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Sebas Aren - Various Degrees of Manners (Chapter 48)

Sebas Aren - Various Degrees of Manners (Chapter 48)

Sebas walked through the halls of the prison, his eyes focused on the red beam of light that lit up the stone floor. Brinestone penitentiary is a vast underground ravine several hundred feet below the surface, where prisoners are held captive until proper sentences for their crimes can be decided and used for work in the dungeon that was created some 20+ years ago.

Sebas stopped short of bumping into a hairless halfling male while following the entrancing red line that disappeared as he walked forward. The small man who couldn’t have been more than 4 feet tall leaned backwards, and stared at Sebas.

“… You’re one ugly motherfucker.”

Sebas smiled at the half-man, his triangular fangs formed a massive wall of teeth that could stretch over the man’s head with ease.

The half-man looked up at him, in a show of disgust he grumbled and spit upwards, catching Sebas in the eye.

“Glad to know there’s more giant creatures in here who will die in the pit.”

Sebas crouched down behind the man, reaching for his neck from behind, before an electric shock began to pulse from a metal bar that shot through his wrist, originating from the “Experience Blocker.”

[Murderous Intent detected, Penalty will be applied]

[You have been Penalized, Lunch has been forfeited.]

Sebas looked at the man who turned around, curious at the small gust that flew over his bald head, only meeting Sebas’ thigh. He looked up at the monstrous creature that lumbered behind him, blood dripping from the scale-covered birdlike hand that waved at him.

“Fuckin’ monster.”

Sebas smiled again at the halfling until the unnerving sight of his lipless smile turned the man’s gaze away. Sebas took the chance to wipe the saliva from his face and slapped the mixture of blood and spittle against the bald man’s head.

The line of convicts on the red carpet turned around as the loud smack reverberated through the hall, watching as a very angry halfling slowly turned red and veiny.

A dark red mist overtook the man’s features, his eyes went wild with bloodlust as they dilated, bloodshot mist covered his vision as his balled fists began to punch Sebas’ legs.

A loud scream was heard as two loud kerthunks clattered in the tiny man’s arms, his body began to convulse as electrical stimulation began to foam his mouth and send him unconscious.

Sebas smiled and lightly prodded the man with a finger, causing him to fall over, outside of the line, his body immediately jolted from involuntary movement the wrist cuffs in each arm simulated.

Sebas grinned while he watched the man, some convicts looked in sympathetic gazes as the flesh around his wrists slowly took on a burnt appearance, only for a pair of correctional officers, elves, to show up and do something to the man’s blocker bracelets that seemed to stop the red glowing energy that was flowing through his arms.

“Did you do this?” The officer asked Sebas.

Sebas chose to smile at the man, instead of giving a proper answer, his feathered features didn’t convey emotion properly, but what little emotion that could be seen were smug smiles and justice-seeking satisfaction.

The elf snarled, pulling out a blunt weapon and hitting Sebas in the stomach, causing him to bowl over while clutching his torso.

[You have gone out of “Directory Zone”]

[Penalty will be applied]

Sebas screamed as the electricity launched through his wrist, he watched the scars light up slowly, glowing underneath his red feathers and creating lightning that followed the paths up towards his arm.

“Thank you sir,” Sebas grunted, “May I please have another” he said, walking back in line, sighing.

[Thank you for returning to “Directory Zone”]

The shocking electricity that radiated from the metal spike between his ulna and radius, twisting his wrist while he felt the stiffening of his arm as his hand wasn’t entirely able to turn.

The elf sighed, and tapped his ear before he started speaking, the pair of them began to carry the halfling man away from the queue of convicts.

“What a fucking asshole, huh?” Sebas asked the Satyr he was now behind, the horned half goat man turned around, saying nothing while Sebas got a good look at the strange heart tattoo with the common language glyphs inside of it, spelling “Mom.”

“… alright, you too?”

The Satyr man turned around, keeping his silence as they all walked forward. One at a time.

A large, black steel door sat at the deepest depth of the stone prison, embedded flush into the wall, skull motif painted a mural made of the dark electric blue that dotted the 16 foot hunk of metal.

Sebas finally got up to a small wooden desk where a goblin wearing a pair of glasses was checking names on a list, and asked “name?” In a refined gurgly voice”

“Sebastian Iore Aren.”

The goblin didn’t move its head from its hunched over position, and looked up at him.

“You don’t look like an Aren,” the goblin said with an impassive expression.

“I’m not quite sure what happened, when I had my awakening, my hair apparently turned red, it’s what’s called a “Mutant Awakening” apparently.”

“I see,” The goblin said, in a tone that stopped the conversation.

“Weapon choice?”

Sebas held his hand up.

“Do you need rental equipment?”

“I doubt you have anything that’ll fit me.”

“I think likewise.”

A small mark was placed next to the name at the very bottom of the paper, hand-written compared to the factory-written printed with magic names.

“Am I even actually under proper incarceration? I don’t think I have a sentence time.”

“Speak with a judge, he’ll be here in two days. You may come out of the dungeon after you complete your designated assignment by the system. You may not kill another while inside the dungeon, however it’s clear you may want to do so,” the goblin began reciting monotonously, as if done for the hundredth time today, “if you find a chest, you may report it, there will be an extra assignment if you are deemed eligible to obtain the item inside of the container, failure to register treasure can and will be punished with the highest penalty possible up to solitary confinement for a month.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes, now go.”

Sebas nodded at the man and walked over where two Elves in uniforms held stun sticks while another held a small tablet object.

“You there?” The elf with the tablet asked.

“Yeeees officer?” Sebas asked.

“Your internals seem anomalous.”

“If you think I look weird, I cannot wait to tell you how you look, sir.”

“Are you storing a magic core in your body?”

“Not intentionally?”

“It seems there’s a mass of magic in your chest.”

“There is, I ate a lot of rocks as a kid, one of ‘em was a magic stone,” Sebas shrugged while spewing nonsense.

The elf sighed and marked something in another magic tablet that seemed to have a picture of a large smiling bird creature. It was Sebas, he hadn’t seen himself in a while, and he was certain. He was fucking ugly. At least for human standards.”

“Do you have any artifacts on you?”

“Yes, it’s currently stabbing me in the wrist,” Sebas said, jiggling the stiff bracelet with his arm.

“Any other artifacts?”

“My inherited good looks?”

One of the elves smacked him with a similar club to that he was hit with half an hour ago, and groaned, “Thank you sir, you’re so kind.”

“We got another weird one.”

“No shit.”

“Look, it’ll be fine, I’ll take the fall if anything happens.”

“You better, sack of shit”

“The girls are fightinnnnng~” Sebas said weakly, repeating another one of the mannerisms he adopted from Adam.

The nearly ancient elf behind Sebas in line began walking forward to the desk, prompting the men who were fighting to usher Sebas into the entrance.

Unlike the normal gradual incline like the dirt mound opening in Eruka, the Dungeon that began deep, deep underground had a vertical drop that Sebas peered into, unable to properly view the inside of the dungeon, making him hesitate.

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

A firm foot to his backside sent him stumbling forward, ultimately falling downward.

Sebas spun around, stretching his body before righting himself mid free fall. His body stretched, cracking noises sounded as his pair of wings that once were small and inept grew outward from the restraining shirt he wore.

Sebas descended slowly, getting used to the feeling of the strange wings that allowed him to glide slowly, before a bluish white light illuminated the ground below.

Sebas landed on the ground, where a large magic circle underneath what looked like wood ash laid, creating a small, uncomfortable landing for those that had to fall.

Eight criminals surrounded Sebas, holding spears and swords respectively.

“Can I help you gentlemen?”

The obvious leader, a white haired elf with a large scar that ran from his chin to the missing ear on the right side of his face stepped up.

“Who are you?”

“Dilly Sheygast, do you know who my father is?” Sebas said in fake noble bravado.

“I don’t care who your father is, laws don’t follow us here, and sure as shit your father won’t be here either.”

“What do you want, I’ve got so many dead hounds to kill,” Sebas said while stretching.

“Drop the equipment you’ve… rented and…”

“Something the matter?”

“Where’s the rental equipment?”

“Uhh… boss?” A small demi human man said, motioning him over.

The white haired elf looked at the man and walked over, leaning his good ear over to listen in as the bat eared man quietly hissed secretively.

“He did?” The elf asked.

The bat person shrugged and whispered again.

“How much do you trust your source?”

The man held up his hand, rotating it back and forth while he raised his upper lip, a gesture that plainly said “so-so”.

“Am I allowed to add into the conversation?” Sebas asked.

“No!” The elf said quietly, eyes widening as he met with Sebas, chuckling sheepishly afterwards. “No, Sir, that won’t be necessary.”

Sebas turned his head to the side, confused as the demi human continued whispering.

The elf tapped his foot impatiently, before turning to Sebas, clearing his throat.

“Sir, do you need an escort to the midpoint?”

Sebas looked around, taking in the sights of the faux moonlight that painted the mountainous landscape.

“Nah, I’ll be fine.” Sebas said while looking around, taking in the scenery.

A loud thud was heard as something hit Sebas flooring him to the ash covered ground, causing him to sigh and blow the dust from his face.

“I’m sorry m’boy… it seems you accidentally broke my fall,” The elderly elf said to him.

“It’s… fine” Sebas said with a sigh, “can you get off of my back?”

“T’would be my pleasure.”

The ancient elf slowly got up off of Sebas, using his shoulder as a handrail.

Sebas sat up slowly, shoving his arm into his back until a loud pop sounded from the torso.

“Damn… you might’ve dislocated something old man.”

The elderly elf chuckled weakly with closed eyes at Sebas, offering a hand to get up from the ground.

Sebas accepted the gesture and was nearly taken aback by the strength used to pull him to his feet. Sebas stood firmly, and placed his hand around the elf’s properly before squeezing it, smiling back.

The elderly elf smiled wildly, not baring his teeth like Sebas did, and opened his left eye softly, exposing a golden pupil that flashed from the gray stones that lit up the ceiling.

The frail old man’s arms began to flex and swell before Sebas, returning the excessively firm handshake, crushing his hand underneath.

Sebas groaned and focused, readjusting his grip on the man’s hand.

[Access. 20 Stat Points are available for Distribution.]

[Strength has been increased 80 -> 100]

[Your Elite Monster Core has adjusted your body, the Feature “Monstrous Strength” has been added to the Trait: (Elite Monster)]

Sebas groaned as his body swelled, the left half of his shirt falling due to the destroyed shirt stretching, leaving the sleeve that remained over his feathered arm, showing an massive forearm made of scaled gray skin that had black lines in the shape of bolts of lightning spread around his forearm.

The other eye opened on the old man as he smiled, watching Sebas’ struggle in the little game of dominance.

“100? 110? 120?” Sebas asked.

“223,” The elf said softly.

“That’s insane, I submit..” Sebas said, weakening his grip.

“I’ve just been around the block young man, there’s nothing wrong with where your at right now.”

“Yeah right, you could break everything in here with a flick of a finger.”

“Just because one can doesn’t mean one should.”

“Come on, you’re great, hey, have you ever crushed a mountain?”

“Not intentionally,” the man said, smiling with his eyes closed once again.

“That’s awesome.”

“Anyway, I gotta go, Later!” Sebas said, before crouching down, and jumping upwards, getting a decent amount of air, clearing each man encircling him by about a meter and a half.

The group hesitantly surrounded the old man, before the white haired elf spoke… “Do you have any rental weapons?”

“Just the one,” the elderly elf said, holding up a knife.

“That..” the white haired elf said, before blood began to drip from his neck, prompting his head to unstick and drop to the floor.

Electricity began to crackle from the bracelets, several seconds after the man had died, recognizing him as the culprit.

Panic enveloped the group of pathetic thugs, each one of them losing their heads one after another as a small knife manifested as each member turned away, embedded within each of their skulls.

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Sebas Aren was able to find the entrance to the midfloor relatively easily. A large mosaic pillar contrasted the surrounding grandiose subterranean landscape, graveyards filled with skeletons and dilapidated mansions were birthed decades ago, and long been looted for anything great.

After scaling to the peak of one of the twin mountains, that surrounded the supporting pillars of stone that the miniature world was carved out of, with his maximized [Parkour] Skill, Sebas was able to take a proper look with his wings carrying him aloft as he glided forward, gray streams of water flowed from inlets, skeletons of birds used their beaks and talons to ascend to heights they felt fit for roosting. While down near gravestones and destroyed homesteads held skeletons and arenas for metal bearing husks of what used to be alive.

[The God of Humanity is disgusted by this place]

[The Goddess of the Hunt says she Agrees with what he said for once.]

[The God of Afterlife says that it isn’t that bad, they aren’t real people]

[The Goddess of Mercy prays for you]

“Why don’t you do something about it then, “Old Man”.”

[The Goddess of the Hunt Snorts]

[The God of Humanity says he would but, He can’t ]

“Why not? Aren’t gods powerful?”

[The God of Humanity says it would be too much work explaining the concept of gods to an idiot who doesn’t even know how to read past a certain level.]

“I’m sorry that I was kicked out of my fucking house at 13, what’s your excuse?”

[The God of Afterlife reiterates that you’re entertaining]

[The God of Humanity Scorns you]

[The Goddess of Mercy and the Hunt protect you from Humanity’s penalties]

[Humanity tells the pair to stay out of this.]

[They refuse-]

“Quiet please.”

[+1 Hidden Notification]

Sebas clutched his chest, feeling a horrible burn within his heart.

[+3 Hidden Notifications]

Sebas focused with a sigh, opening the messages into his mind, allowing them to flow back in.

[The God of Humanity Curses you!]

[You have been Cursed with the Affliction “Wrath of The First”]

[The Goddess of Mercy offers to take on your burdens]

[The Goddess of the Hunt offers a Quest]

“What the fuck is a Quest?”

[The God of the Afterlife explains, Stating that upon completing an Objective, the God may bestow a Boon.]

“Like one a’ the Blessing Elixirs?”

[The God of Afterlife corrects you, saying “More like a medicine to prevent your heart from withering away”]

“Oh you motherfucker Humanity.”

[The God of Humanity scorns you, stating that your heart is penance for your actions, abandoning your own humanity is sacrilegious]

“Stick it up your ass,” Sebas said, scowling while he continued to glide towards the center.

[The God of Humanity demands respect, saying that if not for him, you wouldn’t even be born.]

“Oh! Whell yer magesty, I didn’t ask to be born you stupid fucking idiot.”

[The God of Humanity states, that maybe, since you never wanted to be born, maybe, just maybe, he should smite you down where you stand.]

“GO AHEAD,” Sebas screamed.

[The God of Afterlife tells Humanity that his words are Unbecoming of the Six]

[The Goddess of Mercy screams at you both, telling you to quit fighting]

[The Sixth Sun Rumbles]

Sebas’ body seized, making him swiftly fall from mid air, his body tensed as if an outlying force were squeezing him between their hands.

[The Goddess of Mercy prays for you.]

Sebas took in a sharp inhale, forcing his body to breathe as his choked body rapidly flapped trying to right itself, he finally struck ground after thirteen seconds, leaving a crater in the ground.

Sebas began a coughing fit as he crawled out of the small semicircle, screaming out.

“What the fuck was that???”

[The God of Afterlife explains, She told you to stop, so you did.]

Sebas recoiled at the mental explanation.

“But she’s not the god of telling people what to do? How the Fuck’d she do that?” Sebas dusted off the prison pants he was wearing, scowling as the dirt smeared against the bright and ugly pants.

[The Goddess of the Hunt clarifies, she creates Mercy and Peace, like when a mortal and a deity try and have a street fight over “who should thank who”]

“Wouldn’t that be an order thing? I’m so confused.”

[The God of Humanity scoffs, and offers you a Quest.]

“Why should I take a Quest from you?”

[… The God of Humanity Apologizes for his demeanor towards you.]

[The Goddess of Mercy prods him]

[The God of Humanity is also “Sorry” for cursing you]

“Didn’t you just call him one of the six? wouldn’t that make him a higher rank god from a title like that?”

[The God of Afterlife laughs, explaining that mercy is an opposition to war, making it a very strong force.]

[The God of Humanity grumbles, and offers you a Quest]

[The Goddess of the Hunt says she has a better Quest]

“What’s the Catch?”

[The God of Afterlife states that is a trade secret]

“Can I accept both?”

[The Goddess of Mercy prays for you.]

“Can’t you just undo the Curse?”

[The God of Humanity Sighs, Rubbing his temples]

“I will accept both Quests?”

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[Quest: Merciful Benevolence [1]]

[Description: ???, the God of Humanity feels his kin deep underground, beneath the Dungeon, and asks you to destroy their corpses so that the Dungeon can no longer use such vile forces.]

[Objective: Find and Kill “Named” Undead 0/10]

[Rewards: Quest: Merciful Benevolence [2], 1x ]

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[Quest: Big Fish in a Large, Dead Pond]

[Description: Ihta, the Goddess of the Hunt, pissed off by ??? Offers you a better quest, cooler than whatever that loser ??? Can come up with.]

[Objective: Kill: Field Boss: “Death Knight” 0/1

Kill: Field Boss: “Flesh Aberration” 0/1

Kill: Dungeon Boss: “Lesser Lich Sariel” 0/1

[Reward: 1x ]

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“Ihta, why the fuck would I want that?”

[The Goddess of the Hunt asks if you know how valuable that is?]

“No, however,” Sebas began, before finally arriving at the giant pillar. He walked up to the door, seeing a familiar green gem above the entrance, signifying that he was able to enter.

He began to open the door, when his mental voices began to speak again.

[The Goddess of the Hunt asks you to continue your “however.”]

“Ah, yes,” Sebas said seriously, before speaking in a scolding manner, like one would a child, “However, don’t come at me with a logical question, how dare you.”

Inside the circular room, a pile of bones rumbled as the blue-gray light shined around inscriptions, creating a massive pile of multiple species’ dried corpses that formed a humanoid body.

“Well, I must say that’s one ugly son of a bitch.”

The skulls that made up the teeth of the creature unhinged and roared as a red light began to glow in between the bones that made up its throat.

“There’s no way this thing is level 12, right?”