-"


    Mori pushing his finger against her lips again.


    "Alright. Shush. Enough. Head hurts. Too much noise."


    Confused and offended, Aleesia stood there, her eyebrows raised while looking at Mori standing before her.


    "I got it. Ask more. Thanks for everything that you did for me."


    He cheeks hinted toward pink as she bit her lips.


    "See? Not so hard..." she muttered.


    "Yes, yes."


    Mori let himself fall back onto the bed, his arms extended on both sides.


    Aleesia quickly stepped in.


    "What is it? What''s wrong?"


    "I''m just tired. I''ll rest a bit more. Take care of me, if you want."


    Aleesia''s excitement showed through her demeanor. It was as if she had turned into a butterfly, running toward the buckets of water while trying to find the perfect cloth to use on his forehead.


    Even her hands looked like they were pping, weird, but still cute, thought Mori.

 Chapter 74: [Whirlpool]

    "What is it?" asked Mori,ying down.


    His head rested against the not-so-soft pillow.


    He had barely moved from the bed since he hade back.


    "Nothing," said Aleesia. "You, what is it? You''ve been looking at me a lot."


    She was sitting in a newly acquired armchair.


    It was an expensive kindle purchase, at their level at least.


    Although expensive, it was necessary, said Aleesia. She reasoned he would need the bed for himself, which made no sense, but he still bought the chair for her.


    Its quality was pretty good, and while he didn''t try it, she was in it most of the time.


    "You remind me of Aura," said Mori.


    "Ehh. You sure that''s what you want to say?" she replied, frowning.


    Mori chuckled.


    As heughed, he started choking, quickly sitting upright in the bed.


    Aleesia quickly grabbed a mug, filling it with water. She ran to Mori to give it to him, only for it to be thrown to the ground.


    "Stay back!" he yelled.


    Aleesia took a few steps back, confused.


    She took a step forward toward him again, but he held his arm up, distancing her.


    "What is it?! Talk to me!"


    Mori was breathingboriously. He was grinding his teeth as he stared nkly at the nkets.


    "You think I''ll let you?!" muttered Mori.


    "Let met what?!" replied Aleesia.


    "Not you!" he screamed.


    Aleesia took a step back.


    Mori''s face was twisted with rage. Something she had never seen from him, even when truly upset.


    He was the ''calm-upset'' type, she thought. Like her father, he wouldn''t scream, but usually shake his head in disappointment. He''d look at her with ''those eyes'', without saying anything.


    This was new.


    Nothing like anything before.


    "Who? What''s happening?!" she asked.


    Mori turned his head away, as if something had grabbed his attention.


    "Who?!" yelled Aleesia.


    Mori''s attention snapped back to Aleesia. He was mainly surprised, but she could tell most of all exhausted.


    "She''s dragging me down. I won''t let her. Try as much as you want."


    Mori chuckled, while struggling to breath.


    For a moment, he looked lucid, but he started swaying left and right, until he finally fell on his side, on the bed.


    Aleesia rushed to his side. He looked out of it,his eyes were still open, nkly staring forward.


    Sweat was running down his face and neck.


    She removed the covers on top of him, and positioned him on his back, head against the pillow again.


    She ran toward one of the dry clothes, wetting it with cold water andying it against his forward.


    "What''s happening?!"


    She wasn''t asking Mori, but the Unkindled.


    She was standing in front of it, arms crossed.


    It was there, sleeping in front of its small fluttering me. It opened its eyes slowly, looking at Aleesia.


    She pped her hands a few times.


    "Hey. answer me! What happened?! What did you do?!"


    I did nothing.


    "He''s never been like this, what do you mean?! Is there some sort of sickness in this dungeon?"


    There is no such things here.


    "So how can he look fine a moment and sick the next?!"


    It''s his own fault. He knew the risks. Let''s hope he can win this battle.


    "Win this battle?! What do you mean? Do something, at least!"


    The unkindled closed its eyes again, seemingly sinking its head further into its paws,fortably resting.


    "Really?" said Aleesia. "The most useless feline I''ve seen in my life!"


    She ran back toward Mori, touching the cloth on his head. It was hotter than it ever should''ve been, she quickly took it back, and ran toward the buckets of water to take a new one.


    She put the new one on his forehead and pressed down with her hand, water dripping on the pillow.


    She walked to the armchair and rolled her sleeves.


    In a loud cacophonous manner, she started dragging it toward the side of the bed.


    The Unkindled opened its eyes, watching as Aleesia was bending herself, trying to pull the piece of furniture.


    "Damn tiles," she muttered.


    One of the heels of the armchair was stuck, and as she pulled it, she hit the bed with it while turning the corner.


    "Fuck. Shit."


    She quickly looked at Mori, who was still where she left him. She went around, and started carefully pushing the furniture while making sure nothing would get stuck this time.


    The armchair was right next to Mori, facing him. It was so close, it touched the bed, she would have to jump in it to sit in it.


    Before doing so, however, she went toward the buckets of water and one by one, brought them next to the armchair.


    Some water spiller everywhere, but that side of the room had nothing of too much importance that could be damaged by water.


    One by one she brought them all.


    After bringing thest one over, she swiped the sweat off her forehead and looked toward the middle of the room.


    She was mentally debating it.


    The Unkindled''s round eyes were intently looking at her, eager in anticipation of what she would do.


    She then shook her head, deciding that bringing the cooking fire next to the bed could be a risk not worth taking.


    Putting a knee on the bed, she leaned over Mori, trying to take his shirt off.


    She had no trouble. One of his arms being cut off truly helped the process.


    He was surprisingly... not that muscr.


    She had some mental image of a more muscr build. Mori, after all, was quite assertive, and ''in control''.


    She ran her fingers on his torso. Besides it being hot, it didn''t feel that bad. His skin was smooth, and visually pleasing with the inscribed tattoo.


    Something she had never seen at home. Elves never really inscribed anything on their bodies that way.


    It had been done, but on weapons.


    They privileged inscription, and its art was passed down without fail. Most elvish weapons that were infused with magic were done with inscription.


    One of the reasons why they sold for so high.


    The designs on his body was truly magnificent.


    She had seen inscribed weapons before, and this looked of a simr quality.


    The lines and the patterns were almost wless. She knew nothing about the profession, but it looked good.


    She looked at his only arm; it had a scar going around it. Besides that, the same inscription that ran along it.


    "Huh."


    She looked closer, curious. They looked like eyes.


    The patterns resembled eyes, made of intricate detailed lines.


    She kept running her hands around, caressing his body.


    She could feel every line inscribed on his body.


    "Wait."


    She did a double take, leaning forward again to look closer.


    She thought she was running her hands on lines drawn on the surface of his skin.


    She thought the ink, or what was used created this feeling where she could ''feel them'' with her hands.


    There was now lines drawn on top of his skin, rather, the lines were caving into his skin.


    "All of it?"


    Every line she felt brought more disbelief, all of them carved into his skin.


    "...The... Artist was... quite talented."


    "Talented? He''s a butcher!" she replied.


    Realizing Mori had talked, she quickly turned toward his head, and touched his forehead.


    It was still burning, but his eyes were back from wherever he was staring at.


    "What''s happening?!" she asked. "Tell me!"


    "It''s dragging me down. It wants me. Or she? I won''t let it."


    "Who are you talking about?!"


    "The whirlpool."


    Aleesia''s eyebrows raised.


    Mori chuckled.


    "You think I''ve gone crazy."


    "No, just trying to understand everything..."


    She changed the folded cloth on his forehead again for a new one.


    "Just rest. You can''t die. Not now. Whoever is dragging you down, don''t let it, okay?"


    "Yes, don''t worry," said Mori, raising his arm.


    He reached for her head, caressing her hair.


    "I''m not leaving you behind. I won''t let it get me."


    Aleesia''s expression slightly rxed.


    "Alright. Here''s everything I need to know before you go back to sleep. 1. What and how do I make you eat if you''re unconscious. 2. Can I make you drink while you''re unconscious without drowning you?


    3. Do I need to get you naked? 4. If you''re so hot you could die, how to I cool you down? 5. If I you stop breathing, what should I do?


    6. -"


    "I won''t die, so-"


    "You''re dying. You''re clearly dying, and then I''ll be alone, and I''ll have to clear this dungeon alone, and I''ll probably die too, and-"


    "Calm down," said Mori, gently touching her cheek.


    He closed his eyes, ready to rest longer.


    "I am not dying here. But even if I was, you''re strong and resourceful. You''re a fish out of water, and you somehow learned how to breathe. Don''t you think you changed, since you''ve left that mansion with your maids?" he asked.


    Aleesia''s eyes teared up as she looked at Mori''s face resting against the pillow.


    She imagined him dead. How could she handle it, if resting there was a Mori that wouldn''t wake up?


    "You don''t need me. Take your time, farm the levels, keep your own safety as the utmost priority. You''d make it. Not that I would die, anyway."


    Aleesia sat in the armchair, her knees against her chin as she silently cried.

 Chapter 75: [Cleaning]

    There was no real way to tell time.


    Their internal clocks was all they had, and after that much time it was simply impossible to know if it was even day, outside of this ce.


    The dungeon was a constant through time.


    What happened in it never fluctuated, its behavior barely changed and what they needed to do remained.


    Mori spent what she thought to be a night by Mori''s side, watching his every move, and changing the folded cloth on his forehead.


    His fever barey went down, she had no idea if it was even useful, but that''s all she knew how to do.


    While it was dark, it seemed as if dawn came around every time his consciousness pushed through.


    Those moments where he was back, talking like nothing happened.


    Before disappearing once more, leaving her behind.


    She sat there, gazing at him.


    She looked at his strained facial expression, his muscles tensing up or his hands tightening.


    "What can I do?!" she asked.


    She got up, stomping her way to the Unkindled.


    She picked him up, staring into its slowly opening eyes.


    "Answer me!"


    Nothing.


    Her grasp slightly tightened on the cat, but she let it down gently.


    Even in anger, hurting an animal wasn''t something she could do.


    "It''s all my fault."


    She sat next to the Unkindled, bringing her knees to her forehead.


    "I''ve lived sheltered from making any meaningful decision. I couldn''t even cook beforeing here. Look at me. I''m useless."


    The room was silent, besides the asional crackling of the fire and her quiet sobs.


    "Mori is right. Without my maids, I can''t handle anything. They would know what to do here."


    Nobody could help Mori, right now.


    Aleesia burried her head deeper, tightening her hold on her legs.


    Minutes passed, until she finally got up, wiping her cheeks.


    She went toward the fire, to make soup. He wasn''t conscious for long periods of time, maybe something fast to eat was better.


    She got the shop open, getting the ingredients necessary with the little kindle she had.


    The Unkindled made its way next to her,ying down to her right.


    "Yeah yeah. I''ll give you some."


    He started purring, bringing a faint smile to her face. She wasn''tpletely alone.


    She made it to the best of her abilities, letting it slightly cool down for now by raising it higher over the fire.


    She took a small cup, pouring some in for the Unkindled.


    She went back to the armchair next to Mori''s bed.


    Waiting.


    After what felt like an hour, she put her hand on his shoulder.


    His skin was hot, almost as much as his forehead, surprising her. She shook him slightly.


    He wasn''t waking up, so she shook harder, but nothing.


    She didn''t want to cause more damage, so she stopped trying to wake him up.


    "Are you really going to leave me here..."


    She waited and waited, but he didn''t wake up. His temperature wasn''t going down either.


    She jumped up, going toward the fire.


    "Fuck! I can''t even do soup properly?!"


    She quickly took the pot off the fire, most of it already evaporated, despite the low heat.


    "Why is nothing going right?!"


    She took a spoon and scooped some, tasting it.


    She grimaced, putting the pot back on the ground.


    With most water gone, the taste was salty and slightly bitter.


    "No worries. I''ve got this. I''ll make more."


    She started the whole process over, carefully doing her best to have it less salty this time as well.


    Once done, she carefully set it aside.


    "I''ll just heat it up, if needed."


    She nced toward Mori, but there was no movement.


    "Let me know if you want more," she said, looking at the cat.


    She then looked around, looking for anything to do.


    She sighed.


    Clothes were everywhere, hers, really. They were cheap, and she found it easier to buy new one than cleaning the old stuff.


    It ranged from 5-10 kindle to 100 depending what she was looking at.


    Her practices were quickly stopped by Mori when he noticed it, but everything she had was now decorating the ground.


    She pushed everything into a big pile next to the water buckets.


    "Now, soap..."


    The shop was huge, now. Mori helped her unlock higher tiers by using the recycler, something he thought could be useful, eventually.


    He was right this whole time, she thought.


    Once she finished with theundry, only needing to let it soak for a moment, she turned around again, facing the room.


    "What now..."


    She proceeded to clean around the fire they used for cooking, they had been using it a lot but it was extremely clean.


    For one, they didn''t need to rece the logs, and it was as if the smoke wasn''t even there. The ceiling was in perfect condition, and they were breathing just fine.


    The fire was unnatural, but still, it was surprising.


    After the fire, she moved on to all the dishes.


    She would only clean what she needed, leaving everything dirty. Mori would normally get upset, sigh loudly,and clean everything.


    She dropped everything in a bucket of water, and cleaned every dishware and cookingware she could find.


    It took her a moment, but pride overtook her once it was done.


    She was smiling, while drying her hands on her pants.


    "Alright! I can do anything! What''s next?!"


    She turned around again, looking at the room.


    Her eyes were set on the Unkindled.


    I can read your mind. No thank you.


    Her grin grewrger.


    She picked the Unkindled up, it was as easy as picking a newborn kid.


    She dropped him in a bucket of water, rubbing him and ying with its hair.


    The Unkindled''s expression remained unchanged, but she could tell he wasn''t having a good time.


    Once done, she got him out, putting him on the floor next to her.


    She expected him to shake, like animals did after swimming in theke, but since he didn''t, she dried him herself.


    "Wasn''t so bad, was it?"


    Slowly, he walked back to the small me,ying next to it, closing his eyes.


    "Alright!"


    She once again turned around, looking for something else to do.

 Chapter 76: [Dawn]

    Aleesia was sitting next to Mori, on the armchair, in her usual knees against her chest position.


    She was staring at him, hoping those eyes would open.


    Maybe he would call her names, or roll his eyes while sighing loudly.


    Tell her she missed spots while cleaning, or that she did something stupid.


    Maybe he''d get upset again. Telling her walking in underwear in front of maids wasn''t the same with other people.


    That in front of him, it was indecent, and ''unbing of a woman of her stature''. Whatever that meant.


    He''d probably find things wrong about the soup, or with the way she held the knife to cut vegetables.


    But he wouldn''t be able to tell how she cut the vegetables... right? Could someone tell from the way they look?


    She could imagine him telling her, ''You don''t STAB THEM. You SLICE THEM. How hard can it be?!''.


    Or ''You BRUSH the floor. Are you even touching it?! You don''t LEVITATE THE BROOM ABOVE IT. I can''t believe my eyes. In all my years...''


    Am I older than him? She thought.


    Maybe he''d be proud of her cleaning her clothes. Butsince he asked her to do it for days, that probably wouldn''t happen. If anything, she''d get a ''finally''.


    He''d probably say mean things, but then pat her head and tell her she did a good job keeping everything neat.


    He did ask her to take care of him, after all.


    Now, everything was clean, so she did part of the job.


    Right?


    "Just wake up already..."


    Mori woke up a few times when he first fell ill, but he hadn''t woken up in what must''ve been 3 days, now.


    She barely slept, and her body wasn''t working properly.


    She would close her eyes, but sleep would note.


    "Come on, Mori..." she said, tears sporadically dropping.


    She climbed on the bed,ying down next to him. She buried her head between his shoulder and neck, while her arms wrapped around his body.


    She held him tight, ignoring the heat.


    The tears stopped; she had fallen asleep.


    ¡ª~~~¡ª


    Aleesia opened her eyes, slowly realizing she was still tightly holding onto Mori.


    She would''ve moved away, but thefort this brought kept her there.


    She held him even tighter, her fingers digging into his body.


    And she didn''t move.


    Her hand slid on his torso, and she moved up, her face above his.


    She closed her eyes, lowering herself, pressing her lips against his.


    She felt warmth, but not from him.


    Was that the butterflies she had heard of?


    She broke away against her own will. His eyes were still shut, but he did look slightly more at peace.


    She got out of bed, letting go of him, the warmth she felt turning into yearning.


    She wanted to go back next to him.


    "Thest thing you said is you wouldn''t die."


    She was standing up next to the bed.


    "It''s been days now. Why won''t you wake up?"


    "..."


    She sighed.


    Her eyes were closely looking at every detail on his face. Any change, any twitch, anything. But nothing.


    She walked away,ying next to the Unkindled, her back against the cold floor.


    She quickly sat upright the very next moment.


    "Right!"


    She quickly got up, pacing around.


    She opened the shop, looking through all the tiers.


    The Unkindled was watching her, interested in this sudden burst of energy.


    "Well, I don''t have much... But I can still get more arrows, and in a few levels, probably a new bow."


    She opened her stash, getting her leather armor out. She put it on, something Mori would help with normally.


    However, this time he was counting on her, and not the other way around.


    He put everything into her hands, and it was up to her to step up.


    She finished tying up her armor; it was nice and tight, the same thing with her boots.


    She inspected her bow, it was slightly used but would hold up long enough until she got a new one.


    "Alright, the arrows..."


    They all looked good, most of them new and unused, while a handful were taken back after ying monsters.


    They weren''t in bad shape, and their integrity was still perfect.


    She nced at Mori, still unconscious.


    "Ah!"


    Her eyebrows shot up, as she quickly walked to the only small round table, close to the fire.


    She opened the shop, getting a simple sheet of paper out with a feather.


    "Just in case he wakes up while I''m gone. Just tell him to read it."


    She bought basic ink, dropping the tip of the feather into it.


    She tried writing, but ended up crumpling the paper, and throwing it meters further in a slight burst of anger.


    "What''s up with this feather?! Is that how people write normally?"


    Lines of ink covered her writing.


    "I guess I truly am privileged, if even writing is harder for normal people."


    She tried writing again, but it took her around a dozen of tries before being able to not cover the paper with trails of ink.


    She had stopped trying to write, only practicing using that cheap feather.


    "Alright. No more drawings of cats. Now, the real thing..."


    She started the letter, but crumpled it halfway through.


    "This isn''t right... maybe more emotions?"


    She started writing again, the smell of ink the only thing she could distinguish.


    Her hands were covered in it. She had to be careful not to smear it on the paper.


    "Hmmm."


    She was reading the letter.


    "This has to be too emotional."


    She grabbed her chin, unknowingly staining it.


    She crumpled about a dozen more letters, before finally settling on thest one.


    "Alright, this one will do."


    She then got up, grabbing her bow tightly.


    "Alright," she said, turning toward Mori.


    She watched him one more time, hoping he would wake up.


    "Okay. Rest well, I''ll be right back.


    She opened her [Dungeon] menu, and disappeared, leaving Mori and the Unkindled behind.


    Silence and quiet filled the room, everything remaining still.

 Chapter 77: [God Stood Me Up]

    Like the sun piercing through the horizon, slowly rising against the darkness of the night and overthrowing the moon, Mori''s eyes progressively opened.


    They remained still, staring ahead with no real grasp on reality.


    His mind was waking up as well.


    It felt like swimming upward, trying to get your whole body out of a pool.


    He was doing it, however.


    His eyes regained their color as he breathed in deeply, loudly inhaling.


    Nothing stood out as he regained awareness of his surroundings.


    In a sh, the past events since the death of his mother went through his mind, like a movie reeling it in before the curtain dropped.


    His hand tightly grabbed the thin bed cover as he nkly stared into the void.


    He finally sat upright, looking at a room he recognized.


    Turning toward the side of the bed, he let his feet drop to the cold floor.


    He touched his forehead, realizing he was surprisingly hot.


    He took a few steps, staggering for bnce. He used his only arm, iling it around to regain control.


    Tremors took his legs. He hit it with his closed fist without any result. He went forward, leaning against the wall as he walked forward.


    Everything was as he remembered. The first thing he truly noticed was the Unkindled repositioning itself, snapping his attention to him.


    He then saw the recycler, his faithful ally. Without it, this room would not be asfortable as it was.


    The cooking fire, the buckets of water, chests, drawers, everything was he remembered it.


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    He kept walking forward, soon pushing the wall and going toward the fire.


    Once he reached it he sat two meters from it, letting his legs rest.


    He opened the shop, getting water to drink.


    He had some already that he could''ve used, but he feltzy, and wanted something as fresh as possible.


    He didn''t use a mug and drank straight from the jug, keeping it nearby. He made sure to drink in small amounts, despite his thirst screaming for an ocean.


    He was halfway through the jug when he suddenly felt tired,ying on his back against the floor, his only hand acting like a pillow as he closed his eyes once more.


    For once, however, he was sleeping. Not struggling to stay afloat, his head above water while paddling with his feet.


    No whirlpool pulled him down, no darkness was grabbing him, creeping up his body, trying to pull it toward abyssal depths.


    Nothing clouded his mind, not mistyered his thoughts.


    It was peaceful, serene, and quiet.


    It felt like he was back home during a thunderstorm.


    The distant thunder and the rain tapping against his window, while his mother cooked for him.


    The sound of the pause menu from a game on the television ying on repeat.


    His cat would be on hisp, and for that moment he would have no earphones, headphones, or anything that would disconnect him at that time.


    Thunder would resound again, and again, and again. He would look outside his window, looking at the elements unleashing themselves against anything it could see.


    The tranquility of watching the shes of light, or hearing Maya''s screams.


    The wind fighting against the concrete buildings and metal poles.


    It reminded him of popr paintings depicting nature unleashing itself, uncaring and unwavering.


    He made sure his rocking chair was close to that window, so he could stare at Torryn''s gouged out eyes.


    He could hear it, through the whistling of the wind, the screams and cries. The begging and praying.


    His mother would ask him if he was hungry, from the kitchen.


    His answer mattered little. She would make him something, anyway.


    The thunder would hit repeatedly. Every time it did, his chains were piercing someone else. A father and his kid, a husband with his wife, a grandmother with her grandson.


    The next thunder resounding was the water jug next to him falling down as he reached out.


    Quickly gasping for air, Mori sat upright.


    His hand was trembling as it held his heart.


    Why was it beating so fast?


    He could feel the back of his neck cold and in sweat, this tingling uneasy feeling.


    It was as if the room was shrinking, his breathing rapidly increasing while his eyes darted left and right.


    His vision was blurry, the rate of his heart only increasing with the speed at which he looked around for something familiar toy his eyes on.


    Mori?


    Rapidly turning around, Mori finally saw the unkindled sitting behind while its round eyes were staring at him.


    Mori quickly grabbed it, holding it against his chest while his heartbeat kept increasing.


    Against the chaos, he could feel a faint purring.


    Was the Unkindled always purring?


    He never really held him often, and for long enough, had he only realized?


    His trembling was slowing down. The low rumbling of the Unkindled against his own heart made it quiet down.


    He was finally able to close his eyes.


    He breathed in.


    Then out.


    In.


    Out.


    Minutester, when he opened his eyes again, the blurriness was gone.


    The Unkindled''s round eyes were looking up from his chest, his cosmic stare directed at him.


    Mori smiled, letting him back on the ground with his hand still slightly trembling.


    He stretched his neck; it felt sore and tense, before getting up.


    He kept controlling his breathing while pacing around the room.


    On his secondp, he noticed the piece of paper on the table.


    "What''s this?" asked Mori.


    Aleesia left it for you, in case you woke up.


    "Where did she go?"


    She left to climb the dungeon.


    "How long ago?"


    She left weeks ago.


    "When''s thest time she came back?"


    Weeks ago.


    Mori, She Died.


    [


    Dear Mori,


    I hope by the time I am back, you will be well rested and back on your feet. I did everything the right way, as you have shown me.


    The dishes are separated, I have not mixed the tes and utensils in the drawer, again. Theundry is done. I fail to see the importance of separating colors. After a thorough cleaning, I can tell you nothing bad happened. I think you''ve been overreacting. Respectfully.


    I have done everything I could think of, and it''s been days since you werest conscious.


    As I tend to you, I realize I can''t tell how long you will be asleep.


    My lifespan is pretty high. I can easily wait here forever, making the walls ever so shiny and the floors looking like mirrors.


    However, I realized I was the one who asked you to lean on me, and you did.


    As I kept cleaning this room, and cooking meals that just can''t seem to taste right, I realized what it meant to have you leaning on me.


    It didn''t mean to keep doing all of this.


    There are things you value, and while cleanliness is one of them, I know there''s a lot more behind.


    You have taken drastic measures to be able to save your friend, ''Aura''.


    I hope she''s really ''pretty''.


    Anyways.


    You''ve taken risks, and went beyond what normal people would for that person, and while I''m staying here, that person who''s important to you is slowly dying.


    I don''t want you to wake up, seeing me by your bedside in this clean room asking me what day it is, only to realize your important person is most likely dead.


    You''ve been out of it for days, but those days could turn into weeks, or months.


    For that reason, when you wake up I will most-likely be in an epic battle to save your princess, like in mythology books.


    ¡ªI did kiss you while you slept, so there''s a big chance you''re a father now.¡ª


    Do not worry. I will throw my bow at the enemy only if it''s thest option avable, and I''ll keep the running away to a minimum.


    I''ve learned a lot, and I won''t push myself too hard.


    If you''re reading this, it means I haven''t made it back from a level yet, so just sit tight, don''t move too much, drink a lot of water, and if you wait a bit, I''ll make you some soup. The good kind.


    Kind regards,


    Aleesia.


    ]


    The silence in the room, which had been undisturbed for so long, was broken.


    It felt as if the walls were crumbling; the ceiling copsing upon him.


    He screamed.


    He hit the floor with his fist, his knuckles breaking, leaving blood everywhere.


    "Why didn''t you wait?!"


    His screams echoed on the walls, the Unkindled slowly lying down, hiding its face under its paws.


    From his eyes, tears dropped.


    "Why not... just wait?"


    He was wiping his eyes.


    "I can''t even read elvish..."


    He was wiping more and more violently, yet the tears made their way out regardless, the amount only increasing.


    His eyes and face were red.


    He felt like bashing his head against the floor.


    His hand was on the floor, as he was on his knees, gasping for air.


    His heart.


    It felt like it would break.


    He fell t to the floor, letting go of the control he had.


    Then everything stopped.

 Chapter 78: [Drowning]

    Have I died?


    Mori looked around, but nothing tangible was close by.


    Was it another dream?


    He walked around, despite there being no floor under him.


    "Hello?"


    His voice seemed to echo despite the absence of walls.


    Is this hell? For what I have done?


    He took a few more steps, before a whirlpool opened before him again.


    This time it hadn''t opened right under him, forcing him to fight for his life for days.


    It was dark and violent, but silent.


    The sound of water fluidly spiraling, no shing or crashing.


    He got on his knees next to it, getting his face closer to it.


    He couldn''t tell how deep it was, or what was lying down there.


    Whatever was down there was waiting for him.


    It knew he didn''t have the strength to fight it anymore.


    Mori put his hand in the swirling water, it easily pushed against his finger with decent force.


    On his knees next to it, he let himself fall forward headfirst into the whirlpool.


    The current, while moving him from left to right, ultimately dragged him toward one final destination.


    He didn''t know if things got darker, nothing felt real.


    His senses were numb.


    The lower he sank, the darker it was, yet he could see the nothingness of it.


    The emptiness wasn''t overwhelming. He felt like he belonged, as he kept going down.


    What he felt to be water was now air. He was falling down a dark sky toward what he guessed to be a dark ground.


    If there was even one.


    He closed his eyes. It mattered little. If this hell was his, then he weed it.


    "You''re not in hell."


    Mori opened his eyes. The feeling of him falling had abruptly stopped.


    He found himself sitting in an armchair, in front of a fire in a setting he recognized.


    Mary''s inn, in Dustriver?


    Everything was the same way it was, down to thest detail.


    He got up, walking through the room.


    It was as if he was back there, a ce that didn''t exist anymore.


    He walked to the window, looking outside.


    A storm was brewing, the wind unleashing itself while shes of light were illuminating the sky.


    Mori''s hand trembled as he took several steps back from the window.


    His heartbeat was increasing as he stepped back all the way to the armchair.


    "Ah. You don''t like storms anymore? My mistake."


    Mori quickly turned around, the voice came from the armchair.


    A woman was sitting in it. She wasn''t someone Mori recognized.


    She had pitch-ck hair and ck eyeliner paired with simr lipstick. Her shorter hair rested on her shoulders, perfectly cut in a straight line.


    She must''ve been around his height, she wore ck clothes which truly contrasted her pale skin.


    She had that ''gothic'' aesthetic.


    Aren''t dreams only able to show you things you''ve already seen?


    "You''ve seen me before."


    Mori frowned, in thought. She pped her hands, and thunder resounded once more, making Mori''s shoulders jump.


    He turned around, through the window the storm had turned into quiet rain.


    No violent winds, no thunder, no lightning.


    Only gentle rain tapping against the window, the clouds light-gray opposed to a darker shade.


    He could clearly see the street, and the buildings on the other side.


    There was nobody in sight, however.


    "Are you..."


    Mori stopped his sentence, thinking about what was happening.


    "You''re... a God? You turned back time?"


    Sheughed, andughed. Her hand was on her heart, acting as if she would die ofughter if she kept going.


    "You thought there was such a convenient trope? Everyone would turn back time if they could."


    Mori''s hand tightened, the mockery slightly getting to him.


    "Then this ce is made up, just so you could address me. If you''re not a God, then who are you?! I don''t recall seeing you, even once."


    "You''ve seen me before, like I said. Maybe you don''t recognize me in this form. Let me change."


    She quickly turned back into the hex that crawled into him weeks ago.


    Her whole body turned darker and slightly smaller, forming into that eldritch creature that came for him.


    Mori took several steps back, knocking over a vase as he quickly looked around for a weapon.


    The creature regained its human form, smiling.


    "You came here voluntarily. This is my little sanctum. You can''t hurt me."


    Her hands slid from her thighs to her breasts, caressing them.


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    "Are they too big? What do you prefer? Le size or Aura size?"


    "Couldn''t care less what you pretend to look like."


    She feigned being hurt, her mouth wide open letting out an ''Oh'' sound. She got up, swirling in front of Mori.


    "You don''t like any of this?"


    "You can add as much ass and tits as you want. You''ll always be that dredged up clump of ck shit."


    She stopped swirling, and faced Mori.


    She crossed her arms over her chest, which was now ''normal'' size.


    She was looking at him with a slight frown. She was voicing a prolonged ''Hmmm'', as if she was trying to understand him. Figure out something out of him.


    "Ah, you''re not actually a chest guy. Fair enough. Should''ve told me right away."


    Mori rolled his eyes and sighed, letting her adjust her body again.


    "I will only see you as that disgusting being, you''re wasting your time."


    She sat back in the armchair, slowly crossing her legs revealing her underwear, with not a single care in the world.


    "You know, I think I understand the problem."


    Mori was standing there. She was pointing at the other armchair, inviting him to sit down in front of her.


    He sat down, while listening to whatever she had to say.


    "You think I''m one of those ''hexes'' before being this," she said, while showing off her body.


    "I''ve harvested a lot of hexes, I''ve yet to encounter a human one."


    "I was originally looking somewhat like this, minus the additions I just did. I then became one of those things. I even let you harvest me, hoping I''d get an opportunity like this."


    Mori was staring into her eyes. It didn''t look like she was lying, but he wasn''t dumb enough to take at face value everything one of those hexes would tell him.


    Those chaotic beings, he understood them well enough to know better.


    "So you''re telling me all hexes are people like you?" asked Mori.


    "Oh, I''m not telling you anything. I do know some other hexes that are like me. There''s some sort of hierarchy there."


    Mori chuckled.


    "Yeah, right. Now it''s obvious you''re lying. Those hexes in a hierarchy? You''re too chaotic to ever have any kind of social structure."


    She smiled.


    She got up, walking toward Mori. She leaned forward and climbed into his armchair, sitting on hisp.


    "There''s no social structure, but there''s a hierarchy. Not all of us are equal. You think someone like me is the same as one of them?"


    She ran her hand over Mori''s chest, biting her bottom lip.


    Mori, totally unphased, sustained her eyes.


    "All of that stuff is boring. We''re here, right now. How about we profit a little? I haven''t been in human form for... I don''t know. Long." she asked.


    "What do you want?" asked Mori, dry.


    She rolled her eyes.


    "Not in the mood?"


    She didn''t move from hisp, but her face was now feigning disappointment.


    Mori repeated himself.


    "What do you want?"


    "Hmmm."


    "For now, I really just wanted us to meet. We''ll be coexisting from now on, after all."


    "Not happening."


    "Oh, it''s toote. You''ve let yourself fall this low. There''s no way you''re climbing back out."


    His eyes broke away from hers as his gaze went down.


    Did it matter?


    Aleesia was dead, and Aura would most likely be dead soon, too.


    Annoyingly for Mori, she was slowly wiggling on top of him.


    "Hey. Hey. Can I not have some attention too? What I meant is that separating me would be like climbing out of here, it won''t happen. You''re not physically stuck here, your body is still in that room."


    "I''m..."


    "You''re alive, kind of. Your heart was doing a scary thing up there, but I''ve fixed it for you, don''t worry."


    As she said that, she leaned in, kissing Mori on the lips.


    He didn''t fight it.


    Her hands were sliding down his torso, while her tongue forcefully made its way inside his mouth.


    She was like a wild animal, doing anything she pleased.


    When she stopped, it felt like reaching an oasis in the middle of the desert only to not drink from it.


    "Don''t feel shame. You simply can''t fight it. Oh, you''re thinking about Aura," she said.


    Mori''s mind went back to his current situation.


    "Well, we can''t do anything about Aleesia, but Aura is most likely alive, I''d say."


    Mori''s eyes regained some of its color as he heard that sentence.


    "How? It''s been weeks."


    "You''re right, it is your fault that she''s in that situation. In a room, alone, with no real way to meet you without coordinating first. How is she supposed to drink your blood?"


    "She''s been going for extremely long without it, there''s no way..."


    "She''s smart. She most likely stopped doing anything strenuous the moment she realized she wouldn''t clear the dungeon by herself. She''s most likely been immobile and resting this whole time."


    "But the time it would take me to clear the dungeon has been pushed back by weeks, because of you..."


    "You''re the one who''s fought me this hard, you could''ve epted me right away."


    Mori''s hand tightened into a fist, but she grabbed it, pinning it above his head. She approached, her forehead resting against his.


    "It''s toote now. You and me are going to be... very close, from now on."


    Mori''s eyes were fiery, as he stared into hers.


    "What if I told you there''s a way to reach her?"


    The fire died as quickly as it was lit. Hope brightly illuminating his expression.


    "What do you mean?! How? She''s multiple levels up, and she''d have to know when to enter [8-0-S]. She''d have to survive that room, while weakened, kill its monster, and wait for me to be lucky enough to finally connect to her room."


    "You don''t need to y by the dungeon''s rules. You''re the Cursed Sovereign, after all."


    "My Cursed Energy is absorbed by the walls. There''s nothing I can do."


    She smiled.

 Chapter 79: [Ma?lstrom]

    "What do you mean?" asked Mori.


    Her hand was ying on his face, her finger tracing a line from his forehead to his lips.


    It was unsettling, yet a feeling he didn''t dislike.


    She was kind of like him, or what he wanted to be.


    Someone who didn''t care and did whatever they wanted.


    "What''s your name?" asked Mori.


    "Ma?l."


    Her expression was neutral at all times, besides when she toyed with him. A snide smile would then appear on her face.


    "Isn''t that a guy''s name?"


    "Short for Ma?lstrom."


    "Who names their kid Ma?lstrom?"


    "Who names their kid Memento Mori?"


    Mori eyebrows were all the way up.


    What is happening?


    Mori''s face was red, yet he sustained her stare the best he could.


    "So, why Ma?lstrom?"


    "That''s what humans used to call me, back then. I don''t recall my name."


    "You don''t remember your own name?"


    "What is it? Maybe you want to name me? Give me a cute little name?"


    "Ma?l. Couldn''t care less."


    Mori''s mind could not keep up with her.


    She was ''undoing'' him. Her attitude and personality were attractive, but it ultimately shed with his.


    He felt like a kid in highschool, the one with a silver tongue who finally met his match.


    He was suddenly self-aware, trying to not stutter on words or say stupid things.


    For a moment, he realized she was in control.


    Mori frowned, grabbing her shoulder, trying to push her off him while standing up.


    She didn''t budge; she was like a stone wall.


    "What..." he muttered


    "I''m the one in control here."


    Her smile was starting to annoy him.


    "How? Isn''t this my mind?"


    "Our mind, now. Also, you''re the one who voluntarily let yourself fall this low. Actions have consequences, do they not?"


    "And what will be the consequence for Aleesia''s death?"


    "You don''t need her anymore. You have me."


    Mori punched her face with all his might. It felt like punching a rock, his fist was in pain.


    "You don''t learn?"


    She took his hand, kissing it with that arrogant look on her face.


    "How do I save Aura?" asked Mori drily.


    "Hmmm. I don''t know if I should tell you..."


    She looked at Mori''s expression, who remained stone cold.


    "Alright... Since you''re grumpy, I might as well tell you."


    He rolled his eyes.


    "So," she continued. "Those walls don''t let you use cursed energy. Sure. I know another ce that would let you use it."


    "I''m stuck there, remember? There has yet to be a single room where I''ve regained even 1 cursed energy out of 1.4 million."


    Ma?l was ying with his hair, barely even looking into his eyes as he spoke.


    "Hmmm."


    "What is it now?"


    "I''ll help you for free this time, but next time it will cost you."


    "What? You want my soul? You want to take over my mortal body or something? Sacrifices?"


    Ma?l startedughing loudly, so much so that Mori started to feel embarrassed.


    "Ahh, it truly is my lucky day."


    She got off him, and started slowly pacing pacing around the room.


    "Isn''t there somewhere you''ve forgotten? Somewhere you''ve been avoiding?"


    Mori''s eyes went down as he tried remembering.


    Since he arrived in this dungeon, nothing much had happened that was out of the usual.


    He would defeat levels, unlock their S ''farming'' levels, grind those levels a bit before moving to the next.


    He had been in his [0-0] room a lot. Besides that, nothing really stood out.


    Huh.


    He realized he had never visited Aleesia''s room.


    She did offer quite a few times, but what use would it be? Sightseeing? He just invited her, establishing his room as their ''home''.


    This letter he had must''ve been the only thing remaining of hers.


    It felt unjust. Unfair.


    He couldn''t see her anymore. He couldn''t even know how or where she died. What killed her. Even revenge.


    How would he even get revenge? Right this wrong? Kill the cat?


    The Unkindled had been upfront with the risks, and epted the me of pulling them in.


    Based on that me, he could kill him. But that cat was only ''one of them''. There was an Unkindled cat in everyone''s [0-0] room.


    Like tendrils extending in the dungeon, he was everywhere and nowhere.


    At the end of the day, he just would''ve killed a husk, an empty shell. Whatever was in that cat would probably just go into another one, somewhere else.


    Killing Ma?l was also not possible. How would he do it?


    She was inside him.


    She had no intentions to move, and he was the one who let her win.


    "Interesting."


    Mori''s fiery eyes snapped on Ma?l.


    "Are you reading my thoughts?"


    "No, the Unkindled is doing that ¡ª but not in here, though. I don''t like being spied on. It''s more like feeling your thoughts. Don''t think I''ll ever let you take your own life."


    "I wouldn''t."


    "Huh?"


    Mori stood up.


    "Don''t underestimate me. I have only one goal, and until it''s achieved, nothing else matters."


    "That''s why I like you."


    She stopped pacing, sitting down in the armchair again, slowly crossing her legs.


    "I can''t recall what ce I missed. Tell me."


    "Please."


    "Tell me, please." Discover hidden tales at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "Good boy."


    She re-crossed her legs, taking her time to answer.


    "The ce you''ve forgotten is the ce you recently started to mess with. The one through which you''ve let a lot of us out. Like me."


    Mori''s round eyes were staring into oblivion.


    He never thought about it. It had never even been an option.


    Who knew what was on the other side? That''s where those eldritch beings came from. What would ever be the point of going there, besides being mobbed by a bunch of them?


    "Going there isn''t as dangerous as you think. Especially for you, our ''Sovereign''."


    She re-crossed her legs.


    "But... there is a hierarchy, like I said earlier. Since your Mana will be recovering, maybe we try not to make big waves when we get there."

 Chapter 80: [System]

    Mori was now the one pacing around.


    It all made sense.


    Going there would be quite easy.


    But could he trust her?


    Without knowing what she had to gain from this, it could be a trap.


    "What do you have to lose?" she asked.


    "A lot. You''ve already settled here, haven''t you? You''ll probably try to take over."


    "I could''ve taken over the moment you jumped here. Yet I didn''t, did I?"


    Mori remained silent. She was right.


    "You had nowhere else to turn, and you turned to me. Made me real happy," she said, feigning a smile.


    "Or, you would most likely be stuck inside this dungeon, just like me, if you were to take overpletely? So you need me to actually clear it, or move into that dimension before taking over?"


    "Wow. You really thought about it, huh? Stop worrying, I have no intention of ''taking over''. You are smart not to trust me, still."


    "I''ll find another way."


    "Yeah, climb all those levels, while painfully grinding. Take a chance by cutting your arm, see if the next hex of my level doesn''t take the other half avable in your mind. I''d love a roomate."


    He had few options; she was right.


    This dungeon wasn''t hard. He would''ve eventually cleared it, and he truly didn''t understand why most people weren''t able to.


    A careful and meticulous approach is all one needed. Items keep dropping, even if unlucky, if you''re here for years eventually something good is bound toe.


    How is it, that nobody cleared it yet? Did everyone give up?


    Or did everyone rush to get faster results?


    He himself was guilty.


    He hade close to death multiple times, and Ma?l being there, was a testament to his desperate attempt to go faster.


    "I''ll do it. I need Aura."


    "No, you need me. But we''ll get Aura, I guess." Your next read is at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    She was crossing her arms on her chest again, with that same snide, arrogant smile.


    "So, how exactly does going there solve my problem?" he asked.


    "Well, first, let''s remember something that''s very important. It''s located on Aura. You''ve given it to her."


    Mori scrubbed his memory, it shed before his eyes as he remembered everything he could.


    "Ah. The brand."


    "Fast. Yes, you did brand her using a hex, so I see two possibilities. You use the hex to pull her into the cursed dimension, and we find her there and bring her back here."


    She was rubbing her chin while looking at Mori.


    "Or, option two," she continued, "We stay long enough there so that we can leave through her brand."


    And skip all the levels we would need to do? Straight to [8-0]? That would save us so much time.


    "But how? Can I actually do those things?" he asked.


    "You can do much more, actually. You think you''re limited to what''s in your list of spells?"


    "I''ve experimented before. I know I can bypass the system, and cast spells myself. Without using the menu at all. It makes the spells better and stronger. I understand that much."


    "Wow. You truly know nothing about this world, huh."


    Mori was taken aback.


    I know... a lot. I''ve yed through this world.


    "There. Right there," said Ma?l.


    She got up and took a few steps toward him, leaning forward.


    "You need to stop thinking you understand this world. Do you even know why everyone in themon realm uses that system?"


    "That''s just how it is..."


    Or is it?


    "Youe from another realm too, so you don''t get it maybe," she said.


    "Another universe," cut Mori.


    "Same thing," she continued. "You need to stop and think about this a bit more. You need to start seeing this ce as a whole universe, the same way your own universe is... its own universe."


    "You''re just stating the obvious,"


    "Because you don''t grasp the obvious. Like everyone in this realm, for that matter. In your universe, do people die ''just because''? If something bad happens, is there no exnation? It just ''is''?"


    She was walking forward, pushing on Mori''s body with her index finger.


    "Do you think there''s a system here just because ''that''s how it is''? Aren''t you being extremely stupid? And you said yourself that you can cast your spells without using it. Doesn''t it ring any bells that things are more than they seem?"


    Mori was out of words. What could he even say?


    She was right.


    He knew this world from the game he yed, but back there, everything is easily exined.


    Why is there a system?


    Someone programmed it. It''s that simple. Someone entered code, then a machine perfected that code. That code is the system ovey.


    Levels work the way they do because someone decided on a progression system.


    Code was written in a machine to tell it how that worked.


    His own mother worked on that game. He knew some of those people who worked on that code.


    But she is right.


    In his world, Elder Heir Online is a game.


    But this wasn''t just a game.


    The moderator did tell him this universe was different when he first arrived.


    That this wasn''t the game he yed, but an actual whole universe.


    "I understand," finally said Mori. "In my world, a version of this one exists as a game. I assumed everything in here was normal, because of my perception of it as a game, programmed by someone. It''s fair to assume there''s a system in this realm for other reasons than someone programming it into it."


    "Oh, no. Someone did program it into it."


    Mori''s eyebrows shot up. After a few second, he finally burst.


    "What the fuck? Then why the hell you''re telling me I''m perceiving everything wrong? You''re messing with my head? Trying to make me go crazy?"


    Sheughed loudly, then grabbed his shoulder and pushed him back into the armchair.


    "Alright. This is all tooplicated for you. No worries. I''ll exin it to you like you''re 5."


    Mori watched her drag the other armchair all the way toward him. She sat in it, leaning forward.


    "This realm is themon realm. It existed for an extremely long amount of time. Magic worked normally. One day, someone very powerful said: And there shall be a system. They weaved it into this realm, and since then, this realm functions with a system."


    "A God?"


    "By most''s definition of a God in this realm, yes."


    "Is it ''Fate''?"


    "That guy?! Making a decision by himself? You''re fucking with me. There''s no way!" she said,ughing.


    She wiped her teary eyes after 30 seconds of uninterruptedughter.


    "So," said Mori, "you''re saying I can create a way to her, or bring her in there?"


    "As the Sovereign, there''s a lot more you can do."


    Mori was still looking at her, waiting.


    "Yes. Yes. You can do those things," she finally said, sighing..

 Chapter 81: [You Cant Leave]

    "So, where exactly are we?" asked Mori.


    "Inside your mind."


    He was looking outside the window; the scenery was truly perfect.


    It was clear she had seen this ce through his mind.


    Mori wondered what the fine line between ''reading minds'' and ''feeling his mind'' meant.


    She couldn''t tell what he was exactly thinking, yet she had a general idea.


    "So you''ve seen everything I''ve seen?" he asked.


    "No, just what you''ve done in this realm so far."


    Mori nodded. It made sense. Nothing from his world would mean something to her.


    "So, how do I leave?" he asked.


    "That''s up to me."


    Mori''s eyebrows arched.


    That''s quite the situation.


    "Let me leave."


    She got out of her seat, walking around Mori.


    "I don''t know..."


    She was slow, almost calcting every step.


    "Should I?" she said.


    "What good would it do to you to keep me here?"


    Mori tried to get up, but she grabbed his shoulders and pushed him back down, without having to stop walking circles.


    "Let''s make a contract, then you can leave."


    "What do you want?"


    She stopped in front of him again.


    "Youe down here once a week."


    "That''s it?"


    "Yes."


    "Agreed. Now send me back."


    She leaned forward; her face inching toward his.


    Her finger traced a path from his shoulder to his chin, raising it higher.


    Instead of going for his lips, she kissed his cheek.


    "Hoping for more?" she said.


    "No."


    "Right..."


    She broke away, Mori touched his cheek but couldn''t feel anything.


    "Once a week, I''ll be expecting you here."


    "Good. How do I contact you in the meantime?" he asked.


    She chuckled, then pped her hands together.


    Her next hand gesture was one hand pointing up, while the other supported it.


    The scenery to crumble.


    The walls were falling, but as parts of it flew in the air, they vanished before reaching anything.


    The dust that was raised seemed to disappear as fast as it formed.


    As the walls fell, it revealed no towns on the other side.


    It looked like they were situated in the eye of a storm.


    Wind swirling dark clouds around them faster than a tornado ever could.


    She stood there, while he was slowly ascending.


    The armchairs disappeared, the wooden floor, the animal hides, everything.


    As he looked closer, the storm was closing in on them; the circle tightening.


    The clouds were shades of dark grey and midnight blue, and shes could be seen going from one side to the next.


    Her clothes were pping in the wind, he must''ve now been a couple of meters up.


    The circle kept tightening; the wind bing even stronger.


    The clouds were so close; it engulfed Ma?l while she looked at him rise, hiding her behind the violent storm.


    It reached him, propelling Mori upward at a speed that no human could survive.


    Everything he could see was dark clouds mixing with darker ones. There was some glittering adding to the effect, caused by the raindrops reflecting what little light they could.


    Darkness finally let ce to some more light, as he emerged from that storm by opening his eyes on the floor in the dungeon room.


    It was soft light, caused by torches that would never go out. He could hear purring and feel the vibrations on his back.


    As he moved, the Unkindled got up, stretching. Taking its time to finish, it moved off him, slowly walking toward its me.


    Mori rolled over, looking at the ceiling.


    He felt sore and exhausted.


    "How long was I out?" asked Mori to the Unkindled.


    The cat turned around and sat down, its eyes staring into Mori''s while its head tilted slightly to the side.


    "You don''t want to tell me?"


    It didn''t answer.


    The walls, floor and ceiling slightly shook for about a second, it was soft, but still unexpected.


    Mori quickly looked around.


    "What... the hell is happening?"


    He then looked at the Unkindled again.


    "Hey, what''s happening here? Isn''t this room safe?"


    "It is."


    Mori quickly turned around. It sounded like the Unkindled''s voice came from the walls.


    Not something directly echoing through his mind, but physically through the room.


    "You weren''t gone for long. You heart did stop for a moment."


    He turned around again, surprised.


    "What... Why are you talking through walls, now?"


    "I can''t reach your mind anymore."


    "Huh? Why?"


    "Because of her."


    Mori frowned, the cat was pointing right at his face.


    He went toward one of the few drawers in the room, quickly opening it.


    After searching for a moment, he simply opened the shop and found what he was looking for.


    After pressing the [Buy] button, and seeing his Kindle bnce go down, a standing mirror appeared next to the bed.


    He walked to it, standing in front of it.


    His surprise made him take a few more steps forward.


    He looked normal, at least normalpared to what he looks like normally.


    But, that ''normal'' was only half of him.


    On of his eyes had changed, from the purple shade caused by his Hex Harvesting thatsted years to white, what is was normally.


    Inside the white iris, was a swirling pattern that reminded Mori of the storm that pushed him up.


    The pattern in his eyes wasn''t static.


    It moved.


    The swirling continuously spun slowly, adding movement in his eyes that felt more unnatural that anything else it could''ve been.


    Mori finally realized why she chuckled when he asked how he could meet her.


    He sighed. "Ma?lstrom."


    Pinpon! You figured it out.


    Mori kept looking into the mirror, watching his eye in amazement.


    "So, one voice in my head was reced by another."


    I know you don''t mind the over sharing of your thoughts, but I would rather keep it closed.


    "What does it matter? It''s a cat stuck in a dungeon who couldn''t care less about us. Whatever you''re thinking about, he''ll probably ignore."


    You let anyone into your home, with their muddy boots on your carpet that''s fine. I''m not the same.


    Mori sat on the bed, letting himself fall t.


    Everything in this room reminded him of Aleesia.


    Mostly because everything was truly there because of her.


    He wouldn''t have invested that much currency onfort.


    He would''ve been fine just piling things on the floor, sleeping on a hide next to the cooking fire.


    All those dishes to amodate someone who lived sheltered her whole life.


    And then some more, because she wouldn''t clean them, but wanted clean ones.


    The shop was truly a work of art, the Unkindled didn''t lie when he said this room would be their home, and that it should be treated as such.


    There was a clear emphasis on making this ce asfortable as possible.


    For every kind of cuttlery he could find, there was an equal amount of weapons. The earlier tiers of the shop wereughablepared to theter one.


    A il with spikes, a il with no spikes, a il with a rock, a il with a de at the end... The amount of weapons wasrge, but most of them were of simr quality, and not worth spending on.


    All he would need was his new spear.


    Nothing changed.


    I''llplete the next floor, heal my arm back, then I''ll cut it again.


    This time, however, nothing woulde out of it. He would go into it.


    Mori would''ve rested, but since he would be healed by the dungeon rest wasn''t necessary.


    All he needed was to conquer the next floor.


    He got his [Spear of Purity] out, then opened his [Dungeon] tab and selected the next floor with a boss.


    He went fromying down on his bed to yet another room softly lit.


    He took a few steps forward, rapidly getting used to his surroundings, and headed for the first room, like clockwork.


    A trio of goblins was before him.


    They look like all the others. Their weapons were simple and they had no armor.


    One of them had a shield, but that was pretty much it.


    They wore dirty rags and looked like they were having a conversation.


    Mori walked into the room, all three of them surprised by his presence and quickly readying themselves to attack him.


    Their weapons were pointed toward him, while they started distancing themselves from each other.


    In the corner of his eyes, he could see the [Spear of Purity] flying out.


    ...What?!


    It was flying at a more than decent speed, hitting the ground in the middle of the group.


    In a bright sh, the ground trembled as the goblin in the middle disappeared without a trace.


    The others who started walking sideways had been propelled to their nearest wall, on his left and right.


    He quickly looked at his arm.


    It was shades of pitch-ck, dark blue and dark grey mixing together, swirling around his arm on the surface of his skin.


    It looked as if even the texture of his skin had changed.


    He quickly pulled his sleeve. That pattern kept going all the way to his shoulder, and his neck, he guessed.


    Lifting his shirt, only one side seemed to have changed.


    He looked at his hand again, anger flickering through his eyes.


    Ma?lstrom.

 Chapter 82: [Co-op]

    [Level up!]


    What is it?


    You said you wouldn''t take over.


    I''m not taking over.


    Then why are you controlling my arm?


    Our arm.


    Almost forgetting about the level up, Mori opened his stats.


    [Memento Mori] [Level 27]


    [ss: Cursed Sovereign]


    [Cursed Path: Fateweaver 1879892/2,216,838]


    [Health points: 135/135]


    [Cursed Energy: 0/1477892]


    [Magic: 270]


    [Strength: 81]


    [Defense: 54]


    [Agility: 27]


    The screen was glitching.


    The letters and numbers were breaking and shing. They flickered, showing different numbers or different letters altogether.


    Some of them were not even from the alphabet he knew, showing somethingpletely different. Nothing like what he had seen in Aura''s books or from Aleesia''s letter.


    It was hard to track, but after a moment, he could tell his level was fine and where it should''ve been.


    The letters kept glitching, but suddenly started to align.


    "What..."


    [Ma?lstrom] [Level 1]


    [ss: ???]


    [Health points: 1?0??/1?0??]


    [Magic: ?4??0]


    [Strength: ?????]


    [Defense: ?????]


    [Agility: ????]


    "How... at level 1? If those digits are lining up your stats are way too high for someone level 1. Is this right?" he asked.


    The scenery in his peripheral view started changing. Quickly looking away from the profile screen, Mori realized he was running.


    He quickly looked down, and both his legs were moving against his will.


    He could feel her at the wheel.


    That ''thing'' that covered his skin in a sort of shifting storm was everywhere. He didn''t need to look to figure it out.


    She was making him run toward the spear in the middle. Not even a split second must''ve happened for him to reach it,


    She quickly picked it up, throwing it on one side while heading to the other.


    Everything that was happening was happening so fast Mori could barely react.


    She bashed the monster''s head in, yet what Mori saw extend couldn''t have been his hand, it didn''t look like one.


    "What..."


    As she did, Mori felt the explosion behind his body heading toward it even faster than before.


    Picking the spear right as the explosion ended, she was now heading for the next room.


    Mori realized he wasn''t running anymore.


    His line of sight had gone down, basically right above the floor.


    It looked like he was hovering above the floor. He could feel himself kind of pushing against it, while his movement fluidly went left and right, as if crawling around.1


    Yet, his movements were flowing too much to bepared to crawling. He felt like mist on top of ake, expanding toward the other side.


    He moved extremely rapidly, going through the door that had barely opened, a slit he never should''ve been able to pass through.


    Going to the next room was basically a blink in speed. While on the way, as he just passed the opening door, he could hear the spear whistling above his head.


    It went inside the room even faster than he did; he arrived as the explosion finished.


    "W-"


    He could barely talk.


    He tried moving, even subconsciously doing it butit felt like being stuck in a crate.


    The nailed wood and theck of space to get a proper kick making it hard to break free.


    Even talking felt like pushing against a brick wall.


    As he arrived in the room, she picked up the spear, not even waiting a moment to rest.


    She somehow pushed his bother through the door opening again.


    He expected her to throw the spear again, yet his body simply went at a blurring speed toward the boss.


    She didn''t stop, didn''t slow down.


    His spear wasn''t in his field of view.


    If he could''ve closed his eyes, he would''ve. She went even faster, breaking the sound barrier, ramming him into the boss.


    The boss was propelled into the wall behind it, Mori following the same trajectory, yet as the boss hit the wall with its whole body, he somehow turned mid-air, his legs absorbing the whole impact.


    It felt like time stopped, as he was seemingly standing on a wall, before dropping down.


    As he did, he felt Ma?lstrom leave his body, he slowly regained the control of his extremities, quickly able to move his fingers and toes.


    He looked at himself, lifting his shirt and pants, she was truly gone.


    "What the fuck Ma?l?!"


    A grey orb appeared in front of Mori, but no other levels were gained on this instance, which would''ve been surprising.


    "I thought you wouldn''t take over?!"


    Mori took a few steps, his body barely listened to him.


    He was suddenly exhausted, taking a step hurt every muscle he had in his leg, making him fall to the ground next to the orb.


    He picked it up, and opened the [Dungeon] screen, to select [0-0].


    Ma?l was oddly silent in his mind, but after sighing and rolling his eyes one more time, he went on with his initial n.


    He reappeared in his room, as he had left it.


    The Unkindled was still by its me, the cooking fire still crackling, and Aleesia''s letter where he left it.


    He took a few steps, his body ready for signals of pain to be thrown at it yet nothing.


    The healing factor of the dungeon was perfect.


    He finally had his arm back.


    "Was this a show of power? Trying to let me know who''s in charge? Have your fun now. You might have 5 digits with most of your stats. When we''re out of here, I have 7 in cursed energy."


    His face was red. Would the room be cold, fumes would be seen exiting from everywhere.


    He threw the spear on the ground, and walked toward the recycler, throwing in the item he had dropped.


    Silence filled the ce, something he wasn''t used to.


    Without Aleesia around, it felt like it was permanently night.


    Taking a deep breath, he sat against the wall.


    Closed his eyes.


    Breathed.


    And imagined himself falling.


    His mind was a kingdom.


    He never had that issue, where some people apparently can''t ''picture things'' mentally.


    His mind could create intricate sceneries withplicated colors, scenes withplex movements and more.


    It felt easy when it came to ''explore his mind'', to find that one ce where there was darkness.


    She was around, he didn''t need to look in the mirror to know it.


    She wouldn''t leave him.


    She was anchored, and he was the one to let her do it.


    All he did, was concentrate on that one ce where he felt he had barely any control. That ce in his mind that was dark and tumultuous.


    He could picture himself going toward it, that whirlpool he fell in before.


    As he arrived at the edge of it, he realized its size was colossal.


    He looked at it for a moment, the water violently whirling around in a manner that looked even worst than the first time he saw it.


    No matter.


    He turned his back to it, and let himself fall in.


    He closed his eyes, and let the current take him.


    Yet, his descent wasn''t turbulent.


    He expected being pushed and pulled, left and right until he would finally reach the bottom, but nothing of the sorts happened.


    Waiting for any sort of force to interact with his body, he quickly realized nothing did.


    He opened his eyes, finding himself in that same armchair he found himself in the first time.


    The same firece was there, fire crackling with logs of wood in it.


    Light rain tapping against the window.


    In the other armchair, he found her.


    Her legs crossed, wearing what must''ve been a nightgown.


    It was extremely thin and practically transparent. Her proportions hadn''t changed sincest time, and her facial features remained.


    The ck eyeliner, lipstick and hair.


    Mori realized it actually must''ve been what she looked like, quite unlikely that this would be makeup, as he thought about it.


    She was looking at him, her arms crossed on her chest.


    She had a smile, one someone who did wrong but didn''t regret would have.


    "Back so soon?" she said.


    "Fuck you. You said you wouldn''t take over. That''s literally the first thing you did."


    "I didn''t take over. I borrowed your body for a moment."


    Mori got closer to her face, leaning forward.


    Fire was lit in his eyes, while amusement was in hers.


    "If you get so close, I''ll think you want to kiss me..." she said, licking her lips.


    "This was not the deal." hammered Mori.


    She sighed while rolling her eyes.


    "We''re co-existing now, you should get used to it."


    "You think that''s funny? Unless you n on living in this dungeon, we''ll eventually get out. And I''ll be the one in control."


    She brought her finger up, caressing Mori''s lips.


    "So much animosity. I think you could use that energy differently... Is this why you came down here? Were you hoping for... something more?"


    "This won''t go the way you think it will."


    "Can''t I have some fun too? You can''t lock me up down here forever."


    "Why didn''t you answer me?" he said.


    "What?"


    "I talked to you, yet you didn''t answer me."


    She smiled, while caressing Mori''s cheek with the back of her hand.


    "Oh. You''re not upset that I took over, but that I ignored you."


    "What?! Are-"


    "It''s okay," she said, shushing him. "I won''t ignore you anymore."

 Chapter 83: [The Path Opens]

    "Alright," he said.


    Mori took a step back.


    She was victoriously smiling, but her smile started to fade away.


    Mori started ascending, leaving this ce to Ma?l''s astonishment.


    "How..." she started, yet no answer came.


    Mori ascended quickly, leaving behind Ma?l while going back into consciousness.


    In a deep breath, he found himself back into his room.


    "No matter," he said to himself.


    The n hadn''t changed.


    "What will you do?" asked the Unkindled through the walls.


    "I''ll take a shortcut. We might not meet for a while."


    "That''s fine."


    Mori got up, stretching and thinking.


    After a moment, he opened his shop, and started sorting out multiple items.


    A chest was then he ced in a corner of the room.


    "There''s food in there. It''s not the best, but shouldst for very long. Take some once in a while, maybe."


    The unkindled thanked him, while he went over to get Aleesia''s letter.


    He folded it tightly, careful not to damage it, and put it in his pocket.


    It was bound to fold slightly in there, but it was better that than leaving it behind not knowing if it would ever be useful.


    The room had nothing he really wanted to hold onto.


    If everything goes right, we''lle back for this... but just in case.


    Mori opened his floor nner, stashing almost everything.


    The cooking fire, the bed, the drawers, the tables, the recycler.


    There were also some chests for the things he would eventually recycle anyway. He took them away, with almost everything else.


    There was no point in keeping everything here not knowing if he''d evere back.


    He looked at himself onest time in the mirror before stashing it.


    The swirling pattern was still there, spinning.


    I need to get used to that.


    Finally, onest look behind, before opening his [Dungeon] tab, to leave once again.


    Why not do it there? For that cat? He''s not a cat, you know? asked Ma?l.


    Mori ignored her, soon appearing in a new room.


    As he did, he quickly looked around the locate the enemy that should be in the room.


    Another goblin.


    He was close to done with this whole range of floors.


    I wonder what''s after goblins.


    He grabbed the spear with both hands, using the safe end toward the goblin as he ran at it.


    The goblin raised its shield and weapon toward him. He truly hated enemies with shields. Often wondering if he shouldn''t have one too.


    He tried feinting sweeping its legs so it would lower its shield, and it did.


    Mori smiled, as transitioned his position to sweep its neck horizontally, cutting its head half-off.


    Good.


    You call that good? You''re so slow, and your movement is so stiff. You''re like a kid who''s found a pointy stick lying around.


    Ma?l''s intrusive thoughts were making their way to Mori.


    Need I remind you my magic is sealed?


    Mori shook his head while sighing. He to his knife out at the same time, he''d have to cut his arm off once more.


    In the corned of his eye, something caught his attention.


    That''s the next room unlocking itself, right? On the other side would be another enemy?


    The door was carving itself on the wall, the intricate design of the pathway already mostly done.


    Yeah. These rooms connect to others once they''repleted, but this one is already a third of the way done. Most likely someone started connecting to this room before I even arrived.


    We''ll wait.


    Mori grabbed his spear even tighter in his hand.


    He stood still, meters from the door as it was drawing itself, intensely staring at it.


    When the carving stopped, Mori took a deep breath.


    The path finally opened, revealing a silhouette at the end of it, standing against the light of their room.


    It started walking toward him. It raised a hand above their eyebrows, as if trying to look into the distance.


    It started jogging toward him, he could tell there was a sword by their hip. The handle that was showing clearly belonged to a katana, and the shape of the de gave that away as well.


    The silhouette turned into a woman.


    She looked slightly older than him.


    She was truly a beauty. Her figure was putting Le''s to shame. Her breasts were bigger for one, yet not too much that it was weird. Her wide hips and thin waist showed through the non-existent armor she wore.


    She was wearing leather shoulder pads and knees pads and a helmet. That was everything.


    She was jogging, her proportions alluringly following her motions.


    "Hey!" she yelled.


    She was waving in the air as she approached, but slowed down once in the doorway,ing to a full stop.


    Her hand was on her handle, as she squinted looking at Mori.


    Mori frowned, as he looked her up and down.


    "Ahh... I can tell you''re human too, but you''ve gone through some stuff too, huh?"


    She let go of her handle.


    "I''m Milniel. I''ve been stuck here for around two weeks, you''re actually the only other person I''ve met in here."


    "Ah, really?" replied Mori.


    "Yeah, thought the Unkindled was fucking with me when he said there was a chance to meet others. How long have you been here?" she asked.


    "Weeks," he replied.


    "Oh, then I''m not the only one having a hard time..."


    She approached, holding her hand up to shake his.


    "What''s your name?" she asked.


    Mori took her hand.


    "Mori."


    He could see through her eyes a wide range of emotions.


    At first she was relieved, and that relief quickly turned into happiness.


    She was widely smiling. It could be seen through her face and he body that she had a hard time.


    Most likely malnourished, and at the looks of it, she was most likely farming this level for a while, considering the damage on her skin that would be healed, if she had just left the previous boss room.


    That smile seemed genuine, the look in her eyes brightly shining.


    That smile then turned into a neutral expression, as she looked at Mori who was bringing her toward him, pulling on her hand. She was confused.


    Then it was fear.


    Mori''s spear prongs were about to pierce her skin, her eyes were round, and her mouth was about to formte words, but it was already toote.


    Light started shing, blinding both of them.


    Mori could feel from the tip of his hand Ma?l taking over.


    She took all his body, letting go of the spear in a split second while forcing him to back-step, rolling on the floor and then propelled to the wall as the explosion violently pushed him away.


    He slightly rolled on the floor as he did, his vision slightly blurred from the impact.


    He didn''t fall unconscious, and the pain wasn''t nearly as bad as thest time he used the spear point-nk.


    Seriously?! said Ma?l. Readtest stories on m_v-l''e|-NovelBin


    "You have a problem with that?" coldly asked Mori.


    Yes. I do. Next time ask me to do it, if the only way you can think of is blowing yourself with someone.


    Mori''s eyebrows shot up. His surprise was barely hidden on his face.


    Then again, Ma?l was a hex.


    She probably didn''t care at all for any human. Even him.


    He got up, dusting himself, while looking around.


    The explosion was clean. Like it happened with his arms all the times before, most of Milniel disintegrated on the spot, leaving barely anything behind.


    As he walked toward the explosion site, he truly felt sorry.


    "If only you weren''t human," he said in a singr breath.


    He grabbed her sword, stashing it, and walked to a cleaner area.


    Putting a knee down, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply again.


    It was a part he disliked, yet a necessary one.


    He reopened his eyes, but confusedly looked at his forearm already lying in a puddle of blood, on the ground.


    He then looked at his right arm, only catching a glimpse of Ma?l''s mark dissipating.


    The pain started hitting him, yet was remained of his left arm wasn''t bleeding.


    The same way it did, when Ma?l first entered his body.


    He took his forearm on the ground, moving it out of the blood and rolling it around, finding the seal he would undo.


    It was done fast. He had done it multiple times already. All he needed was to sever it the right way, like a key opening a lock.


    He slid his knife through the opening of that inscription, and darkness opened before him.


    "How can I enter this? I''m toorge. Will it handle it?"


    He put his hand inside the hole in the cut-off body part. He felt no resistance, and it was so deep it should''ve touched the floor yet it didn''t.


    "Yeah, I''m defely toorge to fit through-"


    Mori saw it happen again, Ma?l''s mark taking over his body in less than a second.


    In what must''ve been a total of three seconds, she got him through the hole in his arm.

 Chapter 84: [Into The Abyss]

    Darkness clouded everything, like a thin mist, a veil set upon everything he set his eyes on.


    It felt like walking at night with only the moon to guide him, but that moon was slightly hidden behind clouds that just wouldn''t let it properly shine through.


    He could see, but just enough.


    He was standing on a very t ground, and the scenery all around him was simr. Some mountains could be seen very far, on one side.


    Theiryout could easily be seen, as it looked as if a thin white light had outlined them.


    Mori finally looked up, the sky had no clouds hiding any moon.


    Rather, it was the moon hiding a sun.


    "A total eclipse?" he asked himself.


    It looked like it, he could see the white outline of the sun around a ck circle, which could''ve been a moon.


    That moon, however, didn''t look like it moved at all. It looked like they were stuck in that position.


    "So, if we were to walk further we would only see a partial eclipse?" asked Mori.


    This is all you will see, no matter where you are. The higher you go, the more light you get. Those mountains are highly fought for by most of us.


    Her thoughts resonated through his mind, it felt like whispers softly spoken into his ear.


    "I expected you toe out once we''re in here."


    A feeling he now easily recognize took over from the tip of his fingers, expanding upon his body.


    Ma?lstrom''s mark extended over his body in a matter of a single second.


    Without any warning, he was propelling himself forward, pushing against the ground as he hovered inches above it.


    He was going at a considerable speed, yet not the fastest he had seen her make him go.


    The scenery was flying past them at a decent pace. For one, he saw a single tree; it was dead. Something wasid against it, it look humanoid but he couldn''t exactly tell.


    That was one of the few trees he saw, his immediate environment was mainly stone.


    The ground barely had any dirt, he could feel it as he pushed against it with his feet.


    "Where are we going?" he asked.


    A little further.


    She made him run for what felt like minutes, but ultimately, was less than one.


    In the ground he saw a spot where it looked like rocks copsed, there was a hole through which she made him crawl inside.


    While he hesitated, trying to pull back, she was the one in control, forcing him in.


    "Wh-"


    His mouth was forcefully shut, as she made him sit inside that small space that must''ve been at most two by two meters wide.


    What is it? Why are we here?


    We need to wait for a few reasons. One of them is that you need to recover some of you cursed energy, now that we''re here.


    Can''t we do that on the way?


    Yes, but wouldn''t we rather risk being caught on the way with cursed energy than not? Also, you need to make that hex on Aura''s neck resonate, can''t do that without cursed energy.


    You''re right.


    Mori doubted this was the whole reason, but regaining some of his lost cursed energy would be wise.


    I''ll harvest at the same time.


    You want to attract everything here while you have nothing?


    I''ve harvested before, for years. Nothing bad happened.


    Yeah, you did, but not from inside this ce. Please. One thing at a time.


    Please?


    Mori could tell something was wrong. Just not what.


    It mattered little, he sat against the stone in the hole he was hiding in, and closed his eyes.


    He tried opening his profile, his hand hovering before him, yet nothing appeared, quickly reminding him the profile wouldn''t work in this ce.


    He had no idea on how to know how much mana he had left, almost always relying on the system for such things.


    He sighed and sat there his head resting against the wall.


    Thoughts were scrolling in his mind.


    "Who''s that?" he asked.


    She didn''t answer, staying silent.


    "You''re ignoring me again?" he asked.


    He raised both eyebrows, almost surprised.


    "Oh, I guess you''re making mee down there? In whatever corner of my mind you are?"


    He waited a moment. The ce he was in truly kept everything quiet, he could hear his own breathing and heart beating.


    "So be it."


    He closed his eyes and searched through his mind for a whirlpool.


    After so many back and forth, he knew the way. It was his own mind he was navigating, and while the process felt weird, finding that ce he couldn''t ess wasn''t too hard.


    That ''closed off'' corner where he needed to enter through that whirlpool, acting as its door.


    As soon as he found himself in front of it, he jumped in. Another process he had gotten used to.


    As Mori descended once more, he was able to slow his descent, making a softnding into the same old inn.


    Sure enough, she was right there, in front of the firece, staring at the mes.


    "You really can''t get enough of me, huh?" she said.


    Mori walked in between the fire and her, standing with his arms crossed.


    She was draped in a see-through nightgown, yet no shyness emanated from her at all as her body was so easily revealed.


    It would''ve been weird, if he didn''t remember what she initially looked like, whening out of his arm.


    "So, who is that person you''re thinking of?" he asked.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I saw it clearer than your body through those clothes. At this point, why bother wearing anything?"


    "Huh? You want me to get naked?"


    "You already are. Don''t think you can change the topic, who''s that person?"


    "Eh. Nobody to worry about. Why? Are you jealous? A woman''s thoughts are private, you should know that."


    Mori stood still, his eyes piercing through hers.


    "So insistent," she said.


    She re-crossed her legs the opposite side.


    "Alright, you''re insisting this much..."


    "You could barely hide him, your thoughts basically screaming at me what he looked like."


    "I told you about the hierarchy earlier. There are others like me who are at the top. He''s one of them."


    "What''s the problem, then?"


    "Who''s to say there''s a problem?"


    "The way you were thinking about him says there''s a problem."


    ¡ª


    "Are you guys talking about me?"


    ¡ª


    Mori and Ma?l raised their eyebrows at the same time.


    In an extremely violent manner, Mori exited Ma?l''s space, and opened his eyes to the dark hole he was hiding it.


    The voice who talked was right next to him, yet this ce was too dark to discern anything.


    Not only t hat, he didn''t hear hime down there at all.


    Ma?l took over his body in a split second, rushing him through the hole yet as half of his body was out, someone grabbed his wrist, yanking him back down against the wall on the floor.


    Mori coughed and groaned, as Ma?l made him sweep for a leg, yet he made no contact.


    She then did a high kick,but once again only brushed against air.


    "Really? You leave me for so long and try to hurt me the moment you''re back?!" said the voice.


    "Jax," replied Ma?l through Mori''s voice.


    It sounded unnatural. Her voice resonated through his. It was shaky, his own voice underneath hers. Having someone else use his voice was an unpleasant experience.


    She stopped moving; the voice came from right before them, even though nothing could be seen.


    Slowly, a smile drew itself in the darkness. It looked devious, the shark-like teeth describing an arching smile while the rest of his face wasn''t even visible.


    "Wh-"


    Mori''s jaw clenched up.


    "Oh. Having trouble with your newfound body?" asked the floating smile.


    "He''s feisty, but I have him under control."


    "Ohoh. Why do you even coexist? You have a soft spot for... this? I know he''s a sovereign, but... ehh," said Jax.


    "He''s promising. Also, anyone who can get me further from you will do."


    His arching smile widened.


    "You and I, it''s forever. You can''t escape this ce. It''s futile. He will die eventually, and you''ll find yourself right back here, with me. Just ept it."


    She slowly made him get up.


    "Wow. You seem... upset, Jax. Are you overwhelmed by my rejection? That I''m inside someone else? Well, speaking of that, he''s been inside me as well, so..."


    Mori who barely cared for the lover''s quarrel was taken aback by thatstment.


    He was stunned, out of words.


    He could slowly see as the Jax''s smile was slowly fading.


    As it reached a frown, it went right back up, as if nothing happened..


    "Haha! Good one! You wouldn''t. Trying to upset me, but for what purpose? You''re mine. Nobody has ever been closer than us two, you know it."


    The smile seemingly went backward into the stone, slowly fading into the darkness the same eery way it hade out of it, leaving Mori alone with the darkness and Ma?l.

 Chapter 85: [Through The Abyss]

    As some time passed, the events that had just happened started to settle.


    Mori could''ve let it go, but he didn''t care enough to worry about Ma?l''s feelings.


    "Who was that?" he asked.


    Jax.


    "Yeah, you did mention that earlier. So what, did I steal you from him?"


    "To steal me, you would have to voluntarily choose to take me from someone, but I''m the one who got into you by force. You tell me who stole who. Poor Aura."


    "At least Aura won''t act like this guy. You have weird taste, but I guess your choices are limited down here. By the way, what''s the name of this ce?"


    Everyone calls it differently depending where they''re from. It doesn''t matter much, call it whatever you want.


    "Alright."


    Time was weird. The sun wasn''t moving in the sky, and there was no clouds.


    The perpetual eclipse made it hard to know how much time passed, sometimes tricking Mori''s brain subconsciously.


    It felt like he still just arrived, but it must''ve been hours, now.


    He got up, and got his hand through the hole in the ground, between the rocks.


    "Get me out?" he asked.


    Quickly, a stormy brand took over his body, getting him through this hole she got him into.


    Nothing changed, the same old ins.


    He got his hand up, in front of him, and chains pierced through the ground going up.


    He grabbed them and swirled them around his body, dissimting them under his clothes.


    Why don''t you use those chains on me, huh?


    "Why don''t you ask Jax to do it?"


    Mori couldn''t hear her thoughts, but could feel the coldnessing from them, which drew a faint smile on his face.


    He was walking in a random direction, the scenery forever repetitive.


    "Why is there so many bodies lying around? Some of them barely even look human anymore."


    Some of them aren''t human. Anyone can end up in here. But most of those you see mostly just gave up.


    Those ''corpses'' were lying around, sometimes easy to miss and at other times watching him walk by.


    Their bodies oftentimes deformed. One of them almost looked fused into the dead tree it was resting against.


    Body parts were missing, and looked different from what they should have. They were turning into those eldritch creatures Mori harvested.


    "Time is slower in here than out there, isn''t it?"


    There was a brief pause before Ma?l answered.


    Indeed. How did you know?


    Mori chuckled.


    "Of course it is. This ce is perfect for harvesting, it would take me less time than it ever would outside. Especially since I''m already in here.


    Fast? No. Around the same time. But it will yield better results.


    "If time is slower I can spend more time harvesting while not much time has passed outside." Find more chapters on m_v l|e-NovelBin


    She chuckled. He could hear it. She wasughing.


    He hated thatugh, but it''s not like he could''ve shut her up.


    Ah. Okay. Whether I spend 5 minutes out here or the equivalent of 5 minutes outside, but here, it will be the same thing. Makes sense.


    Mori had a smallugh at himself for going over something this basic.


    Better results sounded like a good enough incentive to start harvesting.


    However, he quickly reminded himself that wasn''t his main goal.


    "How do we do this?" asked Mori.


    Find the hex you''ve set into her brand, make it resonate through here, and we''ll pierce the veil wherever that is.


    How the fuck does someone do that?


    "Well, a good thing is that we''re not rushed for time. I''d like to find somewhere to rest at eventually, but the only ce that stands out is those mountains further."


    Through his voice, she spoke back.


    "You''re not the only one who thinks that way. It will cause us more problems than it would solve, and it''s not morefortable."


    Mori sighed and simply sat down on the dried soil.


    He rubbed his eyes and massaged his forehead.


    He let himself fall backward, using his single arm as a pillow, while he looked directly up.


    Watching an eclipse was ill advised, but his eyes felt perfectly fine.


    He closed his eyes for a moment, and without realizing it, fell into a slumber while pondering his options.


    Through the sleep''s veil a voice pierced through, reaching Mori as he was going through a dreamless rest.


    Pulled out, like a fish out of the sea, he opened his eyes and sat upright.


    Sitting a little further was an old man.


    He was smiling while watching him wake up.


    Surprise took over Mori, but no rm rang in his head.


    Ma?l also wasn''t talking, which lead him to believe this man wasn''t dangerous.


    "Do you just enjoy watching people sleep?" asked Mori.


    The old manughed, while rubbing his beard.


    He wore a ck robe, most of it looking like rags used by time. Some parts had work done, trying to fix it, yet it still was in a poor state.


    Besides the pale skin and white hair every older person had, nothing really stood out from him, besides his smile.


    It was the first being he saw smile, not counting Jax''s.


    "It''s not every day a sovereignes around..."


    His voice was shaky, and trembled slightly, yet felt reliable.


    It was as if every word was weighted mentally before being spoken.


    "You know of other sovereigns who''vee here?" asked Mori.


    "There''s been a few... I believe you''ve already met Jax. He was one."


    Mori''s eyebrows shot up. "Really?"


    "Oh yes."


    "How about Ma?l?"


    "Is she causing you trouble? She wasn''t a sovereign, no..."


    "She is. But she''s proven herself useful so far," said Mori.


    "Well, at least there''s that..."


    "Why are you here?" asked Mori.


    The old man was pensive for a moment, but eventually found his answer.


    "It''s like watching a stillke for weeks until, one day, you notice a ripple. It''s only natural to be curious about those things."


    "What if I was dangerous?" asked Mori.


    "Well, I don''t think that would change much... Remember, I''m here too. This isn''t exactly paradise, is it?"


    Mori was surprised, but nodded. The old man was right.


    This ce wasn''t for ''good'' people.


    "So this is where I''ll end up? Like Jax?" asked Mori.


    "The chances are high, yes. People like you tend to end up here."


    "People like me?"


    The old man''s tone was friendly, calm and serene, yet the words he spoke were sharp and pointy.


    "Don''t take it personally. Sovereigns that get their strength from this ce don''t usually end up anywhere else. I''m only going on a wild run, here, but I would guess by now you''ve already caused your load of pain out there."


    The old man raised both hands up, still smiling.


    "Nobody in here is better than anyone else. Don''t worry. However, if there''s still a chance for you, maybe you should change your ways."


    Mori''s surprised look turned into a cold stare.


    "I don''t n on changing anything. I''ll kill everyst human."


    "Ah. Suicide?"


    "What?"


    "At the end, you''ll be thest remaining human. Will you kill yourself then?" he asked.


    Mori was surprised by the question, before the man made anotherment.


    "That must be why Ma?l seems to like you."


    "I''d rather you keep my name out of your mouth," said Ma?l through Mori''s mouth.


    The old man raised both arms again.


    "There there, it was just a guess, didn''t know it would strike close to the target."


    "What did you mean? Why do you think she likes me?" asked Mori, ignoring Ma?l.


    "Her motivations have been the same as yours. That''s most likely why she isn''t hostile to you. Good for your mind and your body," he said.


    Ma?l''s brand started taking over Mori''s body, as the man slowly got up with his palms facing Mori again, seemingly backing up.


    "There there, I''m going. Good meeting you, young man. No need to get so worked up, Ma?l."


    The old man started walking away, stopped by Mori''s words.


    "What''s your name?" he asked.


    The old man turned around, smiling.


    "Heh. Just call me anything you want. That''s what everyone does. Was good meeting you, Mori."


    The man turned around, leaving without saying another word.


    Mori lied on his back again, staring at the eclipse.


    "I should''ve asked him to help me find that hex on Aura''s neck."


    "He''s not as nice as you think. Regardless of nice, he wouldn''t be able to help, anyway."


    "Do you know anyone who could?" asked Mori.


    "Yeah, I know someone who would most likely be able to make this happen," replied Ma?l through his voice.


    "Great. I guess I''ll rest some more, and whenever Ie back to, we could find that person."


    Mori could feel his energy replenishing, it didn''t require intense concentration.


    He felt it through his body. He had gotten so used to having no cursed energy, that now that it was there the contrast struck him like day and night.


    Resting only meant umting more cursed energy, which wasn''t a bad thing.


    "So, who will we be looking for?" asked Mori.


    "Jax."

 Chapter 86: [Unsettling lands]

    "So, that Jax is like an ex boyfriend, or something?" asked Mori.


    "Something like that."


    The scene would''ve been unsettling for most.


    It looked as if Mori talked to himself, changing his voice to the personality that answered.


    Lucky for them, nobody was around to witness it.


    Even if someone was, he wouldn''t have cared much about what they thought.


    The whole ce was like a wastnd. A very low-visibility one.


    Mori could adjust himself to the low light, now that he had ess to his magic again.


    It felt weird, not being able to use the system at all, but ultimately, a little bit of concentration was all he needed.


    He had already ''mastered'' not using the system, but he did like using it to keep track of things.


    Visualizing the curses he could use also helped with the decision-making.


    Remembering them wasn''t that hard too, he hadn''t gained a new spell since he woke up from the years of harvesting; he had more than enough time to look at them dozens of times, if not hundreds.


    He walked past many noteworthy things, as anything standing out was.


    This ce wasn''t the worst, he thought.


    It''s just that 90% of it is dried dirt, or rocks.


    Thest 10% was pretty good, but spaced out so much that it mattered little.


    "For now, I''ll keep trying by myself. But if we get no results, I might have to ask this Jax."


    "He''s at the top of one of those mountains," she replied.


    "Good to know."


    They kept walking, going past several small patches of grass and trees.


    "So, what''s the deal with this ce?" asked Mori.


    "Awless realm left to itself is what it is."


    "And what about the trees, and grass, and all of that. Something can grow, if it did here. Why not try to regrow things somewhere, and settle there?" he asked.


    "You can try, but it won''tst long before someonees and takes that from you. There''s a hierarchy, I''ve told you."


    Mori kicked a pebble as he walked, in thought.


    ess to this realm is actually useful. Time not being the same would let me ponder ns or refill mana in what would feel like a breeze in the other realm.


    It all made sense, and this realm could truly be a tool for his sess, or he thought.


    He finally stopped walking.


    He was getting past yet another dead tree, deciding to sit against it.


    He sat on the hard ground, and closed his eyes.


    How hard can it be?


    He had gotten many hexes out, since he woke up from harvesting.


    He used them for multiple things, but mostly used them on corpses. Some of them likely still giving a hard time to anyone trying to deal with them.


    What he needed, however, was a grasp on the one he specifically set into Aura''s brand.


    What did it feel like? What did it smell like?


    He concentrated on that moment he got it out. His memory was good, but even that had its limits.


    He remembered Aura''s perfume. What she was wearing that day, and what she looked like. Her expression when he set the brand, her reaction, the words she spoke.


    Mori could feel it.


    He set a lot of things loose, in this world. Those things weren''t free.


    Like a chain going from his hands to their neck, they were under his rule.


    He was the sovereign.


    Those hexes could be close, or far, that''s how he''s controlled them until now.


    Some of them he could feel, aimlessly walking throughndscapes he couldn''t tell from where he was.


    Were they walking in a forest? A desert? They could''ve been at the bottom of the sea, for all he knew.


    The one he needed to find wouldn''t be active.


    It wouldn''t be walking, running, crawling, nothing. Aura was at aplete rest, but even if she wasn''t, the hex itself rested in her brand.


    Some of the chains he visualized himself holding were quiet and peaceful.


    There was no tension, not yanking or pulling.


    They were softly moving.


    He could only tell after a lot of time passed that some moved way less than others.


    The time difference made it seem like most chains were immobile, but that wasn''t exactly the case.


    All he needed was to focus.


    Yet.


    He found himself standing up.


    "Ma?l." he said, annoyed.


    Her mark had overtaken him again.


    His eyes now opened, and his meditation disturbed, he noticed what she did before him.


    Something was slowly getting closer, and its size was colossal.


    "I need that one..."


    It must''ve been as tall as the apartment building he lived in, back in his world.


    On the horizon, it looked like a mountain moving, but that was no mountain.


    It had multiple arms, but two legs.


    Those arms were huge in diameter, almost as big as its legs which were also massive.


    In its back multiple weapons were nted there, most likely a remained of past battles.


    They looked old and in poor shape.


    Chains went from one weapon to the next, some of them dangling with other swords at the end of it.


    Its head had multiple horns serving as hair, its eyes glowing.


    Its face was basically a skull, its teeth showing at all time like a devious smile through the distance.


    It walked on all six, getting closer to Mori.


    Once it was close enough, it go up on both legs, revealing its giant size in full.


    That monstrosity was no normal enemy.


    He wouldn''t even attempt reasoning with it.


    He had never seen anything like this while ying the game. No boss fight ever came close to something of this size.


    There had been bigger opponent, but not like this.


    "What can I even do here?"


    Ma?l''s mark was still there, yet her movement matched his.


    He kept walking backward, while that monster stared at him.


    I can''t outrun that.


    You can, with my help.


    Mori smirked.


    He didn''t know if it could work. It would require some tweaking on a spell he only used once.


    Yet, it felt worth it to try.


    "I''ll fight it. Now''s your time to leave, if you want to survive," said Mori.


    Don''t worry. I''ll stay until your before-thest breath.


    Mori snapped his tongue. He had hoped she''d take that bait. Then again, she could somewhat read his thoughts, it was a desperate attempt.


    As the monster stood there before him, gauging him, Mori was doing the same.


    "Why is it just standing there?" asked Mori. "At his size he could just rush us."


    "For the same reason you''re not rushing in," replied Ma?l.


    "What do you mean?" asked Mori.


    "His colossal size and appearance is as scary as the amount of cursed energy you''re letting out, if not more. In his eyes, you''re taller than him."


    Mori smirked again, "Yet you still came..."


    He got both arms forward, palms facing it.


    As he did, the monster leaned forward, rushing forward on all six.


    The ground shook at every step, as Mori concentrated on the monster, chains attached him to the ground, stabilizing him.


    It was getting closer, and fast, yet he remained focused.


    When it''s left foot touched the ground, and his weight shifted to it from the right, chains came from the ground under it.


    The size of the chain Mori had unearthed wasn''t the same as those holding him.


    The diameter was almost asrge as the monster''s legs.


    It pierced through it and swirled around, tightly grabbing it''s left leg.


    Mori''s smirk faded, while his eyebrows raised.


    It didn''t slow down in its stride, when it came time for its left foot to move forward, it pulled the chain with it.


    It barely slowed it down, the ground still shaking as it approached.


    Mori got two other chains out, one going through one of its right arms.


    It realized Mori was aiming for it when those limbs touched the ground, and started shifting its run.


    The other additional chain missed, Mori quickly letting go of that one.


    It started running weirdly, even feinting when it would rest a hand on the ground.


    The next one he got out aimed for the center of its chest, but it easily dodged it despite two chains slowing it down.


    It was extremely close, too close.


    He was now in the danger zone.


    The monster''s most forward arm did a backward motion as it ran.


    Mori unattached the chains holding him down as its arm went downward toward him.


    Mori was yanked backward by yet another chain he controlled, that whipped him away, basically folding his body in half from the sheer speed of it.


    He had used most of his focus on speed and strength, but little on control.


    His body ragdolled on the ground, jumping and rolling on the ground.


    The monster''s fist touched the ground, a loud low-pitch sound reverberating through the ground, like an intense localized earthquake.


    Mori''s body jumped up, Ma?l taking over to control thending.


    As he did he slid backward several meters, his eyes still fixated on the colossal giant.

 Chapter 87: [Colossal]

    Mori''s eyes weren''t getting off the giant.


    It was still pulling the chain with it, making a fair amount of noise as the dry dirt was disturbed, leaving a trail behind it.


    Mori''s concentration was higher than usual.


    He fixated on the monster, for one, and on casting spells without any assistance, or mana meter.


    He knew most of their costs, so he could keep somewhat track of it.


    The colossal titan struck the ground again, and again, making it shake and causing a ruckus.


    Mori''s bnce was kept by Ma?l, while he pointed two fingers toward the titan.


    Let''s see if this works.


    At once, around 4 more chains got out of the ground, aiming for the limbs of this titan.


    Only half of them hit, but that was good enough for Mori, who smiled.


    Yet, the titan kept going forward.


    It was in a fiery rage, thrashing around as it tried progressing forward, slightly slowed.


    Suddenly, it reached backward.


    It grabbed a sword from its back, and slowly dragged it out of it.


    It took it in its hand, and threw it at Mori.


    The size of that sword was huge.


    Mori dodged it easily, but another one came his way, forcing him to take a turn.


    The monster then grabbed two remaining swords, and threw them behind him.


    Mori was yet again in front of the monster, but as he turned around on himself, realized he was boxed in.


    Mori was slightly struggling but closed his eyes for a moment.


    He pointed two fingers at the monster, a giant sword piercing the sky again.


    This time, the absence of clouds allowed him to see it in its entirety.


    It was truly a sight.


    It was slightly smaller than the monster, a goal he desperately tried to aplish.


    A sword as big as the one that destroyed Dustriver would cause him more problems than it would solve, but this size should work perfectly.


    "You''re a ruler too, now."


    Mori looked around once more, the four swords that the monster had thrown had a chain linking them up.


    Most likely the one he saw hanging on its back.


    Mori looked up a second time.


    Did it start falling, or not?


    The sword seemed like it started falling, but the speed at which it did was painfully slow.


    He was backing up, but the monster kept walking forward.


    Mori''s back was soon going to hit the chains.


    "Jump over it," he said.


    "How about you do it?" replied Ma?l.


    "Just do it."


    He heard a shortugh.


    "Remember, you let me take over. I''m the one in charge here. I help when I feel like it, and when I don''t, you''ll have to beg me for it."


    Really?!


    Really.


    I don''t need you. Fine, let me handle this.


    Mori got his hands up again, ready to conjure more chains.


    He could see it in slow motion.


    The monster''s eyes lit up, as if a fiery ball ignited inside them.


    The air whistled, its arm faster than Mori had ever seen before.


    Its fist itself was of an immense size.


    Mori had no time to think, the fist would reach him in less than a split second.


    It approached quickly, its size blocking his visionpletely.


    It mattered little.


    All he could think of, in that split second, is curse himself and brace for impact.


    However, it felt as if time slowed.


    Ma?l''s mark took over his whole body, and took control by force.


    It was as if Mori was pushed back into his own mind.


    Invisible bars restraining him from acting, reacting, or even talking.


    It wasn''t his body anymore.


    It was hers.


    In that short instant, she jumped while spinning, punching the giant fisting toward them.


    The air split, dust raising from the ground as a shockwave was emitted from the point of impact.


    It looked like two unstoppable forces meeting each other.


    They both recoiled the same way. The monster''s arm slowly retracted while Ma?l reached the ground.


    She started running at speed even faster than what he had seen in the dungeon.


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    He could only tell by the degree at which everything else seemed to blur.


    He just couldn''t focus on details at all, but some of it was also due to Ma?l''s focus.


    Her hawk eyes were looking left and right.


    She was paying attention to its shoulder, its fist, its elbow, its knees, its feet, its eyes, and she swept the area once in a while.


    Mori would''ve felt dizzy if he could, at that time.


    The most impressive part was the colossal giant keeping up with her.


    He spun around, easily keeping up with her.


    He threw a punch again, another shockwave emitted as Ma?l punched right back.


    In the next instant, Mori witnessed as several shockwaves repeatedly hit them.


    His hair was pushed backwards each time, while his clothes had the same treatment.


    Ma?l kept the pace up, making sure she would regain the ground each time and be ready to hit back at the next punch, which she easily matched in speed and strength.


    She pushed off the ground once more. It looked as if she would match his punch again, yet this time she propelled herself higher.


    The giant''s fist started going slightly higher, but it realized it way toote, she was already on top of its fist, running up its arm.


    Its skin was dry and almost volcanic. The heat it was expelling was considerable, it felt suffocating when on top of it, like this.


    She was at its elbow, running toward the shoulder as it used one of its other hands to try and hit them off it.


    Ma?l had anticipated that move, already prepared to jump over it.


    As she did, Mori could hear the sound of the fist scraping against the shoulder under them.


    As she was falling back down on its face, she punched it with all her might, a loud noise echoing, as if lightning had struck beside them.


    It almost seemed as if space itself barely handled that hit, while the monster''s entire body seemed to be absorbing the shock.


    Its feet sunk into the ground, cracks emanating from them for hundreds of meters.


    Mori, still controlled by Ma?l, was on top of his face.


    She was looking at him, but quickly jumped down, dodging all its arms that were heading for her.


    She finally looked up, the sword Mori had cast was going to reach it.


    Slowly, it did.


    It tried moving out of the way, but it was as if the sword was attached to it, only getting reeled in.


    He couldn''t dodge it.


    It slowly pierced through its back, loud sound resembling those of paining out of its mouth.


    Something Mori couldn''t anticipate however, happened.


    No way.


    Four of its arms reached toward its back, grabbing the handle of the sword as it was going through its torso.


    Slowly, it started pulling it out.


    The fire in its eyes looked even more intense.


    What are you doing?! You''ll let it take it out?


    Ma?l seemed unsure, but as it was only halfway out, she sprinted toward the monster.


    She was in its reach, ready to jump up to punch its torso.


    It looked as if the monster was smiling, despite it being unable to, for theck of a mouth.


    In an instant, it got the sword all the way out and swept horizontally with it.


    It wielded that sword as if it was nothing in that moment.


    She had already started the whole range of motions to jump.


    Instead of trying to stop it, she tried adding more power to it.


    The ground shook like an earthquake hit it, a crater seemingly forming right then and there.


    She would reach the monster before the sword ever got close to them.


    What?


    She had barely made it halfway up that she connected her punch with its skull.


    The colossal giant had leaned into it.


    It barely made an impact, she was uncontrobly falling toward the ground as the giant was making yet another attempt at sweeping at them using the sword.


    Mori, despite being caged in his body, was able to getchains out of the ground. They grabbed his hand, swirling around it and pulling, but not fast enough.


    The sword struck them.


    The chains pulled them out of the edge''s path, but the de still hit them, sending them spinning to the ground.


    His body rolled several times beforeing to a stop, next to one of the swords the monster had thrown earlier.


    As Ma?l painfully got up, they saw as the monster used the conjured sword to break the chains binding its limbs.


    Good. So now it''s going to be faster and more mobile.


    And stronger.


    Stronger?


    Cursed chains. The spell I used to contain myself, before some demonfolk named Xannos used an inscription to seal those portals on my body. They have sealing properties, and now that they''re off, he''s most likely at full strength now.


    And you gave it a sword.

 Chapter 88: [Chains]

    "It won''t stay forever," said Mori.


    He concentrated again, closing his eyes for a moment.


    The monster almost predicted it, dodging the new massive chains popping out of the ground.


    They kept doing in the same direction, toward the swords that came from its back, nted around them.


    Four sets of chains headed for the four swords, when it realized it, it quickly swung its sword at one of them and broke it.


    He was toote. Mori had tightly grabbed the handle of the other 3, unearthing them and quickly throwing them back toward the monster.


    He quickly got the Damocles sword backward, ready to swing at all three of them.


    As soon as they were in range, he quickly swept horizontally.


    All three des thrown by Mori''s chains hit its chest.


    The Damocles sword was gone, leaving the monster empty-handed.


    It didn''t scream in anger or grunted in pain. It looked surprised, and its eyes looked of an even brighter red than ever.


    Mori quickly got new chain out from under it, profiting from the surprise caused.


    He grabbed both feet, quickly swirling around them while new chains wereing out of the ground to grab its other limbs.


    It had four arms, and two legs.


    As both its legs were taken, it quickly started getting the thrown weapons out of his chest, but barely got one out before chains attached to one of its arms.


    Then another, and another. It only had time to throw back one sword at Mori before it was brought to the ground, the chains tightly pulling the monster down.


    Mori easily dodged the projectile, moving sideways.


    The ground shook as its body hit it. It was still struggling to get up, fighting the chains with its only avable arm.


    Mori finally grabbed thatst one, bringing the monster t to the ground onest time.


    It was still struggling, but unable to raise anymore.


    The amount of chains holding it down, paired with their sealing properties, was simply too much.


    Mori slowly approached, but he was unsure of what to do.


    He got closer and closer, getting meters away from its face.


    He wasn''t even as tall as one of its eyes, an opponent he was d not to face earlier on his journey.


    He sat on the ground, waiting.


    "What now?" asked Ma?l, in a sigh.


    "Almost out of cursed energy. We need to wait. The chains should hold."


    Her mark receded, leaving Mori alone in the control of his body.


    As he sat down, he felt exhaustion overtaking him.


    In an instant, it felt like fire had lit over his body, that he lost control over his muscles.


    He fell backward on the ground, t on his back, while breathing slowly.


    He closed his eyes tightly, enduring the pain, while trying to mentally conjure a curse that would take the pain away.


    He had done it plenty of times, but he had to cast it from memory while he felt like he was on fire.


    Lying there on the ground, he was simply left to himself.


    He was unable to concentrate, unable to move or even speak.


    He lied there in pain, until he finally passed out, next to the monster''s face.


    He felt a slight relief, as pain stopped, but it was only for a short moment, as he found himself back with Ma?l.


    He looked around the room, nothing had changed, beside her outfit.


    It was even more provocative than thest time, which was truly a surprise. Was the next step to forego clothes?


    She was once again, sat legs crossed in front of the firece, nkly staring into it.


    Mori sat in the opposing armchair in silence.


    "You really can''t take your eyes off me, huh?"


    "You''re the only other person in this room."


    "You''re having a hard time with self-control, huh?"


    "I''m doing pretty good, actually."


    She turned her head toward him, she was smiling.


    "You''re going at great lengths to annoy your ex," said Mori.


    She sighed, while shaking her head.


    "Oh, you''re upset," she said.


    She did her ssic move, recrossing her legs on the opposite side, testing Mori''s strength.


    He kept the eye contact going, however.


    "You''re practically naked," he said.


    "I''m... wearing clothes, though?"


    "They''re very see-through, so not really."


    Sheughed.


    "It''s not the same."


    She crossed her arms on her chest.


    "It''s always better to be wearing something, anything. There''s nothing to explore, nothing to discover when someone''s naked, it takes some thrill out of it. Makes the person look less attractive, even."


    "And what, are you hoping to rebound from Jax here?"


    "Stop being so jealous," she said, smirking.


    She got up, walking toward Mori.


    She climbed onto his armchair, sitting on hisp.


    She was holding his shoulders while sustaining his stare.


    "Are you this insecure?" she asked.


    "Do I look like the insecure type? It does not matter to me. At least now I know your motives."


    "You think my motivation is to make Jax jealous."


    "Am I wrong?" he asked.


    She had a shortugh, ying with Mori''s hair.


    "Ah. I am indeed trying to piss him off, but otherwise yes. It''s so human of you to be thinking this way, however."


    Mori''s expression hardened, his stare turning cold while she kept ying with his hair.


    She had another shortugh, she looked amused.


    "Wow, you truly hate them."


    "What do you think insulting me, here, will bring you?"


    "You know, maybe I was wrong about you."


    "Wouldn''t surprise me."


    "I thought you were the logical type, but you''re the emotional type."


    Mori''s cold expression turned into a frown. A fire was lit in his eyes.


    He grabbed her shoulders tightly, trying to push her while standing up yet was unable to.


    She remained there, sitting on hisp.


    She was smirking, amused. She got one of her hands up, a chain appearing in it. It lead to his neck, where a choker appeared.


    Mori frowned, but surprised overtook him when she leaned forward, her hands going above his head, pulling the chain backward.


    She was so close.


    He could see right into her eyes.


    It wasn''t a fire, like the monster. Nor was it cosmic, like the Unkindled. It wasn''t purposeful like Maya or pretty like Aura.


    It was empty, a ck void.


    It was lonely, a bottomless pit.


    She was so close, her nose slightly brushed against his, while she kept tightly holding the chain back.


    She let go with one hand, using it to grab Mori''s chin.


    She caressed his face, the look on her face not one of anger.


    She got closer to one of his ear.


    "You need to realize you''re not the one in control, here," she murmured in his ear.


    She gently bit his ear, her avable hand still holding his face.


    Mori was still holding her shoulders, but no amount of force used would push her away.


    She then kissed his ear.


    He found that truly weird, yet the sound and the feeling of it made something rise in his chest that he hadn''t felt in a long time.


    It felt like his heart pumped faster, that his blood ran hotter. Her lips traced down from his ear to his neck.


    He could feel her lips, and even tongue on his skin while her grasp on him became tighter.


    Her grasp on the chain was stronger, pulling him tight while her other hand was tightly holding his face. Experience more content on m v|l e''-NovelBin


    It was not the same as Aura, he realized.


    When he first met her, she would go at his neck like an animal, her primal instinct kicking in. She was like a starved puppy who had food for the first time.


    Ma?l felt starved too, but not the same way Aura was.


    As she kissed his cheek, he looked into her eyes one more time, both of them looking at the other.


    Mori leaned forward, the restraint of the choker giving in just enough, so that his lips would reach hers.


    She pushed back, pulling on the chain again, yet her lips stayed on his.


    She was tightly holding his neck, while Mori''s hand stopped pushing her back.


    He was gently holding her head, his fingers intertwined in her hair.


    His other hand gently held her thigh. Every time her tongue entered his mouth it felt like the heat rose.


    He was grabbing her tighter, pulling her toward him, but it mattered little.


    She was the one in control.


    She finally broke away, her eyes opening to his.


    They both were out of breath and took a moment.


    For the first time, Mori''s gaze went down.


    She was truly beautiful, erotically provocative, even. The see-through nightgown was entuating it, not the other way around.


    She followed his gaze down, smirking.


    She finally got up, leaving Mori on the chair.


    It felt like some of the heat dissipated as she took a few steps back.


    She didn''t hide herself, almost inviting Mori to look at her.


    "Why go to such lengths?"


    She raised her eyebrows, then rolled her eyes.


    She sat in the armchair opposing Mori.


    He tried to get up, but the chain still held him down.


    He stared into her eyes, but it felt like his heart did not know what to do.


    How could cold and empty eyes like hers belong to someone so ...gentle?

 Chapter 89: [Caged]

    Ma?l crossed her legs, her eyes set on Mori.


    She had an expression that he couldn''t totally read. Her eyes were empty, but there was still warmth somewhere in there.


    She didn''t fully hate him, or he thought. Yet, he could see traces of it here and there.


    Even now.


    "You''re truly the emotional type," she said.


    Mori frowned.


    "I''ve been quite logical so far."


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    "Oh, don''t get me wrong, I''ve seen glimpses of everything. You''re not totally dumb."


    Mori shook his head, giving up debating her choice of words.


    "But, while you''ve taken right decisions, most of them had an underlying emotional cause. You seem to take all of you decisions based on emotions."


    "Wh-... What? Are you insane?"


    "You don''t think so?"


    Ma?l''s face turned away, and faced him again while looking quite different.


    She had Aura''s face. It was a horrible sight, Aura''s head on Ma?l''s body.


    "You disgust me."


    "Wow, that''s your friend, no need to insult someone who''s not here to defend themselves," said Ma?l.


    "You know what I meant."


    "Well, I''ve done some digging on your actions, Mori. Want to know what I found out?" she asked.


    Mori wasn''t answering, but she barely even waited for an answer before continuing.


    "You''ve lived life passively, hoping one day things would improve while not doing anything to actively improve it. Only once your mother died, you started to take actions for yourself. I don''t understand everything from your world, but it''s clear working your different jobs wouldn''t just fix the issue your mom had, did it?"


    "What else could I have ever done? Nothing I could''ve done would''ve paid for those bills. Killing myself and selling the body parts wouldn''t even cover a recovery."


    "How about, for starters, digging into why she''s in that situation in the first ce? I''ve seen glimpses of your memories, and even I can tell something''s wrong in them, and I don''t even understand most of what''s happening."


    She got up and took a log, throwing it in the firece.


    The mes seemingly increased, brightening the room.


    "And every time you take a big decision, like bing an ''antagonist'', only follows your inability to act without being emotionally damaged. Your mother made you a viin. Maya''s death made you finally deal with your inaction with dustriver. And now, look at what Aura slowly dying is making you do. Isn''t it pathetic?"


    "Circumstances force me to act, you call it emotion, I call it reaction."


    "You could''ve became an antagonist before your mother''s death. You could''ve dealt with Dustriver right away. This Kindle farm strategy you came up with, you had it for a while. Why not start with it, instead of using it only when learning that Aura is unwell?"


    Mori chuckled, turning it into aughter thatsted a short moment.


    "You''re killing me. Haha, unbelievable. Context is everything. You think hitting first and asking questionster works? Sometimes, taking a step back and analyzing-"


    ck cloth straps came from behind the armchair, tightly wrapping Mori to it, thest strap gagging him.


    He fought against it, but it felt like stabbing the sea in hopes of killing poseidon.


    Whatever he tried doing was vain and futile, the little control and freedom he had was gone.


    "''Context is everything'', huh," said Ma?l.


    She feigned a shocked expression, bringing her hand before her mouth while rounding her eyes.


    She waved her arm before her face, changing it back to her own.


    She walked toward Mori again, sitting on hisp once more.


    Both her hands were on his shoulder, while she looked at him with pity and disappointment.


    "You know I''ve seen a lot of what you''ve seen. What''s the point of this?" she asked.


    She brought her palm up, a long needle appearing out of nowhere into her hand.


    In a quick motion, she brought it down into Mori''s shoulder, piercing it easily while he screamed in pain.


    His screams were muffled by the gag, yet still sounded like music to Ma?l''s ears.


    "You''re treating me like one of them, and I hate that."


    She grabbed another needle out of thin air, piercing Mori''s other shoulder.


    Another short scream left Mori, widening Ma?l''s smile.


    "This is so exciting..."


    She was tracing his face with her finger, looking into his eyes that were now slightly red.


    "I''m not one of those dregs. Aura, Maya, Le, Xannos... Don''t treat me like them, alright?"


    She leaned in, kissing Mori''s forehead gently.


    As she leaned back, Mori''s eyes were still staring at hers. She cared little, however.


    "All of them might be morons, and you''d most likely trick them. Do I look like a moron to you, Mori? Am I a stupid bitch, Mori?"


    Without waving her hand, or looking away, she remained inches from Mori''s face while changing.


    Her face turned into Maya''s dead face. It turned into Torynn, into Jeff''s kid, into his mom.


    And that''s where she stopped.


    With his mom''s face.


    "What is it? I can''t hear you, with this in your mouth."


    Mori''s insults and rage were ones of the worst kind. The kind he couldn''t act on. He could only stay there, and endure it, while she seemingly mocked him.


    "Yeah, maybe you think I''m as stupid as her, huh?"


    She had a shortugh. "You look like you want to kill me."


    She got up, and walked around the room, her face changing into different people Mori had met. Most of them he recognized.


    "See, you''re here, lying to me about something you know I know. Right. Like, how would you like it if I argued here and now, that I''m not the one who stabbed your shoulders?"


    Mori stayed still, looking at her face changing shapes.


    "You knew what was happening. It''s not that you didn''t know, it''s that you didn''t want to know. With you mother, with Maya, with Aura, with everyone really. You''d let everyone die and take action after the fact. That''s how you operate. That''s what you''ve done so far."

 Chapter 90: [In control]

    Ma?l was still walking around the room, half-naked, but wore her own face.


    Her usual deep ck eyes, with dark features contouring her otherwise pale visage.


    She had undone Mori''s gag, but he remained silent.


    His eyes following Ma?l provocatively walking around, yet his mind wasn''t set on her at all.


    It was like watching a car crash, he couldn''t look away.


    While his eyes emptily followed her around, he was reminiscing.


    About the good old days.


    Were they good, however?


    He recalled the good moments, and the worst ones, but what was this feeling?


    Ah.


    Shame.


    It was weird, wasn''t it, how they searched his house from top to bottom looking for ''files'' his mother could''ve left there.


    And why would they keep her on life-support when they could treat her? Was fairness really an issue, if she was their most prized employee, that made them rich beyond their wildest dreams?


    It was obvious something weird was happening, but what if nothing did? Why risk everything investigating something while his mother was still alive? Shouldn''t he be focusing on the person alive, before him?


    And that glitching screen tranting her thoughts. A high-techpany that ran the world, unable to trante her thoughts properly?


    "I knew you were the emotional type, but I thought you wouldn''t y pretend with me."


    "What have you figured out about my mother?" he suddenly asked.


    "Nothing you can''t figure out yourself. Here, I''ll help you. You''ve beenfortable a bit too long."


    She pped her hands, and the decor started swirling around, so fast it became a blur of shades, before turning into a room Mori could''ve recognized among any other.


    He had spent too much time there.


    That beeping noise that echoed in the room, and the sterile smell.


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    The hospital room his mother died in, down to every detail.


    She even put a bowl of porridge on a tter further, some of it still on the ground.


    Ma?l brought a chair closer to Mori''s armchair, which was the only thing that hadn''t changed in the room.


    She was still smiling, while Mori''s eyes were still looking around the room.


    He looked at every detail, recalling moments he wished he could live again.


    The redness in his eyes remained, but the expression had changed from anger to sadness.


    "Why are you torturing me?" asked Mori, suddenly looking at Ma?l.


    "Because you deserve it."


    Mori diverted his eyes again, studying his environment as if a test woulde the next day about it.


    "I get it."


    "Do you?"


    "Yes. You were right. I''m hopeful."


    "Hopeful?"


    "I hope things don''t go wrong, while they''re going wrong. Once they do, I try to fix it. I hope for the best amidst the worst. I think that flower in the middle of a battlefield could have a chance, and when it''s crushed I feel crushed with it too."


    "How human of you," she replied.


    Mori''s nostalgic expression turned to wrath as she said that sentence, his eyebrows furrowing.


    "You''re human too," said Mori.


    Ma?l''s expression went nk, and turned into an uncontrolledughter, pping her thighs.


    "Hahahaha, you... you..."


    Confusion overtook him as he tried his best not to let it show through.


    "I look human to you? After everything you''ve seen?"


    "You were once, at least."


    "I''ve never been human, Mori," she said, in between short breaths.


    Her smile was wide, her amused expression brightly lifting her face.


    "So far you''ve taken traits I''ve seen to change your body. You most likely picked them from people I''ve met. This face, however, that you''re wearing now, I''ve never seen it. Not even once, as I walked down the street."


    "Oh, all the sudden your memory is quite good, huh?"


    "I''d remember someone like you."


    "I''m still not human, but good try."


    "I don''t believe you''re native to this dimension," he said.


    "You''re right. Almost nothing is, actually. Jax, the old man, this monster, me, you..."


    "What are you, then? Why do you hate humans? You look exactly like one."


    "I''m a high human."


    Mori''s face turned into a severely confused expression.


    If he could''ve grabbed his forehead, he would have.


    "You mean High elf?"


    She frowned.


    "What makes you think I''m an elf?"


    He looked at her again, she indeed didn''t have any striking features an elf would have. She was also missing that uncanny ''too perfect'' appearance.


    "What..."


    "High Human. Not one of those dregs you''re rightfully dragging off the face of that realm."


    "I thought..."


    "That I was like you? I''m not."


    "You''re the same. Changing the name from human to high human doesn''t change who you are."


    She raised her eyebrows.


    "I will stop you there. High humans, high elves, high dwarves, high fairies, high demons... and I''m missing quite a few here, they all exist. Not just the elves, despite what you might think."


    Mori''s gaze went down as he processed what he heard, the concept truly stomping him.


    High humans?


    The beep of the monitor was getting on his nerves, however. He hoped she would change the room, but he knew bringing that topic would most likely make her keep it longer.


    "Let me say right now, nothing, of all of this, is what upsets me. It''s the fact that you lied to me, knowing I''d know you''re lying. Gaslighting, they call it in your world, right? For that reason, I can''t quite forgive you right now."


    "Huh," said Mori. "So even you can get upset."


    "This is quite ironic, if only you knew me. Well, this was a good talk, Mori, but I''m done with you for now."


    Mori sighed, and closed his eyes.


    He focused on his cursed energy like he had done the previous time. He could feel it even better this time.


    But it wasn''t moving.


    No updraft was bringing him back, no storm was taking him away.


    He was still sitting in an armchair, in a hospital room.


    Ma?l was sitting before him again.


    "You still think you''re in charge?You''re the one who let me in, don''t look so surprised."


    She leaned forward, kissing his lips one more time,as wind stormed around the room, raising her toward the ceiling.

 Chapter 91: [Ice Sovereign]

    Noise kept increasing outside of Evie''s tent.


    Her tent was the biggest, with the most trivial things in it. From her bed, to wardrobes, drawers or a few cooking stoves.


    She was sleeping in; her face hiding under the nket as she tried ignoring the racket.


    Vroto was at the entrance, clearing his voice while knocking on one of the knockers.


    "You can''t pretend to be asleep the whole time," he said.


    He took a few steps in, and sat on a chair.


    "I sure can," she replied.


    Vroto deeply sighed.


    "You''ll die alone with no kids if you don''t fix your attitude."


    "Why do you care about me having kids?"


    "It''s hard to believe someone raised you and that''s how you turned out."


    Evie rolled her eyes under the nket, while turning around under it, her back toward Vroto.


    "Can''t you tell them to make less noise?" she asked.


    "How about you help them fight the cursed sovereign''s puppets?"


    "Why? We gave them weapons that could deal with those ck things. They don''t need me."


    "What kind of leader sleeps while people fight for them?"


    "I am no leader."


    "That''s clear."


    Vroto took a look around the room, it was in a real mess.


    "It almost looks like the fighting is happening in here. How can you be this messy?!"


    "It doesn''t matter, I''ll have someone clean it up. Now leave me."


    A knight out of breath entered the tent, making Evie groan.


    "What is it?" asked Vroto. Discover stories with m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "A giant. We''ve seen it, it''s further east, heading toward a vige."


    "You have to go," said Vroto.


    "They can head there once they''re done here."


    "A giant is where we draw the line, here. That''s why you''re here."


    "He''s not even here, what''s the point. Send the military to deal with those monsters. They don''t even yield exp, we''re wasting time here. We should be scouting through the mountains to find that piece of shit."


    "I barely hear you, when you turn your back to me under a nket."


    "WE SHOULD BE SCOUTING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS TO FIND THAT PIECE OF SHIT," she yelled, without moving.


    Vroto shook his head, signaling to the knight he could go.


    "He won''t stay hidden forever, meanwhile we need to clean up this mess. There was only word of one giant, so once we''re done with it it''ll be smooth sailing."


    He took a few steps closer toward her.


    "Hello?"


    Vroto rolled his eyes.


    "Listen, I''m not your father. I''m not your friend. I''m not your babysitter. If you don''t act like the leader you''re supposed to be, then I won''t treat you like one."


    "..."


    "Fine."


    He took a few more steps, and once he reached her bed, he kicked it.


    The bed was flipped with Evie in it, who rolled a bit and stood up quickly, her face red and fists clenched.


    She was wearing her nightgown still, despite it being the middle of the day. She had gloves that stood out, white with intricate designs woven into them.


    "You''re fired," she said.


    "No, I''m not."


    "You think DiveCore-"


    "DiveCore lets you act this way because you''re useful. You''re not very useful right now, so you can''t act this way."


    "I''m a sovereign, and you''re what? Some D tier ss warrior or something? How about you make yourself useful, and go deal with that giant?"


    Vroto closed the distance in an instant, and side-kicked Evie.


    In a split second she raised her arms, blocking the blow with a thingyer of ice getting between her and Vroto.


    She slid on the floor several meters, reaching a tent wall.


    "What the f-" she started, pointing at him, furious.


    Vroto ran closer again, preparing for another kick.


    She got her arms up, this time getting a thickeryer of protective ice.


    His spin was wider, and his stance perfect, his kick hitting the ice in a loud cracking noise.


    Evie barely had time to react, she was propelled through the tent wall, creating a hole in it.


    She rolled on the ground for several seconds, beforeing to a stop against a tree.


    She stayed on the ground a moment, then painfully got up, looking at the tent from which Vroto was exiting.


    All around her, soldiers fought cursed humans. Some of them distracted by the sight of theirmander in a nightgown, in the middle of the battlefield.


    Vroto walked the distance separating them, the ground slightly cracking at every step.


    "What the hell..."


    When he was in range, he would kick.


    She raised ice pirs between her and his leg.


    His kick easily broke the ice, forcing her to keep jump backward.


    "Stop this, what the fuck-"


    She jumped backward again.


    As he was about the kick again, she aimed for his other foot that anchored him to the ground.


    The moment ice started forming on his foot, he stepped forward to dodge it, and front-kicked Evie meters backward, between soldiers still fighting.


    Most of them, however barely had time to be distracted.


    They were in groups, trying to deal with the threat the best way they knew how, while trying to keep the casualties to a minimum.


    In each group they would try to separate the cursed humans, and take them down one by one.


    She was in front of one of them. She put her knee on the ground, getting herself up while the soldiers nkly stared.


    She took her gloves off, and grabbed the cursed human''s arm.


    Quickly, ice started forming from where she touched it, quickly starting to cover its body.


    She wasn''t even looking at it, her eyes were set on Vroto.


    She carefully put her gloves in her waistband, and took several steps toward him.


    "This is what you want? Fine. I''ll tell DiveCore how I had to deal with an unexpected traitor."


    "You think you can stop me with your cursed hand?"


    "He might have cursed it, that day, but believe it or not, it works in my favor."


    "Oh, I know. One would think turning anything they touch into ice would be quite a problem. For you, all it was is an excuse to me for turning soldiers into icicles."

 Chapter 92: [The Giant]

    "So what, now you''ve had enough of me and you''ll get rid of me?" asked Evie.


    The soldiers that were around them quickly dispersed, luring their targeted cursed humans with them.


    Fighting those was better than getting in the middle of this.


    The air became cold, as if a cold breeze had just picked up.


    Vroto kept his stance, ready to strike.


    "You''re not useful to DiveCore anymore, since you refuse to do what you were hired to. Not only you refuse to perform your duties, you''re failing your team and letting them needlessly die. You''re incurring us heavy losses here."


    "Wow, a realpany''s dog. You want a treat?"


    He started walking forward, his undivided attention locked-in on her.


    "All of this because of that fucking giant?!"


    "Do you think you live the way you do for nothing? You think having the ''title'' of sovereign makes you useful to DiveCore? You could be the strongest warrior in thepany, and they would still get rid of you for being this useless."


    "You''re delusional. Do you know how many of us there is?! They''re lucky I spawned here, and that I chose to stay with them."


    Vroto could barely believe his ears.


    "The fastest horse with a broken leg doesn''t get a treat, Evie. You should know that. You''re not running anymore, and so I guess it''s time to put you down."


    Evie''s shock expression was a sight for sore eyes, on Vroto''s side.


    Her hands were slightly trembling, as she held them up toward Vroto.


    "What the fuck do you know?!"


    "I know you''re scared."


    "What th-"


    "I''ve been there too, but not for the same reason. When your life actually hangs in the bnce, it feels different. I know you don''t want to deal with the giant, but you have to."


    "I''m not scared of-"


    "-However. There is only so much dying you can do. Thepany will want to know if their horse has a broken leg. If you do, you''ll be put down, you understand that, right?"


    "What?! Of course, I know..."


    Vroto crossed his arms on his chest, while shaking his head.


    Evie''s hands were still trembling, while her toes gripped the dirt.


    "Get dressed, we''re dealing with the giant," he said, turning around.


    "What?! Now you''re scared of me?!"


    He ignored herment, and tilted his head left, dodging the poorly tossed icicle sent his way.


    "You have fifteen minutes to get dressed and ready to move."


    Evie stood there, watching Vroto leave, holding her stance.


    In a sudden self-conscious surge, she realized she was barely wearing anything out in the open.


    She looked left and right, catching soldiers ncing at her.


    "You better forget what you saw, or I''ll kill you myself."


    Most of them heard her, but those who didn''t saw the expression she had.


    She put her gloves back on, and rubbed her hands together.


    Those gloves were the only thing allowing her to somewhat live normally.


    Mori''s curse made her life miserable for a long time, until they finally found an artisan that could make the gloves and an enchanter to hold the curse back.


    His [Mida''s Touch] curse made everything she even brushed against turn to ice.


    Her own clothes would turn to ice, her food, the cup she would drink out of, it was hell.


    She had to do everything with one hand, and sleeping in her bed normally was out of the question.


    She had to sleep in a suspended bed for a long time, her arm hanging out in the open, just so nothing turned to ice.


    It mattered little, ultimately, as she would turn while sleeping, forcing her to strap herself to her bed.


    Getting rid of that curse was hard, many tried and failed.


    As she put her gloves on, she nced around.


    Explore more at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    Everyone was doing pretty good, all things considered.


    She headed toward the tent, exhaling in relief when Vroto was nowhere to be seen.


    She punched her bed, as she walked next to it, to reach the wardrobe further.


    She looked for something to wear, she had plenty of options. She did have a fitting armor, that would work well for battle.


    It was mainly made of hard leather and leather. Everything was enchanted and made extra light.


    She wasn''t the physical type, and easy movement was prioritized over blocking hits.


    She wouldn''tst long taking hits, with or without armor, so prioritizing spell-casting was simply worth it.


    That armor was the most bnced one, yet she almost always opted for the robes.


    It made little difference, in her eyes, both were enchanted, and one was prettier.


    Her approach, while stupid to a lot, wasn''tpletely wrong.


    She knew she was giving up more resistance, but she had little need for it.


    The best defense could be offense, after all.


    Once she put on the robe she felt matched the day''s vibe best, she chose her shoes and started brushing her hair.


    Vroto was on the other side of the tent, waiting.


    He could''ve walked in, rushing her to finish, but just having her actually getting ready was a win, in his mind.


    He leaned against a tree, in thought.


    "It''s getting closer to the city, sir, if we don''t..."


    He quickly waved his hand, dismissing the soldier that had just approached him.


    "But-.."


    "We''re leaving soon. Get the party assigned to the giant ready."


    "Yes, sir."


    As he finished his sentence, Evie finally exited her tent.


    "Finally," he said.


    "Shut up."


    She walked past him, giving him the cold shoulder as they both headed toward where the giant was sighted.


    They had set up camp in a forest, waiting for the cursed humans to reach them rather than seeking them out.


    Walking through that forest was like witnessing a canvas describing the whole battle.


    The further they went, the cleaner it was. The battle had started ording to n, but as they got further through their ranks, it became dirtier and uglier.


    What they had now, was only thest standing cursed humans, easily dealt with by the soldiers.


    As they exited the battle area, the forest looked almost untouched by life.


    Soldiers quickly marched to catch up to them, following in their footstep as they headed toward thest enemy they had to deal with in this area.

 Chapter 93: [Roaming]

    It was a prison.


    In his own mind and body.


    It wasn''t the first time he was trapped in this room. He had been there a very long time, before the world as he knew it changed.


    That hospital room was depressing, like any other.


    Mori considered himself a clean person, but this room was too clean.


    It wasn''t hard to maintain it that way, considering his mom never moved around.


    The only people in and out of here would be him, the nurses and the janitors.


    Mori looked around, reminiscing about the countless nights he spent in that room, talking or just hanging out.


    At one point, it was even his escape.


    Ma?l hadn''te back, it had been a while now.


    "What the hell..."


    He looked around again, but nothing could help him undo his bindings.


    He was stuck on that armchair, barely able to a move a muscle.


    He couldn''t conjure the force to get back on top.


    But I did itst time...


    Mori closed his eyes, concentrating the best he could.


    She said it herself, magic isn''t as restrained as the system makes it look.


    He knew it himself, as he yed with magic''s limits. Casting it while disregarding several requirements, or even trading requirements for others.


    Even the way he used hexes was not out of the system''s books.


    So being stuck here meant nothing, it was only a question of time before he would be able to get himself out.


    But how?


    He concentrated even more, trying to move out of his mind and into his body.


    He visualized what he wanted to do. The room he was in, in that corner of his mind Ma?l had appropriated.


    That ce down below, through the depths in which he had jumped previously. Letting her take control.


    Why is it harder now?! I''ve let myself outst time!


    Mori felt like screaming, annoyed and pissed.


    But he wouldn''t give Ma?l that satisfaction.


    He sighed, looking through the room once more for clues.


    But nothing.


    The only thing that lingered was Ma?l''s words.


    I''m lying? Gaslighting? I''ve done a lot of horrible things since I''ve arrived here, but that?


    He looked at the hospital bed where his mom would''ve been.


    What was it he was getting wrong?


    "What is it I''m missing?!" yelled Mori. Find adventures at m_v l|e-NovelBin


    But while his voice echoed on the walls, no other sound made it back to him.


    What did she see that I couldn''t?


    He scrubbed his memory of the time he had spent with his mother, an activity he had done multiple times.


    Is there more than what I thought? What does it matter now that I''ve entered the cycle of violence already?


    Mori''s mind wandered into the different memories he had stored.


    That one was indeed weird.


    That time they came around his house, early when his mother got sick. They looked for files, for work they said.


    Why would they send that many people? And why insist so hard?


    They were basically inside the house before Mori even invited them in.


    Not only that, now that he actually analyzed it, one of them was clearly wearing a holster.


    What kind of techpany sends employees with weapons to another employee''s house? Where only a kid lived at that time?


    Those times they came around the hospital too, almost surprised to find Mori there, and leaving when they saw him.


    There was clearly more.


    "What is it you saw in my memories?!" asked Mori in the empty room.


    Can she hear me?


    Oh.


    Mori closed his eyes again, eager to try something new.


    Instead of visualizing something he had never done, he would try focusing on that feeling when he possessed Aura.


    A spell he hadn''t done since, but the result should be close to what he wants to aplish.


    He remembered it clearly, and tried reproducing a simr effect mentally.


    He wouldn''t need to far, or anywhere for that matter. He was already in his own body.


    Wouldn''t he be able to possess himself?


    Slowly re-opening his eyes, he had finally left the hospital room.


    Right before him was the monster he had locked down in chains earlier.


    He was right before its eye, it was massive.


    He tried turning around, but realized he couldn''t.


    "Ah, finally there."


    He said those words himself, yet he hadn''t meant to.


    Ma?l. Give me back my body.


    "You let me take it, remembered? When you pitied yourself?"


    She took a few steps back from the monster.


    Mori had no control. He could see what she was doing, but barely anything more.


    Moving a single finger felt like pushing against a wall made of concrete. After pushing at full force for 5 minutes, he slightly moved a finger and then lost control again.


    It wasn''t even close.


    "Thanks for your body, Mori. I''ll take good care of it. You can go back to that room and pity yourself some more."


    She started walking away from the monster, leaving it in the cursed chains grasp.


    Nothing much had changed, beside her pace being quite faster than his.


    She had no trouble walking around, jumping around, even sprinting.


    He could see it, her mark had fully taken over.


    No single inch of his body was in his control.


    You can''t use my magic. What will you do? asked Mori.


    "Does it matter?"


    She started sprinting, heading toward the mountains.


    Isn''t it dangerous to go there?


    "For you who know nothing of this realm, yes. For me? No."


    When she was in full control, it felt like he was apletely different person. When she took over previously it wasn''t as smooth and fluid.


    Her movements didn''t feel constrained, they felt natural and flowing.


    She sped up, jumping over a meter-wide crack on the ground. She easily got over it, rolling on the floor and transitioning into running without losing a single breath.


    It didn''t even feel like she slowed down at all.


    She was seeing the world through his eyes, which meant she could only see as good as he could. And this feat alone was impressive.


    I guess you do know your way around thesends.


    Dead trees, dead grass, dirt, rocks, all of it in shades of grey.


    Compared to when he first arrived, he noticed more and more humanoid creaturesying around against rocks, trees or even just the ground.


    "Husks."


    Mori was weirdly relieved to see other living things around in this wastnd.


    Why, when you, and these guyse out to the real world you look like those eldritch ck gooey beings?


    "Real world?"


    You know what I mean.


    "You''re curious about the weirdest things. We take those appearances the moment we leave this realm. That includes when we go to the nd between'' that acts as a bridge."


    Why?


    "I''m getting to it," she said, annoyed.


    She jumped across another gap in the ground, going around another humanoid that was straight on her path.


    That one was clearly human, or what remained of one.


    "We''re cursed beings. When we step out of here, our body be those things you call ''hexes''. The only chance we have at staying outside is finding something to host us. If I hadn''t jumped into you, I wouldn''t have been able to stay in that realm."


    If that''s true then why doesn''t it happen more often? Should your kind gue themon realm?


    "The way it''s supposed to go is we go from this realm to thend between, then we go from thend between to themon realm with the help of some stupid mage that uses curses."


    ...And I have holes on my body directly connecting to this ce, not going through thend between.


    "Yeah. Letting them create those passages on your body was a bold move. I don''t think it''s a bad idea, however."


    He agreed, ultimately.


    Those holes made his progress tremendously faster, and so what they had a way to themon realm through him?


    His only issue was control, but with the inscriptions done by Xannos he was doing good. Not only that, leveling up should most likely help with that same control.


    He''d eventually level up inscription himself, and upgrade what was done into something more easy to use.


    In a manner that would let him open and close those portals whenever he needed.


    He was in thought, but those thoughts were cut short.


    "Enough. You''ve had your fun, time to go back and think for yourself a bit."


    What? b-


    Mori''s consciousness started fading from his body, going back into that ce in his mind he dreaded.


    That hospital room that was so familiar.


    As he got back into it, seemingly falling from the sky back into that armchair, he was right where he started.


    Yet it didn''t feel like he was starting over.


    There must''ve been something important he overlooked.


    The way Ma?l was talking, it truly felt like she wasn''t punishing him as much as pushing him toward finding something he should''ve seen before.


    Something he was clearly missing.


    Fine. he thought.


    He would go over the worst time of his life mentally one more time, hoping to find answers.

 Chapter 94: [Sloth]

    Ma?l was running at a decent pace.


    It''s not that she couldn''t go faster, more that Mori''s body couldn''t handle too much more.


    The previous fight had quite the impact on his body, despite his ability to get rid of most of the pain.


    It was either a slower pace, or risking breaking his body.


    "Good boy," she said to herself.


    Mori wasn''t around anymore.


    He had done as she said, not that he had a choice. He retreated and was most likelybing through what he knew.


    She gradually slowed her pace down. A giant rock was a few meters away.


    She approached it, jumping on top of it.


    There was someone lying on their back, hands behind their head.


    They looked young, but so did Ma?l and she wasn''t exactly young.


    "Oooh", said the man in an extremely slow manner.


    "If... it isn''t... Ma?l."


    "Sloth," she replied.


    "Ehhh...hehehe..."


    He sat upright, setting his droopy eyes on Ma?l who stood in Mori''s body.


    "Ehh... Nice body."


    He looked up and down. "That the... uh... sovereign?"


    She nodded.


    "Ehhehe, good. This body shouldst you a while."


    "He''s still around."


    "Ohh.... really?" he said, frowning.


    "Yeah. He actually kept me out for a long time, before letting me in. I doubt I''ll be able to stay on top forever."


    "Ehh... well, that sucks. Not that it matters much."


    Sloth lied back down, staring at the eclipse.


    "It matters."


    "Why''s that," he replied.


    "He''s not like Jax. One of the strongest sovereign this realm has ever seen. He''s the cursed sovereign."


    "Ohh... Well... there''s always going to be a stronger one... such is life."


    Ma?l sighed.


    "I''ve seen through his memories, other sovereigns have awoken too. I''ve seen the ice and light sovereigns."


    Sloth''s eyes widened slowly, reach full circle. Then went back to normal, as he sat upright again.


    "Well.... that''s curious."


    "Yeah."


    "That can''t be luck."


    "It''s not. Theye from another universe."


    "Another realm?"


    "No. Another universe. All the realms we know of are part of our universe. The demon realm, the high human realm, the cursed realm... This is all part of ''our universe''. They''re from somewhere outside of all of this."


    Sloth was frowning.


    "Well... that''s curious..."


    "You said that already."


    "hmm."


    Ma?l was intently looking at Sloth,who was in deep thought.


    "Ehhhh. So annoying. I was having a good time too...."


    "I''m going to try and find the other ones, but the host might take over at any moment. You will have to find the others as well."


    Sloth rolled his eyes.


    He then cracked his neck slowly, and started stretching, touching his toes with his hands.


    "I guess I should..."


    "You have to."


    "Alright.. alright.. So what do we do? We''reing up with a way to bind your host away?"


    "For now, just get everyone together. I''m not sure yet, but most likely."


    "Is he like Jax?" he asked.


    "Yes. At least now he is. He seems like he''s able to change, but you know how humans are."


    "Yeah... all too well."


    Ma?l turned around, getting herself ready to jump down from the rock.


    Before jumping down, she looked behind one more time, as Sloth was lying back down.


    "If I leave and I see you still lying down..."


    "Yes yes... geez."


    Ma?l jumped down, not looking back.


    She could''ve, but she didn''t want needless disappointment.


    He would most likely do what she asked, but in his own time. The situation was special enough that he most likely would do it in the end.


    She started walking, going toward the mountains again.


    If there''s one thing that barely changed in there, it was the scenery.


    This red gradientndscape was so normal to her that she barely paid attention to it.


    The amount of cursed beings just kept increasing as she got close to the mountain, they usually just stood around.


    She understood them, really. Slowly bing husks, the mind slowly turning numb and absent.


    She went through the same process.


    Sloth was probably one of the only ones truly enjoying himself, staying sane despite everything.


    The amount of time that they spent there was... tens of thousands of years? Hundreds of thousands?


    The first few thousand years aren''t the worst. But eventually everything is numbing.


    The first thing everyone does is usually get out as fast as possible, crawling through thends between, hoping to make it out there in themon realm.


    It neversts, however.


    How many thousands of times had they all made it out, only to end up here?


    Sure, they had opportunities here and there to cause a little chaos, but nothing ever significant. The main oue was usually the same.


    For them it was an extremely long amount of time, in themon realm barely any time had passed.


    But, while a lot of them turned to husks, not everyone did.


    There''s always those who find infinite joy inflicting pain and toying with others, and in a realm like this one, it meant always having people to toy with.


    Staying out of those people''s way was a lesson new arrivals learned the hard way.


    Jax was one of those who most would want to stay away from.


    Yet, most still slowly made their way toward the mountain.


    It doesn''t feel like much. It certainly isn''t much.


    But.


    Just catching a glimpse of that light made torment worth it.


    Ascending it ever so slightly just to see the light.


    Light in a world taken by darkness, everywhere one would go.


    The strongest beings lived on those mountains, closely defending their treasure in a world that had no money or gold.


    A world that had no water or food, a world with no goals.


    All there was was a tiny bit of light.


    And most fought for it.


    But, for Ma?l, after so much time, even light brought little to nothing.


    For the first time in a long time, however, something new could maybe bring movement into a still life.


    It all depended on Mor.

 Chapter 95: [Pride]

    Ma?l was getting closer, Mori''s body still holding on despite everything it had went through.


    She couldn''t feel its exhaustion, but she could tell in the way it moved.


    She could''ve had a lot more luck with a more physical host, but sovereigns rarely were.


    Their magical prowess was so strong, that most of them turned into mages.


    Someone like that Light sovereign would''ve been a better fit for her, she thought.


    However, with Mori, they couldplement each other.


    That wasn''t all, however.


    She saw it through his memories.


    Mori was clearly the strongest at this point. He was miles ahead of the others, at a point where even if all the other sovereigns came together, they would barely match him.


    His only weak point was his lower level, which wouldn''t be a problem for long.


    With the current state of themon realm, there was a real possibility for change, and she knew it.


    As she kept running, her feet felt vibrations every time they struck the ground.


    It was slightly east.


    She slowly came to a stop, and decided to head toward its source.


    As she got closer to it, the vibrations became more and more important, shaking the bones in Mori''s body.


    "Really?" she said to herself.


    It was another giant monster.


    It was bigger than the one Mori was fighting earlier.


    It only had two arms and two legs, but it''s bigger size said more about it strength.


    It was punching down, every time its fist hit, a shockwave was emitted.


    What it was hitting was another person.


    That person was massive in size, twice the size of Mori.


    "Pride," she yelled when she got close enough.


    "Oh! What a pleasant surprise!" he replied, ncing back while punching sideways the fisting his way.


    He wasn''t looking at the monster anymore, matching its punches while talking to Ma?l.


    "To what do I owe the pleasure? A rematch? I''m almost done here, we could have a small friendly duel."


    "Some other day, maybe."


    "Right. Looks like you''re in the middle of something... That body wouldn''tst a duel."


    Pride looked Ma?l up and down, arching an eyebrow while analyzing it.


    "I think it has potential, however. Make sure to train that body well. Who knows, you might win with enough training!"


    He had a shortugh while smiling.


    "I doubt it. But what are you even doing out here? Why are you toying with those?"


    "It''s been a rough millennium, only new arrivals have been trying to get to the top of my mountain. I needed a challenge, and just decided I''d head toward where the wind takes me."


    "Good thing I''ve found you before you left. This body belongs to the cursed sovereign."


    "Oh!" replied Pride between punches. "That''s amazing, he''ll probably turn into a better adversary than Jax."


    "Yeah. But, there''s been some change in themon realm. Powerful sovereigns have appeared."


    Pride''s eyebrows were arched.


    "Say no more! I''m in. We''re going, right?"


    "Yeah."


    "Good!"


    He turned around and punched the monster''s fist going his way, but instead of matching its strength he went way above it.


    Loudly, a cracking sound left the arm, as the monsters was propelled backward while rolling on the ground.


    "This was getting boring anyway," he said, turning toward Ma?l again.


    Ma?l sighed. Pride hadn''t changed.


    "We''ll use my host to get there."


    "Is he like..."


    "Yeah. For now, he is like Jax, but he might be able to change."


    "Well, Jax wasn''t so bad, really."


    "He was horrible. A waste of time. I think this one has more potential, and he''s inherently stronger too."


    "Promising words!" said Pride.


    "For now, it could go both ways. Just get everyone ready, we don''t have much time, I''ve asked sloth to do the same, get him to help you."


    "Oh, don''t worry, I''ll be on top of him! He probably hasn''t moved at all."


    "Good. See youter."


    Ma?l turned around, walking away.


    "Everything is in ce..."


    She was smiling through Mori''s face.


    She was truly lucky, she could count on Pride to get the others. Sloth was the unluckiest but easiest person to find. He usually stayed where he was left.


    Threats barely worked on him anymore, but pride was highly motivated.


    He never became a husk, or close to it. He had a battery that barely ever went out, something she slightly envied.


    In a ce like this, she could''ve used some of that.


    She looked at the mountains, but she had little need to get there anymore.


    The others would most likely alle with with little persuasion. Only sloth was truly content in this realm. The others really just got annoyed with temporary stays in themon realm, and didn''t bother anymore.


    "As long as the gods don''t get in the middle of this again..." she whispered to herself.


    She could still feel Mori where she left him, doing his thing while she roamed around.


    He was somehow taking this seriously, which was surprising considering how Jax was,st time.


    Not all humans were the same, she guessed.


    But there was no way of really telling.


    Mori was from another universe, and the way he did things was strange but impressive.


    As she kept walking forward, she could feel her grasp loosening as Mori regained cursed energy.


    She would''ve barely managed to reach the mountains, depending on how long Mori stayed put.


    Now that things were in motion, thest remaining thing to do was to wait for Mori to be back and get back into themon realm.


    Sudden tremors throughout the ground resonated all the way to Ma?l. She didn''t even turn around; it was Pride running in his usual head-turning fashion.


    He was heading toward Sloth, each step he took cracking the ground further than it needed to be, the whole realm already in ruins.


    She looked down, and sat on the ground.


    The only thing remaining to do, truly, was wait.


    She smiled again, the wind was truly turning, she could feel it.

 Chapter 96: [Christmas Eve]

    It was Christmas.


    Nothing special, really.


    A day like any other, where people exchange gift, while light snow silently fell outside.


    The world came to a stop.


    The streets were empty, everyone staying inside with their family, sharing what would be fond memories.


    No loud construction sounds echoed through the skyscrapers. No excessive honking made its way up, nor did any general ''living'' noises.


    It was calm, quiet and rxing.


    Everything was closed anyways, so most people out just headed toward their friends and families.


    Everypany had a minimum of days off to distribute to employees. DiveCore was no different.


    Mori was able to spend another Christmas with his mother.


    When he woke up, it wasplete silence.


    No noise pollution at all, the difference was day and night.


    All he could hear were quiet ''ping'' soundsing from the living room, with violent button mashing.


    He sat upright in his bed, tossing the red nkets aside as he yawned, stretching.


    His room was a mess.


    His desk had an amount of dishes that shouldn''t be allowed. His clothes paved the ground, while most drawers had piles of useless things on them.


    It was messy, but that was the only time he truly let himself be.


    Christmas days was the only time he allowed himselfnot to do anything. Even if he tried, his mother was actually the one to stop him.


    She woulde in his room, and talk real loud about how it was not the time to be productive, that it was some of the only days we could take for ourselves.


    At first he was barely able to listen to that rule.


    If he didn''t do homework or projects during Christmas, his note would suffer from it. Sneaking his homework through the days off he had was impossible, so he created a perfected process to make it through.


    While the process itself wasn''t really something new, he yed it as something new. A sort of challenge.


    It was procrastination.


    How fast could he do it, at thest possible minute before he needed to turn them in?


    While it was in its summary really just procrastinating, to him it was a challenge. That one time in the year he''s pushing the boundaries. How far can he go if he went 100% into something.


    Well, his procrastination technique still had a few days beforeing in effect, so letting his room go toward chaos was no big deal for now.


    He slowly got up, his feet touching the cold floor, somehow dodging the clothes that tried to hide it.


    Winter was cold, obviously, but with how life made cold a trivial problem, it was easily forgotten.


    The only reason he could even feel some of it was his mother''s approach.


    Winter was her favorite season, but cold is something she especially appreciated.


    Her reasoning to not turning on the heat on the floor, or the heaters in the rooms, or buying those heatmps or anything of that sort was a concept she applied to a lot of things.


    To truly enjoy something, you need to experience its opposite.


    She wasn''t wrong.


    That feeling of rolling into the nkets, sitting in front of the television in the living room with hot beverages while eating sweets, wouldn''t feel the same in summer days.


    So, he walked through his room to reach his wardrobe, every step reminding him how cold it was outside.


    The first thing he put on was socks, then it was his hoodie and sweatpants.


    They didn''t match in color, but it didn''t matter as he had no n to leave the house, anyway.


    The state of his room was truly bothersome, however.


    After all, just a little won''t hurt.


    He went next to his bed, where a red empty basket lied on the floor.


    He rolled it in the middle of the room, and started picking up his clothes, but like a bloodhound his mother quickly appeared in the doorway.


    "Wow. So you think I wouldn''t realize your treacherous actions?" she said.


    "Treacherous actions? Cleaning my rooms?"


    "The signed treaties were clear, and this is a breach of the dynasty''s traditions. A mockery of our negotiations."


    "Negotiations? You said, and I quote, ''Don''t you dare do it''. How is that negotiations? If anything, that''s tyranny."


    "Hah! Insubordination so early in the morning... tsk. tsk. Rebellious phase it is..."


    "If anything, refusing that I clean my room is more rebellious."


    "Enough of your uprising against authority, how about some co-op game?" she asked.


    He sighed, but nodded.


    "Good. The council approves. Be quick, we need to use that rebellious energy," she said while leaving.


    She closed the door on her way out, while he looked around for wherever he left his bath towel, which, surprisingly, was exactly where it should''ve been.


    He took it, and headed toward the bathroom.


    A hot shower in a cold room was truly a great feeling. He truly looked forward that moment everyday, yet the problem always lied in how leaving the shower for the cold room wasn''t as great.


    The only strategy to beat this problem was to fill the room with hot steam, after an extremely long time spent under hot water.


    Once he was done, and visibility had considerably decreased, he got out and dressed himself again, rejoining the cold hallway.


    Right before he reached the living room, he found his slippers on the ground, quickly wearing them as he looked around.


    "What are we eating?" he asked, as he found his mother on the couch.


    "Eh, maybe you make something this time."


    "What? ehh, I don''t know..."


    "I can''t pause this game, you know it..."


    "I''ve been cooking-"


    "These past mornings, and I''ve prepared everything else forever. I think if you want to do a bnce patch, it won''t go in your favor."


    "Okay! Okay, I''ll make something. Geez."


    He wouldn''t fuck around and find out.


    Surprisingly, she was consistent. If for him to realize how lucky he was required being the opposite, she would do it. She would show him how unlucky things can be.


    He wasn''t looking forward to cooking every meal, so it was a small price to pay.


    "What do you want?" he asked.


    "Huh?"


    She wasn''t paying attention. Her eyes were stuck on the phone she was holding.


    A lot of messages were clearly popping out of a message exchange app.


    They rapidly seeded each-other, she barely had time to send one.


    He couldn''t see what they were about, but it must''ve been important.


    "Work?" he asked.


    "...Yeah."


    Not that it mattered. She looked concerned, but it wasn''t the first time.


    "Is everything fine?" he asked.


    "Yeah, yeah," she absently said.


    "Good talk..." he said, walking away.


    He knew, wherever he would work wouldn''t be as stressful as DiveCore.


    The amount of times he saw that look on her face was extenuating. Stress came with the job, she said. A lot of money went into everything they did, so people tend to be intense there.


    She used to say she enjoyed it there, but now that he thought about it, it had been a while since shest stated that.


    He walked into the kitchen, looking around the avable ingredients trying to figure out what it is he would do.


    There wasn''t that many thing he knew how to cook,despite his asional cooking mandate.


    His mother helped him a few times, stating his ''cooking level'' was too low. Well, it still was apparently.


    "What do you think of pancakes?" he yelled across the room.


    "Sounds good," she replied right behind him.


    "Fuck!"


    Mori jumped, while his motherughed at his scared face.


    "Alright, frightened child, I have some things to do, turns out. Just a quick run at the office to drop some files, I''ll be back in time for those pancakes so make the good kind with, like, uh... everything."


    "Aren''t you on Christmas break?"


    "Officially, yes, but some things just can''t wait, apparently," she said while waving a sh drive.


    "Alright, take your time. You''ll experience that bnce,ing back from the cold outside."


    "Oh yeah. Make hot chocte, better be ready when I''m back."


    "Yes yes, just go."


    She took her winter jacket, quickly shoving the drive into her pocket, zipping it and heading out.


    Her offices were actually extremely close.


    She worked at DiveCore for so long, they offered her that ce at a great price so she wouldn''t have to go such a long way to get to work.


    They were all about efficiency. Quickly, however, she realized it wasn''t so much to help her out, but more to help them out.


    Being so close to work meant they could call anytime, saying ''It''ll be quick, you live right next door, juste in 30 minutes and go back''.


    What could she reply? They knew where she lived, and her refusing usually meant a bad time for whoever on her team that stayed behind.


    While management burned in hell for all she cared, her team was precious to her. They all made the games possible, and she''d never let them down.


    Being a lead meant taking that bullet sometimes.


    "Alright. Pancakes..." said Mori to himself.


    He looked around for flour, milk, and eggs.


    Quickly, from those three ingredients, he expended on the recipe.


    He added quite a few things. If it ''felt'' good, then in the bowl it went, from vani extract to cocoa powder.


    If his mother said anything, he was ready to use the ''I''m an alchemist testing recipes'' card. What could she reply to that, if he used her own spells against her?

 Chapter 97: [ Christmas Eve 2 ]

    "Hmm."


    His creation was quite something.


    Multicolored pancakes piled up in a te. He used that rainbow glitter thing. His mom used it on muffins, but truthfully it didn''t look that bad.


    But where was the chocte? He was sure he added cocoa powder.


    "Well, there''s already maple syrup, chocte chips, and strawberries ready to be added on top. No need to overthink it."


    He nodded to himself, proud of his work.


    As he looked at his watch, it was already around 11:00. It had been longer than a thirty minute in-and-out.


    He sighed, covering the te with the pancakes on the table.


    He walked to the front door, grabbing his jacket and boots.


    He put them on quickly, he didn''t need more than that for the short walk he''d need to do.


    He grabbed a set of keys, and quickly went out in the hallway.


    They were living in a penthouse, all their neighbors were somewhat important people in DiveCore. Key people in a lot of departments, some of them his mother knew personally.


    They were all overworked by that samepany, so understandably they all avoided each-other as much as possible.


    He saw his mother wait in front of the door for a while before leaving, since neighbors were talking in the hallway. Weird, but he could understand.


    The worst part was when management would call of of them to check up on the others, if they didn''t answer calls. His mother faked checking if they were home by knocking on the bathroom door. The again, weird, but he could understand.


    As Mori stepped out in therge and tall hallway, heading toward the elevator, a neighbor further down got out at the same time.


    "Going down?" asked Mori.


    "Ah, yes," replied the man, quickly locking his door while hurrying toward Mori.


    "You also don''t trust smart doors?" asked Mori as the man approached.


    "Nobody smart would."


    "I know that nancy uses the smart door features..."


    "Yeah, what I said stands," sighed the man.


    They both entered the elevator. Mori pressed the ground floor button, and the doors promptly closed.


    "Josh, right?" asked Mori.


    "Yes. You''ve grown a lot."


    "My mother showed you pictures of me?"


    "She brought you to work with her, when you were just a baby. A real workaholic. Then again, those days were better. DiveCore was still a smallpany, everyone knew everyone."


    "Oh, really... Yeah, looking back I''ve been there quite often."


    "Where are you going? Nothing''s open."


    "Ah, mom was called to work so I''ll get her out of there?"


    "Really?"


    The elevator beeped, as they reached the ground floor.


    They both exited it, then headed toward the revolving doors leading outside.


    "Why would she be called?" he asked, once out.


    "Hell if I know. I''ll go check, maybe make a scene so they let her leave."


    "Good luck. It must truly be important, they never make anyonee into work on holidays."


    "Thanks, I''ll need it," replied Mori, heading left while Josh went right.


    The whole area had so many buildings belonging to DiveCore, it was a real maze to anyone new to thatpany.


    There was apparently talks of building sky bridges connecting them.


    There were already underground tunnels connecting some of them, but while it wasn''t a bad idea, it just wasn''t as efficient.


    As long as they didn''t connect to residential buildings, his mother didn''t care much about it.


    Mori arrived at the corner of the street, snow slowly falling. He was waiting at the red light, where most would''ve just crossed.


    There were no cars in the streets, but as a principle he would rather wait.


    He looked up, the building was even taller than their residential one, towering above the ones around, yet not the tallest in the area.


    The light finally turned green, he quickly crossed the street and got through the revolving doors.


    Compared to their residential building, security was tighter there.


    "Ah. Let me guess. You came to save your mother?" said the security guard as Mori approached.


    He was arge man, and also the nicest person Mori had met.


    His smile was always shining bright, so much so that Mori questioned if that man ever had a bad day in his life.


    However, he needed to slow down on the food. He was saying so himself everytime they spoke, as he read on new diets to try.


    "I made... Ah, shit. I should''ve brought you some. Some kind of rainbow pancakes with everything you can think of in them."


    "Oh man... What the hell?! You''re torturing me on purpose? You better bring me some. What''s in them? Chocte?


    Fruits? Cheese?"


    "Cheese?"


    "What?! You never tried pancakes with cheese? You have to try it. Cheese and apples. You put syrup on top, never had anything topping that. Well, for now, it might change once you bring me some of those rainbow ones."


    "I''ll bring someter, if there''s any remaining, no promises..."


    Mori headed toward the elevators.


    "Well it''s fine. I am trying a new diet, maybe it''s better if I don''t stop this one the first week in..."


    "There, you said it yourself! No takebacks," said Mori, as he entered the elevator.


    The doors closed, Mori heading toward the top floor.


    He would bring some pancakester, just not too much. He didn''t want to be a bad influence, he truly respected his tries at dieting, but it just didn''t work out.


    Living on nuts worked as a squirrel or as an inte troll, but there''s no way he''d go through with that one.


    Mori wasn''t even sure if he should go through with that one.


    The lights glowed on each floor, until it finally reached the top one.


    The elevator dinged one more time, opening their doors to an open floor office space.


    Mori had been there a few times, and knew his way around.


    The ''unimportant'' people, as he liked to think of them, had their desks right there, on the open floor in the center.


    All around it were closed offices and meeting rooms, his mother''s should be on the other side.

 Chapter 98 : [ Christmas Eve 3]

    Mori looked around, everything was in quite a mess.


    For one, the desks were not aligned properly, and they all had tons of things piling on them.


    From empty cardboard cups of coffees to takeout boxes.


    Piles of paper were around too, surprisingly, and piles of data tablets.


    The paper had to be his mother''s doing.


    It wasn''t used anymore. Tablets could hold a lot more data than paper could.


    Inparison, filling the whole building with paper wouldn''t be as much as how much those tablets could hold.


    They had all kinds too, and some that weren''t even out to the public yet. Some of them were even custom made by engineers, so they could y with them in their spare time.


    His mother liked things ''old school'', however. Her floor was one of the only ones with a printer.


    Nobody dared question her choices, she was the ''protagonist'' of thatpany. If she asked for a fax machine they would give her one.


    It was a perk of being indispensable. Reaching a level where your skills mattered so much that thepany would shape things around you.


    There had been close calls, where she thought she would leave, but it never got that far.


    Mori sighed again, heading across the open floor, looking at all the meeting rooms on the way, hoping to find where she was.


    Surprisingly, they weren''t all empty.


    He awkwardly smiled at the people he saw through the windows, but quickly realized all of those who were around were too busy to even notice him.


    Some of the meeting rooms even had more than a couple people in them, all sitting around the table onputers that were integrated in it.


    "I guess it''s not Christmas for everyone..." muttered Mori.


    As he approached the other side of the floor, he realized his mother was in the room straight across.


    She was in a meeting room with some other people he recognized, coworkers and a guy that must''ve been higher in the chain, with how clean his suit was.


    "Alright..."


    Mori slowed down, trying to think of how to y this.


    Whatever he did, it mattered little. Maybe if he startedining like a kid she could pin her leaving on his behavior. Or perhaps he could ask people around the room why he was spending Christmas alone.


    Yeah. That''s the one.


    As he approached the room, he was getting ready to shamelessly put them on the spot, but noticed his mother''s behavior was... erratic?


    She looked upset, waving her hands around and even pping the whiteboard behind her (something else she insisted on installing in meeting rooms).


    The man in a suit was sitting down with the other coworkers, he seemed to be slightly upset as well.


    Both of his palms were facing up, as if he was begging for something.


    His facial expression did pile onto that feeling Mori had.


    He got closer, finally hearing words getting through the door.


    "It''s immoral. It''s hical. Whatever your twisted concept of ''Good'' is, this is the opposite!" she yelled.


    "Please, listen, this is-"


    "No! There''s no way! How crazy are you all?"


    "We''ve made our decision. This is the path we''re willing to walk."


    "You''re already rich beyond your dreams! What more can you possibly need?! You have everything you need, you want to be so rich you can buy rockets? Countries? You already can! What the hell?


    There''s no next step with the amount of wealth DiveCore has! This is immoral, and hical, and will ultimately have no positive impact on thispany or the world."


    "It''s not about money, we''re changing the world, here. To change the world some things can''t stay the same, however much you hold onto them."


    "Exin to me how this makes the world better?!"


    "Listen, like I''ve already said..."


    Mori knocked on the door.


    Surprise written on everyone''s face as they looked at Mori, who was on the other side of the slightly opened door.


    They all looked at each other, his mother the first to break the silence.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "I''d like to ask the same thing..."


    "We''re working-"


    "These people are making you spend Christmas at work, and making me spend Christmas alone?"


    Mori entered the room, looking at everyone while they avoided eye contact, ufortable.


    Only the man in a suit was unbothered, staring at his mother, who was staring right back.


    The atmosphere was heavy.


    The sound of the pen of a stressed employee tapping against the table was the only thing echoing in the room.


    "Alright. We''ll talk about this after Christmas. But we need you to give it some thoughts. We need a team yer," said the man.


    His mother didn''t reply, a fiery look in her eyes as she quickly turned and headed toward the door, next to which stood Mori.


    "Let''s go," she said.


    Mori waved at the few employees he knew, and turned around ready to follow her, before noticing the white board.


    Was it always there?


    He slowly approached it, extending his hand toward it.


    The tip of his finger touched it, while his eyes went left to right trying to grasp everything that was on it.


    "Wait..."


    He took a few steps back, his hand slightly shaking as he kept looking over what was there.


    "This is... insane..."


    "Isn''t it?"


    Mori quickly turned around, at the table everyone had disappeared.


    At the end of it, only one person remained seated, Ma?l. She had both legs on the table, while her arms were crossed on her chest.


    She slowly pped her hands, while nodding.


    "Wasn''t so hard, was it?"


    Mori turned away again, looking at the white board.


    "Did I actually see what was on this board?"


    Is tone was one in utmost disbelief. As if he tried to convince himself it was true.


    "This is your memories," said Ma?l. "I didn''t create them. You just never bothered to pay attention."


    Mori let himself fall into the closest chair, his eyes unable to break away.

 Chapter 99 : [ Memories ]

    Mori sat back in the chair, staring at the ceiling in thought.


    DiveCore was always a shady business, but this took the crown.


    To think they grew to have so much power in a matter of decades.


    "From your memories, I understand more or less what''s happening," said Ma?l still sitting, legs on the table.


    "Well? Is there anything else?"


    Ma?l shrugged.


    "Maybe," she said. "There''s a lot of shady things that happened. Things your neighbors have said, things the security guard said, things you''ve overheard in the elevator. You''ve spent a lot of time hating DiveCore, but you should realize you''ve spent a lot of time close to them."


    "Just tell me," he said.


    Ma?l got up, looking outside the window.


    The scenery of snow slowly falling through a city made of countless skyscrapers.


    They went as far as the eye could see, disappearing into the horizon.


    This meeting room wasn''t randomly chosen to be the one his mother used, it had the best view, she admired it a lot.


    The whole area was built like a pyramid, the center with the tallest skyscrapers, any subsequent ones cascading downward.


    There were other, taller buildings behind this one, which his mother would rather not spend her time looking at.


    "It''s interesting that most of you guys lived so high into the sky."


    Mori was surprised by the change of topic.


    "You''ve seen my memories, haven''t you?"


    Ma?l turned toward him.


    "Well, more like skimmed through," she said. "I''m no expert, but most people would rather keep their memories private."


    "It doesn''t matter to me."


    "Alright, then I''ll look when I feel like it, in my free time."


    Ma?l turned around, and pped her hands.


    The chairs and table disappeared. It felt as if Mori blinked, although he didn''t.


    The room turned back into the living room with the firece crackling.


    Rain tapped against the window, the visibility outside reduced, indicating night.


    Mori watched as Ma?l walked around the room, to end up in the armchair she liked so much.


    She sat sideways on it, and suddenly looked at Mori.


    "Still here?" she said.


    Mori sat in the armchair opposing her, his eyes staring at hers.


    "You want me this bad?" she said.


    "You locked me in here."


    "And I might do it again, you''re free to go now, however."


    Mori''s stare remained cold and unflinching, but no anger.


    "You do know that you won''t have that control forever? Wouldn''t you want to be in my favors, the day I can discard you into some random corpse?"


    Her hand quickly covered her mouth as she started chuckling, soon turning into augh.


    "You think those can hold me?"


    "I''ll make them hold you."


    "Haha, well, if that''s how it is then so be it."


    "You don''t care?"


    Ma?l was smiling, her expression weirdly genuine.


    "I can''t change who I am because you ask me to. I can pretend being what you want me to be, but then again that would just be pretending."


    She pointed at Mori.


    "It''s the same with you. You don''t care about your memories being seen because that''s who you''ve been, and you can pretend it''s not and hide it but that wouldn''t change anything, in the end."


    Mori arched his eyebrows, surprised by the sudden wisdom.


    "There could be a lot of other reasons," he argued.


    "Yeah, I figured," she said while chuckling.


    Mori sighed, she was impossible to talk to, at times. It felt as if she was a few steps ahead in the conversation, already reacting to what is yet to be said.


    "What did you, then?" he asked.


    "What? When I left you in here?"


    "Yeah."


    "I''ve met with old friends. You needed time to go back through memoryne, but now that I''ve seen some of them it''s been enough for me. So I''m back."


    "And that''s why you didn''t let me finish that Christmas?"


    "Did you really want to finish it?" asked Ma?l.


    Mori didn''t answer.


    Memories were just that, memories.


    Nothing real, nothing tangible.


    He could revisit them mentally, whatever he could piece together with his beautifying mind.


    What he remembered was prettier, better. The smells, the looks, the sensations. Everything was better as he recalled them mentally.


    Distant memories where the ugly details were missing.


    However, thisst trip down memory wasn''t as pretty, or better.


    It felt like he was back there.


    A truly terrifying experience.


    His mother was still alive, in that ce. She was the exact same way he always knew her, and that was tooforting.


    Being able to relive those moments was a blessing, yet truly a curse.


    Who wouldn''t want to spend one more moment with a lost one?


    But, what would everything after losing them be for?


    The pain, the joys, the sesses and the failures; everything that was lived and was true wouldn''t be much of anything.


    Especially since she wasn''t really back.


    Mori closed his eyes a moment, sighing.


    "Well, if you need me, you know where to find me," said Ma?l.


    Mori raised his arms, and finally, the wave came.


    He raised out of subconscious, a storm lifting him upward the same way it had done previously.


    "Don''t think those happy memories change anything. I''m killing all of them. Every single one of them. And those I don''t kill will wish I did."


    Ma?l had a genuine smile on her face, following Mori''s statement.


    She wasn''t so different, after all.


    Mori slowly came back to his senses. He could feel his Cursed energy was moderately regenerated.


    He slowly got up, pain not an issue at all.


    "Where''s the monster?" asked Mori.


    Mori started walking, following Ma?l''s words on the monster''s whereabouts.


    The chains should still actively be holding it down, despite Ma?l running away after hijacking his body.


    With the sealing properties they had, unless it had any exterior help, its situation shouldnt get better, but worst.


    Mori walked, going through a scenery that had grown old to him.


    That eclipse was the only thing he still enjoyed glimpsing at, a true work of art in the otherwise boring world it inhabited.


    Most humans and creatures he encountered were barely able to be identified as such.


    The whole time he walked since he arrived, he had yet to see a change in terrain or even a little greenery.


    He had seen depictions of the desert in various games, even Elder Heir Online had one, which meant he still might go through an actual desert.


    And that one was a beauty, not whatever this destend was.


    He could finally see it on the horizon, the tall creature on the ground with chains covering it.


    "Good."


    Mori approached it, going around it twice.


    It was impossible for him to tell how that thing came to be, even its feature had nothing of what he had seen ying the game.


    The amount of arms... Maybe some insect territory could have a simr feature, maybe some demons?


    Mori had fought enough demons to know this didn''t look like one, but maybe it was something rted, he guessed.


    It mattered little, but its size and power were considerable.


    Can I even do it?


    He walked back to its head, which was incredibly bigger than his own size.


    Its eye was following him around as he approached his forehead.


    Mori put his hand on it, closing his eyes.


    It felt like a breeze promptly rose, his clothes pping as he concentrated on the monster.


    Using spells without the system was hard, yet way more interesting.


    It truly felt like he was in control.


    It was a good feeling, where no shackles or bars restrained his potential.


    Given time, and training, he''d be able to do so much more, he thought.


    "Alright. You fought well, but now, you''ll fight for me," said Mori.


    The creature didn''t move or respond, but Mori could tell it wasn''t happy with that oue.


    Pressure continued to build up, as he concentrated on the feeling he had when he branded the other ones.


    Right there, in the middle of its forehead, a brand slowly traced itself.


    It started from Mori''s hands, expanding on its forehead in what could''ve been mistaken for ck ink.


    As he did, every inch in traced looked painful to the monsters, who suddenly started fighting chains it couldn''t break.


    "Yeah. Nobody enjoys be the pawn of someone else," said Mori.


    Mori took a step back, the pressure finally relieved as he wiped his forehead.


    It was far from a perfect brand, but for now, it would do.


    He didn''t need it right now, anyway, just having it there was enough.


    Mori raised both hands, and slowly, the chains retracted from it''s body, back into the ground. One by one, all of its limbs were set free.


    The monster slowly got up, its massive size once againpared against Mori''s.


    It looked at him with fiery intensity. Mori stood still, ready to move at a moment''s notice.


    The monster turned around, hitting the ground once, the vibrations ringing through Mori''s body, before leaving the opposite way.

 Chapter 100: [ The Night Sky ]

    Mori was opening his hand and closing it again.


    "I get a feeling for it, now," he said to himself.


    Magic wasplicated, yet habits did a lot for him.


    Using magic in this realm,pared to the other one felt... almost random.


    It felt messy and rugged.


    It wasn''t pretty, clean and smooth, it was a hot mess that he''d be lucky resembled something he knew.


    The spells he used most were almost natural to cast, like the chains.


    Those chains had been used and re-used day in, day out. He could easily grab that feeling whenever he felt like it, and pull on it.


    Yet, despite how easy it was, it remained chaotic.


    They didn''te from where he exactly wanted them, their speed was wrong, their potency was wrong, their shape was wrong...


    Some of those chain links were messed up, in a different form than they should''ve been.


    He could cast spells, and they were strong, yet they weren''t perfect like they used to.


    "Why is it so weird?" asked Mori, weaving chains around him as he walked.


    He expected a quick response from Ma?l, but she took a moment to answer, as if she was sleeping.


    You''re used to themon realm''s magic. To use expressions from your world, it''s like using magic with training wheels.


    Figures, thought Mori.


    All those things, all those details, they were perfect, something that made little sense.


    How could he always conjure perfect chains without barely thinking about it?


    Even without using the system, a lot of details were simply dictated by the spell itself as he cast it.


    The chain''s color, how much it reflected light, its weight, its smell, how it looked, everything was almost ''factory made''.


    He had never put any thought into any of that; the system did that for him.


    "Where''s this Jax? You said he could help me."


    Ma?l took another moment to answer.


    The mountains. That''s where you find most people in this ce.


    Mori was already heading toward the mountain. It was obvious, and already answered before.


    It confirmed his thoughts, however.


    Her control over him wasn''t perfect.


    Mori was steadily walking, the uneven terrain annoyingly painful to go through, and the usual husks around making this walk dreary.


    He kept ying with the chains as he did, making them float around and glide through the windless sky.


    It didn''t take long before exhaustion settled in, time was impossible to keep track of.


    He had walked a decent amount of time, but the mountains seemed to remain distant and out of reach.


    He looked around, he was still in a in-like area, where barely anything but cracked stone served as ground.


    Even that dried, dusty red soil would be better if he found any nearby.


    Ah, there.


    A singr dead tree, with arge stem that was broken in half, the tip touching the ground.


    Mori walked toward it and sighed in relief as the surrounding ground seemed to be exactly what he was looking for.


    He would''ve sat against the tree to sleep, but giving his back a break felt like the right thing to do, and so he simply lied down on his back next to it.


    "I miss the dungeon''s system. I had quite a few useful things stocked in there."


    He expected Ma?l to say something, but she remained silent.


    The sky before him was only darkness, besides that thin outline that served as a light source. Around it no stars resided, not a single speck of light.


    Mori slowly closed his eyes, recing the dark skies with his dark thoughts as he slid into slumber.


    ~~~


    Ma?l wasying down on the couch, in this room she started to get fond of.


    It was simple and rustic, but the feeling it had was truly warm and weing. That ce was inviting, andfortable.


    Through Mori''s memories, only a few ces truly felt right to stay in.


    She could''ve conjured a room from her own memories, but most of thosefortable and warm ces she had forgotten, or chosen to forget.


    She was on her side, staring at the firece crackling with her eyes half-opened.


    Her arm was hanging off to the side of the couch, touching the hide that covered the floor.


    She barely paid attention to what was happening outside, to Mori.


    She was slowly falling into a slumber as well, despite being in a corner of Mori''s mind.


    Taking over for that long had its toll, and Mori''s control was better than she anticipated.


    She was softly smiling, however. Things were going her way.


    ~~~


    Mori slowly opened his eyes to the expanding darkness that was the sky.


    He sat upright, cracking his neck and back as he slowly got up.


    "...What?"


    Husks?... No, at least, not yet.


    They almost looked human, but their bodies were truly messed up.


    They lied there, close to him, seemingly sleeping as well.


    Their eyes were closed, and their body barely moving, making him wondered if they were even alive.


    One of them looked like a man, but a gaping hole in his chest let him see the ground through it.


    His face looked like something had been slowly eating at it. It was as if those ck eldritch things they turned into wereing out.


    Ma?l stated they all turned into something simr when leaving this realm for thend between, or themon realm.


    Not impossible that they can turn into that here.


    But if that was happening, it most likely wasn''t voluntary.


    Some parts of their bodies truly resembled humans, while others resembled chaos taking form.


    A sort of hybrid that was slowly transitioning.


    Mori took a deep breath, and turned around.


    The walk toward Jax wasn''t short, and it wouldn''t be interesting either.


    He stretched a little and started walking, leaving those hybrids behind.


    Like the previous days, he yed with the chains, more to help time pass than practice, as he slowly made his way forward.

 Chapter 101: [ The Mountains ]

    How long he walked, he couldn''t say.


    However, his body could. A long time.


    He had a consistent pace, and barely ever stopped for a break.


    He only slept once more during the whole trip, without even really needing it.


    The mountains were extremely close, an hour or two was most likely all that remained.


    As he was now closer, he could tell those mountains were way taller than they looked from afar. They looked taller than the mountain range west of Dustriver.


    "Is that... snow?"


    It''s light.


    Ma?l''s voice echoed in his mind, something he had weirdly missed.


    That statement however made him arch both eyebrows, as he stood there to look at it.


    "So that''s light..."


    He could''ve sworn it was snow.


    The contrast between the darkness of everything else was simply striking.


    If all you see is a dim world with barely anything visible, shades of grey paving everything, then it made sense those mountain tops attracted everyone.


    "Even I would attempt climbing one of those, just out of curiosity," he said.


    You would most likely be able to live on one of them. The shorter ones are home to creatures like the one we''ve dealt with earlier. Maybe they''re slightly stronger, but you should be able to handle them.


    "What about the others?"


    Some of the taller ones would be very hard for you to beat their current owner. The tallest ones, in your current state, you wouldn''t even set foot in the light.


    A chilling statement made with a serious tone.


    "Which one does Jax reside on?" asked Mori.


    I''ll guide you.


    Mori started walking again.


    He reached the mountains, making his progress harder.


    It seemed like Jax''s home was located on one of the tallest ones, as Ma?l made him go through the smaller ones on the outsides.


    The constant back and forth between walking up and down made it harder, his ankles working overtime.


    The scenery had barely changed, but change it did.


    Everything remained made of stone or dust. However, more and more unique things started to appear.


    For one, the mountains on the outskirts had ruins lying on them.


    Carved stone, or what remained of it half into the ground. It looked extremely old, impossible to tell what it was a part of.


    They kept appearing as he progressed, ruins of what must''ve been kingdoms past.


    "What kind of ce was this?" asked Mori.


    Describing how long this ce has existed is impossible, it''s just not something you could ever imagine.


    Kingdoms were built and destroyed in a vicious cycle for as long as this ce existed. I have not been here from the start, however I know this ce must''ve been simr to themon realm before the eclipse.


    Carving the stone under our feet trying to recreate a society in this ce is something more than one person attempted.


    Most seed, even.


    People crawl toward this ce, hoping to reach the light. So if someone takes control of one, they can do anything they want with it.


    "I''m guessing they force those ''crawlers'' to help build it."


    Some of them are probably trying to build castles and mansions as we speak. It matters little, it won''t take long for it to go back to rubble.


    "They be targets to others, I guess?"


    You don''t... It''s impossible for you to understand, it seems. I keep repeating it, yet you simply can''t get it, can you?


    Everything is pointless. Everything we build, everything we destroy, we''re here forever. Forever means nothing matters.


    "That''s..." started Mori.


    Mori stopped walking, in thought.


    "Then, why are you with me right now? Why isn''t everyone just bing husks?"


    Not all of us have been here from the start. Some of us have been here rtively recently, and so we''re not at the husk stage yet. It''s also possible to escape an eternity here.


    Mori smiled, and started walking again, descending from the side of a mountain on his right.


    "I guess you''re hoping to use me to escape eternity here."


    I''m not hoping.


    Mori had a shortugh, but regained his serious expression.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll use you all the same," said Mori.


    This time, Ma?l was the one tough.


    As he kept hiking through the rough terrain, more and more ruins appeared.


    It seemed as if people built kingdoms, on kingdoms, on kingdoms.


    As he kept progressing, going up and down the sides of mountains wasn''t as hard as going around the ruins on them.


    Remnants of stairways going all the way up, or what seemed to be copsed walls.


    He could climb over those at first, as they were almost fused into the very mountains, but as time went, they started to be more above-ground than in it.


    Time had less of an impact, the closer to the center he got. The mountains were getting taller and wider, and their area of light was gettingrger and brighter at the top.


    "What should I expect?" asked Mori.


    From what?


    "The ce we''re going."


    Light. A lot of it.


    "We''re going to the tallest one, aren''t we?"


    Yes.


    "Is he so strong that he owns the one with the most light"


    Ma?lughed again, this time for a good moment, before finally calming down.


    No. Not at all. He''s far from the strongest in this realm. Even you could live atop that ce. We call it T. It''s the only ''kingdom'' that stood the test of time.


    Mori frowned.


    "So not all kingdoms are doomed."


    An awkward silence ced itself after his words, but Ma?l ultimately answered.


    It''s moreplicated than you think. Not everyone can get into T, but it is a good ce to be.


    It''s onlyplicated because you can''t exin things properly, thought Mori.


    Deciding not to push things further, and focusing on his destination, he focused on hiking instead.


    He was heading toward a kingdom.


    That changed things.


    How many people would there be? How big is it? Do they speak the samenguage? Who''s the ruler?


    As he kept walking around ruins, he nced up every once in a while, hoping the next mountain would be the one with a kingdom built on top of it.

 Chapter 102: [ Tenet ]

    To reach the light, you must climb in the dark.


    They had been going up for a while. Stairs made of stone going all around the mountain, swirling its way toward the main gate. This had been a hell of a journey, walking past multiple people who had stopped doing what that carved stone said.


    "I''m guessing the dark mentioned here isn''t only about visibility," Mori thought out loud.


    It felt as if wisdom from millennias past was slowly being carved into him as well. As he kept progressing up T, the tallest mountain, carved stones kept reminding him he was going toward something.


    At times he could make out what was written, but Ma?l''s help was a blessing.


    "It reminds me of Sisyphus."


    Who''s that? Asked Ma?l.


    "A legend," said Mori who started climbing the stairs again.


    He could feel his legs burning, a feeling he got ustomed to.


    He continued. "The story of a man who angered the Gods, and was made to push a boulder up a mountain. He will, for eternity, be rolling it up only for it to roll back down."


    Hm. It doesn''t truly fit this ce, but I see how simr it is.


    Mori''s surroundings, besides the stone stairs, was the side of the mountain on his right, and the void on his left.


    Would someone push him, he''d fall for a long time before reaching the ground. He made sure to stay closer to the right, although he doubted anyone would be around to push him down.


    As he climbed, his attention was detached from the endless amount of steps he was going through to look on his left.


    Another one, he thought.


    The amount of husks he had seenying down on the stairs was considerable.


    They were everywhere, sometimes almost fused with the environment they were in. This one was almost one with the stone heid against.


    Careful not to damage someone already damaged by time any further, he made sure not to get close to it.


    He could kind of tell it was looking toward the sky. A nk and empty expression covered its face as it stared into the eclipse.


    Soon Mori would reach the light, all he needed was to keep going. It was getting slightly colder, yet not so much that he was freezing.


    As he kept going his gaze often turned to the scenery, which was mainly the other mountains surrounding this one. He could see ''sparks'' on top of some of them, most likely caused by other people.


    And eventually, he did it.


    He barely noticed his first step into the light, only as it blinded him he realized he had finally made it.


    It was like someone had finally flipped the switch in a room with no windows. Day and night, literally, as he kept walking up.


    His arm quickly went over his eyes, blocking them from the sudden light. Momentarily stopping to get used to it, he put his other hand on the ground and sat down. Little by little, he tried looking around.


    It felt like his eyes were burning, but after a couple of minutes they finally adjusted.


    So dramatic, said Ma?l.


    Dusting himself while standing up, he turned around.


    "Great. More stairs. But in light mode now."


    Get used to it, replied Ma?l.


    Nothing had really changed, however everything looked nicer. As if the light repaired the surrounding area, turning the dull steps into polished stone.


    They were still cracked, but looked a lot nicer than what was right before.


    At the start of his ascension, there was barely any steps, mostly broken stone and dirt forming into a path.


    Mori sighed in relief.


    He had finally reached the top, but it wasn''t narrow as he thought. He was at the edge of what was an extremelyrge teau.


    The path before him went on for a kilometer or two, where he could distinctively see a castle against the level ground.


    its size was considerable, for how tall it was at this distance.


    It was made of polished white stone, the whole structure had a gothic feel yet the choice in material was surprising.


    The was a giant wall all around it, with multiple towers peaking through, all taller than the next. It gave the whole ce a sort of asymmetrical feel.


    The main castle inside the walls wasn''t as tall as the towers around it, but it was extremelyrge.


    "That''s impressive."


    It was. Now it''s rubble. Like everything else in this ce, you''ll notice.


    "Yeah, I''ve understood that''s the theme here."


    The path Mori walked on wasn''t decorated, on each sides ins of dirt extending far.


    There was a single dead tree to his right, it must''ve been a sort of giant willow tree, not that he knew much about them.


    "I''m guessing this was a sort of garden?"


    So long ago. I wasn''t even here, and I''ve been here forever. I know this ce was full of grass, flowers and other things.


    "...But how? I''ve walked a long time in this wretched ce and I have yet to see a single nt that isn''t dead."


    Ah, if you literally meant how, then it''s not that hard. Remember that getting back to the main realm isn''t the problem, the problem is that you end back here no matter what.


    Mori hummed.


    She was right, anyone motivated with an eternity in front of them would be able to turn this ce into something decent.


    Mori''s feet kept going one in front of the other, seemingly used to the exhaustion that was deeply settled in.


    "Well you''ve made it."


    Mori quickly looked up.


    Floating against the sky was Jax.


    He was hovering on his side, as if he were a Greek god awaiting for a servant to hand-feed him grapes in his mouth.


    His looks were far from one of a Greek god.


    He was clearly entric, and his devious smile confirmed that.


    "Wee to T, my personal residence."

 Chapter 103: [ Trickster ]

    "Don''t phrase it like you''ve built this ce," said Ma?l through Mori.


    "I said it was my personal residence, not that I''ve built it," replied Jax.


    "An unweed guest, at most."


    "You''re always so quick with words," replied Jax in-between a fakeugh.


    Mori rolled his eyes.


    "So, you''ve finallye for the girl," said Jax.


    "What? How did you know?"


    Have I talked out loud about Aura out loud while he eavesdropped?


    "She''s been waiting a long time, well, for her it''s been a long time. She''s not getting used to this ce, she''s quite the typical human really... And weak, she won''tst more than another couple of decades."


    Mori frowned. The light was still brightly shining, he was slightly closing his eyes, toozy to keep his hand above his eyebrows to block it.


    Exhausted, he started slowly walking again, Jax floating next to him matching his speed.


    "Whatever human that''s been here, I don''t know her."


    "Oh, no, you do."


    Chuckles filled the air, as the amusement just didn''t seem to stop for Jax.


    He turned on himself, now floating on his back with both hands under his head.


    "Honestly, she''ll go hollow soon."


    "Ah, is that what they''re called?" voiced Mori.


    Jax shrugged.


    "Meh, who knows. I''m sure some oldnguage has an exact name for the hollows. Most people who would know it probably went hollow themselves. You wouldn''t believe how long this ce has been around. It''s basically a time prison-"


    "Ma?l told me."


    "So if you''re not here for her, what are you here for?" asked Jax.


    Stopping in his tracks, he realized he forgot for a moment the whole reason he started ascending the mountain.


    He turned, looking directly at Jax.


    "For you."


    Jax opened his eyes, raising an eyebrow while looking Mori up and down.


    "Ehhhh. Listen, if you want to fight someone there''s a lot of other people who would be d to. T is kind of a neutral ce really, Ma?l should teach you about our politics¡ª"


    "There''s no politics here," cut Ma?l through Mori. "He needs to get back to the main realm, but to a different location than the one which he came from. We need you to show him how to do it."


    Jax flipped around, doing a horizontal 360 while chuckling.


    "And so you came to me, begging for my help," he said.


    "She''s trying to punch you," said Mori.


    Jax stopped chuckling, barely holding himself back. "Alright, alright. Such a temper."


    "And? Can you help? You were a cursed sovereign too, weren''t you?"


    "How much did Ma?lstrom tell you?" asked Jax, amused.


    "Almost nothing, actually."


    Thoughts of insults and sarcasticments flowed into Mori''s mind,ing from Ma?l who had a lot to say.


    Exhaustion and a growingck of patience made him keep those inside, however much she tried to make him say those things.


    "I''m not the Cursed Sovereign, that''s you. I was, however, a Sovereign too. Just a different title, really."


    "The... Trickster Sovereign?" slowly said Mori, listening to Ma?l who was also talking to him at the same time.


    "Yes, yes. Trickster, deceiver, joker, prankster, illusionist, cheater... People had a lot of ways to call me, back in my days."


    Loser, idiot, con-man, worthless trash, piece of shit, human dreg, garba¡ª


    Ma?l thoughts would''ve bothered him, but pretending he couldn''t hear her was the only thing he had energy for.


    "Can you help?" asked Mori again.


    "Ah, yes. It''s actually quite easy, depending on where it is you wish to go. It would probably take me minutes to get you to do it."


    Mori''s eyebrows shot up.


    "Minutes?"


    "Oh yes," said Jax, turning on himself again.


    Mori stopped walking.


    "Then let''s do it now. I''d rather get it over with."


    Jax expression''s was still stuck on amusement.


    "...Well...."


    "What do you want?" asked Mori in a deep sigh.


    He knew nothing woulde easily. It was a popr trope in games. If you want an artifact, you''d better work for it. If you wanted a way through city gates, you''d better be ready for a 5 steps quest. Nothing was as simple as asking and getting.


    "Oh, nothing," replied Jax.


    "Nothing?" both said Ma?l and Mori at the same time.


    Jax''s head moved slightly back, his expression going from amusement to surprise.


    "I don''t see why I wouldn''t help. I''m here forever. Anything new happening is an opportunity I''ll take. Wait. No. Now that you mention it, there is something you could do for me."


    There it is, thought Mori, internally.


    "I want you to take me with you, once you leave."


    "No way, Ma?l is already too much, I''ll go insane if I have both of you sharing my head."


    "Oh I wouldn''t take more space, I''d just share Ma?l''s."


    "Yeah, so if you could hear her right now, you''d probably change your mind."


    "Oh, is she being feisty in there?"


    Jax''s face was doing yet another creepy smile, his tone arrogantly enjoyable.


    "Yeah, and like I said one is already too much," said Mori.


    "Oh, then how about I let you in on a little secret?"


    "Honestl-"


    "Hell! I would''ve told you just for the sake of troubling the water," said Jax. "She''s been going around, meeting her friends while you were locked away somewhere in that mind of yours."


    Jax extended his arm and tapped Mori head with his finger as he said that, his smile still amused but his gaze serious.


    "Friends?"


    "Her little band of friends. A funny bunch that likes getting together, a tight-knit group! VERY exclusive, wouldn''t let me in, no matter how much I begged. Apparently we''re not part of the ''cool kids'', people like you and me..."


    "Enough, just who are they?"


    "She truly didn''t say anything huh... Well, I thought she had learned sincest time, apparently not. Don''t worry, she did the same thing to me."


    Jax floated closer to Mori, getting down to his level. He then opened his arm, and tightly hugged him, his tone pretending to be extremely friendly.


    "You poor thing. That''s why people like you and I need to stick together. We can''t trust anyone around here. Truly a low bunch..."


    Jax brought himself closer to Mori''s ears, whispering the next words for some sort of dramatic effect.


    "The seven deadly sins."

 Chapter 104: [ Gates ]

    "Everyone wants the same thing: out," said Jax.


    "So the whole goal of everyone in this damn realm is to leave it?"


    "Nah, sloth is probably good here. But everyone else, yes."


    Jax was nodding while smiling.


    He was floating around, like a fairy in children''s movie. All that was missing was a little glitter.


    He was entric, and his chuckles were annoying as hell, yet behind all of that Mori could tell he wasn''t to be underestimated.


    Unwilling to remain in the middle of the path forever, Mori started walking forward, followed by the floatingpanion.


    "But Ma?l said everyone gave up leaving, as it brings them back here anyway."


    "Yeah, there''s some truth to that," replied Jax.


    As he walked, the castle got bigger and bigger against the sky, which was as bright as a shining light.


    It wasn''t a deep blue nor a light pink. It was a soft white.


    The castle itself was imposing, time had its toll on it. Getting closer, he could tell it was mostly ruins, now. The walls stood tall, but they were cracked and crumbling in certain ces.


    It looked kind of medieval to Mori. Some of its aspects were what he''d expect, while others were a gravitating a lot more toward a gothic style.


    The multiple towers that were around the castle pointed their heads above therge wall, and now that he was closer, he could tell they all had a special feature.


    One of them had a dragon made of stone, sculpted in a way that made it look like ittched on the tower, swirling around it with its tail in the air.


    Another one had what looked like one of the titans he had in days earlier. It was on its back, at the tip of the roof as if the roof had pierced its body. Its arms and legs in the air on the sides of it.


    Closer than ever, he was about to reach the gates. It was two giant doors made of metal, but they weren''t open, they were broken.


    While one door barely held in its joints, the other one was t on the ground, a big hole in the middle of it.


    They were both massive, making Mori feel small next to it.


    Jax was still around Mori, as they got closer.


    "Who is it that''s waiting for me?" asked Mori, stopping in front of the door.


    "You''ll know when you see her."


    He sighed deeply after filling his lungs. "Alright."


    Mori hopped on the t door, his steps echoing against the metal.


    "About this ''me possessing you'' thing..."


    "We''ll discuss it after I''ve met that person," cut Mori.


    "FINE, fine. Not like there''s a ticking clock in here, anyway."


    Mori hopped down, finally stepping inside T.


    "This is..."


    "Quite the nice little castle, right?"


    "No, quite the opposite. Who designed this ce? It makes no sense."


    Mori looked around, but this was no typicalyout. If anything, it looked like a Labyrinth more than anything else.


    An amalgam of structures with all sorts of styles mixed into them. Right in front of him were stairs carved in rocks going down, with metal fences on each side.


    Would he go right, more stairs were going down. He could go around them, however habitations were the immediate thing surrounding them.


    He could clearly see the castle''s walls which was further into this small city, but there was no clear paths to it.


    Stairs, and tiny pathways surrounded him but they all seemed to lead to a different ce.


    "This ce is hell. How the fuck do you get anywhere in here?"


    "Heh, you get used to it. I actually forgot this ce could be weird to first-timers. The girl actually got lost quite a few times when she first arrived."


    "Yeah..."


    Mori looked around, totally unsure where to go.


    "Here," said Jax floating toward a path leading to a house made of stone. Its roof was caved in, but the debris seemed to have been cleared.


    "We''re going inside someone''s house?"


    "Yeah, that''s the fastest way to get to the castle. Don''t worry, most houses here are empty."


    Mori followed Jax, entering the house.


    It wasn''t empty, a couple of husks were against the wall, looking at the ground immobile. It was as if they were made of stone.


    The room was quite simple, with a table in the middle and some furniture made of wood all around.


    Besides the table, almost everything was broken with ayer of dust on top of them.


    Inside the room, the door on their immediate left lead outside again.


    Stepping outside once more, they were on a balcony that went toward yet another house. Looking down, he could see more husks on the ground.


    It felt depressing. All of these people had lived a life, only to be human statues covering the grounds of a realm made to punish them.


    "I believe everyone in here deserves to be, but this is a bit much," he said.


    "Eh, in my opinion, it''s quite nice."


    "Nice? The amount of husks¡ª hollows, that we came across... Eternity here is a torture I wouldn''t wish on my ennemies."


    "It''s not a torture," replied Jax.


    They were walking across another house, which also lead back outside, this time with stairs going down.


    Jax was still floating around, leading the way for Mori to follow.


    "Honestly, it''s a blessing," continued Jax. "You can''t die, as long as you don''t want to. To be a ''husk'' means you decided to die. You ''gave up'', and your mind broke, and you turn into one of these things."


    "I''m still not understanding how that''s a blessing."


    "As long as you want live, you will. This ce seems like hell because most give up, those who don''t will thrive. This city wasn''t created by people who had given up, but by those who truly saw the blessing of this realm. You could create a simr ce, rebuild this city, and infuse hope into it to draw people in.


    The only problem is usually after a couple of millennias the city goes back into a state simr to this."


    "Yeah, after thousands of years in this ce I don''t me them."


    "Maybe you wouldn''tst here, after all."


    Mori sighed again, stepping over another husk as he now took stairs going up and around another structure.

 Chapter 105: [ Hole In The Wall]

    They kept turning, left and right, seemingly doing full circles yet not reaching a ce they had been at before.


    They would be on the second floor, or under the houses they had previously visited, making their way to the next one which would bring them one step closer toward the castle.


    The city was an architect''s nightmare.


    How people lived here made little sense, as everyone would''ve had to step into someone else''s house to get somewhere.


    Mori learned that there is more indirect paths that wouldn''t go through houses, but it would take too long to get from A to B.


    Not only that, most of these buildings weren''t made when the city was built.


    It continued to be built until long after it had crumbled, most of its residents leaving.


    People who simply wanted the light, and the joy of living in it built there houses where they could, with little regard of what it did to the city''sndscape.


    Mori was going down an alleyway, as he finally emerged from inside another building.


    It was narrow, and slightly going downward.


    The floor under him was made ofyered bricks. Despite the ruins all around, this pavement was the nicest thing he had seen yet.


    "We''re on what used to be the main street," said Jax.


    "Yeah, and there''s barely enough space to walk side-by-side."


    "Meh," said Jax, shrugging, "Nobody truly rules this ce, and so without a ruler, everyone really did whatever they wanted."


    It was by far the nicest walk in this city, as he could keep going forward without turning or going up stairs.


    The walls on his sides barely had anything, no designs, no windows, no nt-holders, nothing.


    "What''s this?" asked Mori.


    "Ehh. Someone who hopefully soon bes hollow," replied Jax.


    Mori frowned, but still approached.


    Meters further on his left was antern attached to the wall. There was a clear hole in the wall with a sort of counter built into it.


    As he approached, he could see on the side of it a sort of board, on it letters nicely carved which he couldn''t read.


    "Ah, wee."


    Mori was surprised, but after everything he had seen on his journey, this wasn''t a surprise he couldn''t live with.


    "You''re that old man fromst time," said Mori as he reached the counter.


    The ce was surprisingly clean, and looking too goodpared to everything else.


    Inside could be seen a lot of things piled up around in an almost chaotic way. From objects Mori could clearly discern to obscure things he had never seen before.


    Staves, wands, swords, spears... A lot of weapon on a weapon rack on the right. Agaisnt the back wall, armor and clothing items perfectly folded on a table, while a few lucky pieces of armor were on a mannequin


    On the right was more tables, but these ones had jewelry and other ornaments.


    In the middle was where it truly became chaotic, where all sorts of weird trinkets wereyered around.


    On the other side of the counter was the old man Mori had met. He never thought he''d see him again, yet there he was.


    "It''s a small world, as they say... heh," he replied in his deep voice.


    He was wearing the same old ck robe, his words felt as weighted now as they were back then.


    "You''re... selling things?" asked Mori, looking around.


    "Anything you see is for sale, yes."


    Mori''s hand was resting on the counter, theck of dust surprising him.


    "How do you price things? What''s the currency, here?"


    "It depends what you have to offer," replied the old man.


    "The weapons seem good," said Mori.


    "Some of them are the best in their category," he replied.


    Mori nodded, it did look that way.


    He could tell at a first nce that some of them were of higher quality. No rust, unbroken, perfect shape, and that ''aura''.


    He didn''t know much about weapons, but some of them were clearly a cut above the rest.


    On the other hand, some of these weapons were rusted, tested by time and looked like they barely held on.


    Following Mori''s gaze, the old man spoke up.


    "Ah, these."


    He walked toward a set of rusted swords, carefully picking them up.


    "Sun and Moon. Two swords of a set, they belonged to an old king. He had both made by the best at the time, the sun representing his daughter, and the moon his wife and queen."


    "They''re old and clearly broken, who would buy those swords?"


    The old man carefully put them back down.


    "Some people find value in these," he replied.


    "How about those?" asked Mori.


    The old man followed what Mori was pointing at, a thinner longsword. It almost looked like a Katana, but not quite.


    At the hilt, a small chain was attached, and at its end a trinket that looked like an eclipse.


    "Ah, this one... It used to belong to the same king, however, he let it go for the two other swords."


    "Why? Its quality is clearly better," said Mori.


    Jax quietly chuckled next to him, while the old man smiled.


    "Well, sometimes having the best isn''t always good..."


    Mori frowned, ignoring Jax''s chuckles.


    "I want it, then. That sword with the eclipse."


    The old man''s face became stern, "Sadly... it''s not made for you."


    With both eyebrows raised, Mori tried hiding his surprise. "Because I can''t afford it?"


    The old man shook his head.


    "No, it''s simply not something made for you."


    "What is, then?" asked Mori, out of patience.


    "Hmmm," voiced the old man, turning again.


    He went around the small room, looking at trinkets and weapons.


    "No...no..." he whispered, as he grabbed some items.


    He looked around one more time, until his eyebrows finally shot up, as he had found something that finally satisfied him.


    "This, would work for you."


    Mori looked at what the old man grabbed in his hands.


    "You can''t be serious..." said Jax in a single breath.


    His shocked expression struck as out of character to Mori, who turned toward the old man again.


    "Huh, I agree with him," he said, pointing at Jax. "I couldn''t care less about jewelry, even more if it''s a crown. Even if I was the type to enjoy showing off, wearing a crown betrays an ego that''s too big."


    The old manughed, as he approached the counter and set the crown on it.


    It was pitch-ck, and reflected no lights. No shining stone, no diamonds, no gold, only the dark material.


    It was extremely thin, and its height was equally short. It wasn''t one of those ''spiky'' crowns. Its design had more flow to it.


    The whole crown was of a matte ck, yet as he picked it up and got it closer to his eyes, he could see the details.


    They were extremely finely carved into it, one wouldn''t notice them just looking at it from a distance.


    The details on the exterior were stunning, yet the ones on the inside of the crown painted a whole scene, as he spun the crown in his hands.


    "Well, it looks good, I''ll give you that."


    " ''it looks good'', " repeated Jax.


    Mori turned to look at Jax one more time, whose expression was pale and in disbelief.


    "What''s wrong with you?" asked Mori.


    Jax ignored Mori''s question, his cold stare set on the old man who clearly couldn''t care less.


    "Well, that''s one of the few things made for you, here. As it''s made for you, I require minimal payment. Would you want something not made for you, like eclipse, I could arrange something as well, but it would be a lot pricier."


    "What do you want?" asked Mori, holding the crown.


    "Well, I would''ve liked Asmodael''s ring, but I know you don''t have it on you..."


    "How do you know-"


    "-Give me a set of chains."


    Mori frowned, "Those chains?" he asked, materializing cursed chains.


    The old man tightened his eyes, looking at them, but then softly shook his head.


    "No... no."


    He walked to the counter, taking the crown back from Mori''s hands.


    "You''re not there yet, maybe someday."

 Chapter 106: [ Merchant ]

    "What? I can adjust them for you. You want them bigger?" asked Mori.


    The old man turned around after carefully putting the crown down.


    "No, they''re just..."


    The man trailed off, in thought.


    "They''re horrible," said Jax right next to him.


    Mori filled his lungs with air, slowly exhaling with his eyes closed.


    Most of the time, people relied on him and his strength. When using magic, most reactions were usually wonder or fear.


    Here, it was disappointment.


    "Don''t take it that way, it only means you can grow some more."


    "And looking at these, there''s a LOT of growing to do," added Jax chuckling.


    "They''re chains. What more did you expect?"


    The man was polishing the crown as it sat on the table, using a piece of the rags he wore and his breath.


    Not every item seemed to have that treatment, while everything that was in view seemed in perfect condition, some chests had items hanging out of them in the corners of the room.


    After a few sweeps on the crown, he faced them again.


    Lifting his hand up, the man''s face tightened a moment.


    From his palm that was facing upward, a chain emerged, its clinking noise multiplying as it moved around the room.


    It was moving around as if it had a life on its own. A dragon soaring the skies or a kite lead by a bird.


    As it went around on its thirdp, a lot of chains were spiraling around the shop, with the head of it heading back into the hand it came out of.


    Quickly, all of it was reeled back in, as Mori watched the scene unfold.


    "So you''re one of us," said Mori.


    "One of us?" replied the man.


    Mori''s head turned toward Jax, who''s face showed the same confusion as the man.


    Mori''s face turned to confusion as well.


    "Well, a sovereign, or someone using curses? Was your title different, like Jax?"


    The old shopkeeper had a shortugh, a bright smile drawing itself on his lips.


    "Ahhh, that''s what you mean! Should''ve been clearer... You say ''one of us'' as if that''d mean anything to me..."


    Jax''s chuckles annoyed Mori, who kept ignoring them the best he could.


    "Are you?" he asked again.


    "Oh, no. Not a sovereign of anything I fear. Maybe of this ce... but no visitors allowed, so could I really be a sovereign with nobody to be a sovereign to?"


    A deep sigh left Mori''s lungs, as his eyes reached for the sky.


    "So how are you doing this?" he asked.


    "The chains?"


    "Yes, the chains."


    The man furtively looked at Jax again.


    "Why do you keep looking at him? Are you both trying to rip me off or something? Is this a trick?"


    "Uhh," started Jax, tilting his head to the side. "It''s just that it''s pretty basic, really. Anyone can do this much."


    Lifting his own hand, Jax drew out chains as well.


    They kept multiplying, their varying size floating around. After a moment, he got them together, depicting a dragon spitting mes, with red-orange chainsing out of its mouth. Read new chapters at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin


    Mori was slightly amazed, while mostly annoyed.


    Jax''s face showed no struggle, it looked as if he was enjoying himself, even.


    "What..."


    "Eh, don''t beat yourself up. He''s been here for a long time. It would be weird if he wasn''t able of that. Give yourself some time."


    Jax spoke up. "Really? You''re ying the humble guy now?"


    Mori frowned again, but Jax quickly answered the question before it finished forming in his mind.


    "He''s way more impressive than me."


    "What do you mean? Yours is obviously more advanced."


    "It is."


    "Then-"


    "-you''re used to that other ce''s ''system''. Its windows with its tooltips exining things, detailing things, giving you lists of stuff to gather or instructions on words to pronounce. You misunderstand how everything works, but honestly, most people in that realm also do."


    "So how is it more impressive? You''re not exining."


    "Well, for starters, he''s not even here."


    Mori''s eyebrows shot up. He quickly looked at the man again, who simply smiled.


    "Wh-"


    "Well, technically he''s here..."


    In a quick and dry manner, Mori turned to the man.


    "Are you here?"


    "Yes."


    "Are you trying to mess with me?" asked Mori to Jax.


    "...But not really," finished the man.


    A loud bang surprised the both of them.


    "No need to take it out on the counter," said Jax.


    Mori rxed his fist.


    "So... Hmm. Like Jax here," said the man pointing at Jax, "I have multiple titles."


    "So you are a-"


    "-let me finish."


    "Sorry."


    "People gave me many names over time. The realm hopper, dimension shifter, portal maker..."


    Mori face went from darkness to light in a matter of seconds, as he understood what he meant.


    "Your shop isn''t truly here, in this realm?"


    "See, he gets it!" eximed Jax.


    Ignoring him, the man continued.


    "The thing is, your chains, your curses... your magic, ites from here," he said, waving his finger around.


    "From this realm," added Jax.


    "This concept of ''magic'' is really heavy on that. That energyes from you, but isn''t you. Did you ever feel like you were creating that energy?"


    "Well, not exactly like I was creating it..."


    It struck Mori, he was right.


    It wasn''t insane to assume the energy he used came from this ce. After all, the ce felt extremely familiar.


    The game he yed, Elder Heir Online, never went on exnations on this topic.


    Mana, or life energy, as some people in thends describe it, was believed toe from the environment.


    The concept of bnce existed, and powerful spells had powerful drawbacks on the world, and it all made sense.


    Everyone has energy, and the forests or even rocks had some, and it was all exined as simply using what was around.


    Some man he had met on a quest described it as being a ma that attracts energy to oneself, slowly filling the well of the body and mind.


    Those exnations were interesting, but everyone used the system.


    The system felt nothing.


    You pressed a button, the spell was cast, and that was the end of it.


    You might feel the heat of the fireball, or the cold of an ice spike, but that was it.


    "So all this time, we''ve been using magic from other realms?" asked Mori.


    "Oh no, let''s just say you''re lucky enough to tap into the pure stuff, while most people get by with that main realm''s energy. Some people have affinities, and there''s moreplicated stuff down the line... but that''s the gist of it."


    Mori looked around once more, as he stood in that narrow alleyway with the lights of the shop dancing on the walls nearby.


    From the eclipse, to the wastnds, to the inhabitants...


    The husks, shells of former lives that had lost meanings. The dead trees, eternal reminders that any life in this ce lead to only one state.


    That ''cursed energy''. Could it truly being from that ce?


    It made sense, but didn''t feel that way when he cast spells before.


    "It''s totally normal. It''s more something you feel than something you rationalize," said Jax. "You''re tapping into the real stuff while you''re here, you''ll get used to it."


    "The fact you''re already able to summon chains, let alone use them in battle is great on its own," added the old man. "Take some time to get used to it. Maybe have Jax train you, he''se a long way himself."


    Mori watched as Jax''s face went from a smile to annoyance.


    "No thank you," replied Jax.


    "Really? That''s a shame..."


    A moment of silence filled the alleyway, as nobody spoke up.


    "Why don''t you?" asked Mori.


    The old man raised an eyebrow, "Me?"


    "Yeah. Exin to me the basics. I''ll take it from there."


    "Hm. I suppose I could..."


    Jax rolled his eyes, snapping his tongue.


    "You''ll never get anywhere. He''s not even here. Furthermore, he''s a lousy teacher. A lot of talking and not much doing, you''ll bore yourself to death before getting any real experience."


    "That''s good. Understanding how things work helps me learn faster. Practice only reigns as king with knowledge as its foundations.


    "I like that kid," chuckled the old man.


    Jax broke away from the counter, going down the alleyway.


    "Let''s go, there''s still that guest waiting for you," he said over his shoulder.


    Mori took a step back.


    "Once I''m done with that, I''lle back. Just show me the basics, I''ll give you that chain, and you give me that crown."


    "I''ll see youter, then," replied the old man.


    Mori then turned, walking quickly to catch up to Jax who was meters further down the slight slope.


    As he caught up, his eyes became round with the realization that he''d need to get back here.


    In the middle of this maze pretending to be a city.


    Swiftly turning around, Mori stood still.


    No lights danced on the walls, as the shop hadpletely vanished from the alleyway.

 Chapter 107: [ Heart of the city ]

    "So, who''s this person waiting for me," asked Mori.


    The echo of their steps on the suffocating walls was the only sound made by the pair.


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    "Some girl, she''s a bit crazy if you ask me."


    "That''s rich,ing from you..."


    Their journey through thebyrinth wasing to an end, he could feel it.


    While the paths they took were still convoluted, it felt like the knot was untying itself.


    Progressing through the city felt like a lot of back and forth at first, while now that they were near the middle, it felt a little more straightforward.


    The amount of husks lying around hadn''t dropped, the city was still paved with them no matter how closer they were getting.


    Some of them seemed less out of it, following them with their eyes.


    Jaxpletely ignored them, while Mori still took a moment to look at them.


    Only look.


    I can''t save everyone. It''s also not my job to save everyone.


    Saving a husk seemed like a task that required too much investment.


    Giving purpose in a world that has none. Where everything is destined for ruins over millions of years. Everyone forced to live through those years in a brutally painful manner...


    There was death.


    Maybe.


    How does death work in a realm like this?


    Mori was right behind Jax, paying attention to his surroundings while ying with chains.


    "How hard can it be?" he whispered to himself.


    "We''re there."


    Mori looked up from his hand,ying eyes on the castle he had seen poking out of the walls.


    It wasn''t much of a castle, more a pce.


    One in ruins, at least.


    Several walls were copsed, the main doors broken and lying on their backs.


    The roof and overall structure was somehow still in ce, while holes did show up here and there.


    It was massive, withrge supporting pirs facing them.


    They weren''t just circr, but sculpted with a level of details that seemed unreal. Hard to believe it was stone hand-carved.


    Mori started walking again, impatient to see one of those pirs up-close.


    "Give people an extreme amount of time to work on those and you get a good result," said Jax, as if he read Mori''s mind.


    They were crossing something that looked like an extremelyrge street. Before reaching the pce''s broken doors was a sort of stone garden.


    Nothing truly outstanding about it, besides how the slow incline was bringing them up to the entrance, instead of stairs.


    On each sides were sculptures of beasts and monsters Mori couldn''t dream of.


    They slowly made their way up the ramp.


    "Those husks are staying away from this pce?" asked Mori.


    "I keep this ce clean. After all, I live here. I do not want to have those depressive beings around."


    "Makes sense."


    As they finally got in front of the pce doors, Mori could see how impressive they truly were. Just looking at them made him feel heavy.


    His feet, however, started to drag debris and dust around. Crossing the entrance brought a smell of ''old'' abandoned house.


    The hall they stepped into was gigantic.


    The first room people were met with was truly breathtaking.


    There was no second floors, straight above them was the roof they could see from the outside. A bold choice to waste space that could''ve been used, but Mori could understand why.


    Whoever created this ce had an eye for shy.


    The pirs, the rugs, the walls, the torches, the paintings... Everything had so much details, it felt like he was in a dream.


    Mori stepped toward the wall on his left, where a painting was hung up.


    "Alright, take your time. Literally. It doesn''t matter much," said Jax.


    "Huhuh."


    His eyes didn''t leave the painting as he approached it. It was a king on a throne, but the closer he got the more he could see inside of it.


    Everyone depicted around was so well painted that it almost felt like a photograph, yet it clearly wasn''t. The people standing around on both sides, all the way up the main stairs that lead to a throne.


    In a room that looked like this one.


    Mori turned around, it was indeed the same one.


    Straight away, opposite to the entrance was stairs going up, but no throne on top of it.


    Instead, it simply lead to another set of doors.


    Those doors, however, were of a different breed.


    While those that opened to the pce were made of wood, these were made of metal.


    They weren''t as big or impressive, if anything, it was the opposite.


    The dark metal that clearly stood the test of time looked heavy and sturdy.


    Following Mori''s gaze, Jax spoke up.


    "Yeah, that''s where that loser''s staying."


    "Loser?"


    Jax pointed to the painting behind Mori.


    "Yeah, that guy on the throne. The one who''s wearing the crown the old man was gonna give you."


    "That king?"


    "Yeah. As this ce started to crumble he moved his throne in the room behind those doors. Good luck opening them, everyone tried, not possible. That whole room is locked in some sort of magic."


    "Not even you or Ma?l?"


    "Oh no, truly nobody since those doors closed. Some scratches and dents on them are from us, but that''s it."


    Mori went back to the middle of the room, joining Jax.


    The stairs that lead to the metal doors also had a smaller set of stairs on each side, along the back wall, going left and right.


    Jax moved forward, quickly followed by Mori.


    "This room is the worst."


    "Looks hard to beat."


    "That loser forcing us to walk past his little secret room. Thisyout just screams ''Look at me, I''m still here and still the king''. I avoiding in from the main entrance. This ce reeks."


    They approached the metal doors, but Jax quickly turned right, taking the smaller stairs leading to a standard wooden door.


    Taking a few steps toward the door, and out of curiosity, Mori put his hand on the metal door, causing Jax to roll his eyes.


    "I... recognize this."


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