Consciousness returned slowly. Aubrey's awareness gradually returned as she swam through a murky haze. Gradually the darkness receded and shapes and forms emerged.

Blurry images coalesced into a brass and copper figure. Her hearing cleared and she perceived a faint ticking and whirr.

"Uuuugnnh... why," Aubrey croaked, her jaw aching, and her skull throbbing. Her blurry vision cleared, revealing the automaton looming beside her.

What the fuck, tin can...

First, she encountered a gargoyle, now an automaton. If she were to meet a goblin or troll next...

The automaton's body was a complex amalgamation of brass and copper metals, gears, and glowing runes that traced patterns across its surface, a thin trail of vapor issuing from exposed piping and joints. It had a domed head with a tattered top hat that drooped to one side, and its limbs consisted of segmented arms and legs that articulated as it moved, with a series of multi-jointed fingers and toes.

"Seriously... ow, my fucking head," Aubrey spat. She lay bound and tied to a chair, a rope circling her torso, pinning her arms, and restraining her wrists. Additional ropes wrapped around her ankles and legs.

Okay. That's pretty kinky.

Aubrey tested the ropes, wriggling and struggling. Nope. Nothing. Looks like escape ain't an option.

She exhaled, defeated.

At least her guitar-axe, Hellion's Cry, lay leaning on a desk, out of her reach.

Well, shit.

"So, Mr. Clockworks, tin can, bolt brain. Can't believe I'm asking this. But why the bonds?" Aubrey tested the ropes once again. "Can't we just have a civil conversation? And why'd you have to punch me in the kisser? Totally uncalled for."

The automaton shifted and leaned close. Her eyes met its optics. They resembled glass globes with circular irises that opened and closed.

Finally, it spoke in a modulated tone akin to an old-time radio.

"Indeed, why is a question oft pondered but seldom answered to satisfaction," it—he? replied, straddling the line between human warmth and mechanical cold.

Huh...

Aubrey studied the automaton. Guess she'd label him a he... or would 'it' be better? Bah. Fuck it. Screw pronouns.

"However, verily, 'tis prudent and advisable to engage in precautionary measures lest unwarranted guests intend harm. Therefore, 'tis understandable and not a motive worthy of castigation."

"Errrr... come again?" Aubrey squinted.

The automaton straightened, his lenses whirring. "Verily, unwarranted guests, such as yourself, would not bear the best of intentions, hence, 'twas necessary to restrain your person."

"Okaaaay. Fair," Aubrey acknowledged. "You could have just kicked my ass and thrown me out. You didn't have to tie me up. Bit excessive."

The automaton shifted his top hat and scratched his dome. "Nay, 'tis not. Underestimation of your capabilities could result in my person sustaining grievous injury and damages."

"True, guess you have a point, clanky. Good instincts," Aubrey conceded. "So... introductions? I'm Aubrey. Used to play music. Rock, Jazz, Metal, Punk, EDM... you know, the usual. Who's askin'?"

The automaton adjusted his top hat. "I am unfamiliar with thy genres, but 'tis a pleasure. Verily, greetings, Aubrey. Thaddeus Vanholt at yours."

"Nice to meet ya, Thaddy."

"My appellation, verily, differs. Thaddeus, Vanholt, or Sir. Those would suffice. Please address me as such," Thaddy insisted, the clicking of his gears underscoring his syllables.

"Vanholt's your surname?"

"Aye."

"Cool. Pleasure's mine, Thaddy Vanholt."

"Verily, 'tis inaccurate, and erroneously misleading, yet, 'tis acceptable," the automaton bobbed his head.

"Good, glad we established names. So... Thaddy, how 'bout loosening the binds? This isn't very comfortable." Aubrey strained against the ropes.

"Alas, 'twould not serve prudent until an accord of mutual benefit is reached. Until such accords, 'tis regrettable, yet, nonnegotiable."

"Alright, I can dig it," Aubrey slumped, defeated. "What's on your mind? Let's negotiate."

"Verily," the automaton folded his arms. "State thy purpose of visitation."

"Curiosity. Saw the building, felt a tug, and I had a hunch to investigate. I heard your drum playing from downstairs."

"Hmmmm..." Thaddy Vanholt rubbed his chassis and nodded. "'Twould reveal adequate motivation. Thy occupation and status."

Hmm, how to answer this?

Telling the whole truth wouldn't pan out well. So far, she hadn't been consistent on her identity. On one hand, she wanted to continue as the Aubrey from this world, while on the other... she's been acting more like her previous self.

Was this what having a split personality feels like?

Fuck, confusing...

Perhaps half-truths or selective disclosure could work.

"I used to be a singer. Someone murdered me, and now I'm a jobless Unhallowed. Currently freeloading at a cathedral with a gargoyle. So, unemployed, dead, and homeless, basically."

Thaddy tapped his dome, scrutinizing her. He paced for a bit, his brass feet clinking. "'Twould prove a challenging predicament. Your claim bears semblance to veracity. However, a thorough scrutiny is required."

"Hey, clanky. Do what you gotta. Better safe than sorry. Still friends though." Aubrey shrugged.

"'Twould indeed provide prudence. Excuse me." Thaddy Vanholt unfolded his arms and approached.

He bent down and removed a panel on his dome-head and fiddled with his internals. Aubrey flinched at a series of sparks and pops.

"Yeesh! Careful, dude. You're gonna electrocute yourself, tin can," Aubrey warned.

"Do not fret. Electrical currents pose no detrimental effects." Thaddy Vanholt extracted his mechanical innards. Tubes and wires trailed and spilled out.

More sparks and pops issued, and the scent of burnt hair and singed metal filled the room.

"Oi! Watch it! Point the smoking cables away. You'll start a fire."

Thaddy Vanholt gingerly grasped a sparking cable and touched the bare end to her forehead.

Electricity arced and Aubrey yelped as a painful shock traveled through her skull.

"Arghhh! Motherfucker!"

"Verily, a few more." Thaddy Vanholt ignited the cable again, touching the live end to her temple, resulting in an electric jolt.

"Sonova- Arrggh! Stop shocking me, boltbrain!" Aubrey writhed, her body shuddering.

"Verily, one last inquiry." Thaddy Vanholt sparked the live end again. Electricity arced, and Aubrey's entire body twitched and spasmed, her limbs and torso convulsing.

"Grrrglllrrraahhhh!! Ffffffffffff! Uggggghhh..."

Finally, the sparks ceased and the automaton withdrew the cable, sealing the access panel and adjusting his top hat.

Aubrey hung limp against the chair, panting and gasping.

"Verily, the query has proven satisfactory and without a hint of prevarication." Thaddy Vanholt circled Aubrey and undid her binds.

"Asshat... clanky," Aubrey growled, rubbing her freed limbs.

"Alas, the procedure proved necessary and without alternative. Prudency superseded mercy and decorum. Apologies."

"Fine," Aubrey rose and stretched, massaging her stiff limbs. "Guess we're square. No hard feelings. Glad you could detect the lack of deceit. But seriously? Electric shocks?"

"Aye. 'Tis efficient and without fail. I apologize again." Thaddy Vanholt bowed deeply, his top hat dropping, a gear and a screw falling out.

"Eh, water under the bridge."

"Verily, thank thee. A refreshment is in order." Thaddy Vanholt retrieved a cup and a teapot. Steam wafted from the spout.

"Tea?" Aubrey accepted the proffered ceramic vessel and sniffed the liquid. Hmm... smells delicious. Mint and honey.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

She sipped and relished the sweet and warm herbal infusion. The soothing heat flowed through her core, alleviating the lingering soreness from Thaddy's shocking interrogation.

"The tea has served adequate?" Thaddy Vanholt retrieved the emptied vessel.

"Yeah, thanks. Hits the spot." Aubrey handed him the drained teacup, and the automaton placed the dish on the desk.

"Verily. Shall we commence the negotiation?"

"Um, sure. But, please, I beg you. Stop saying 'verily' all the time. I'm about to have an aneurysm. Say something different. Maybe 'dude', 'sirrah', 'bruh', or whatever."

"Ver—indeed, 'twas a habit ingrained. Indeed, apologies." Thaddy Vanholt corrected himself, straightening his top hat.

"Thanks, clanky."

"Indeed. Hence, negotiations shall proceed?"

"Yes, let's chat. Wait, first, I gotta ask... are you a sentient construct, or are you a human trapped in that metal body?" Aubrey inquired.

Thaddy's lenses whirred and focused. "Ver—indeed. An astute deduction. Alas, 'tis correct. Mine essence resides not in a constructed corpus of brass and copper but rather in a mortal corpus that has since perished.

Alas, an affliction has transferred mine mortality and has instead transplanted mine soul and lifeforce unto this mechanical prison. Thus, mine corpus has since perished, and this is merely the phantasmal echo of Thaddeus Vanholt."

Aubrey processed the automaton's lengthy soliloquy and summed it down.

"So... you were an inventor who died. Got cursed. Soul inhabits an automaton. Correct?"

"Ve—yes." Thaddy Vanholt agreed, fiddling with his top hat.

"Awesome." Aubrey clasped her hands.

Finally, another cursed individual. Like her, Thaddy Vanholt has also endured a similar plight. Though, not quite the same. Hers had involved the curse of rebirth and reincarnation. Thaddy merely existed trapped in a mechanical body.

Still, a kindred spirit nonetheless.

"Yes. Thus, negotiations?"

"Alright, Thaddy Vanholt. What's on your mind? What're your motives?" Aubrey prodded.

Thaddy's lenses whirred and shifted. "My motives encompass two major impetuses. Firstly, the preservation of mine essence."

"Preserve yourself?" Aubrey prompted.

"Yes. Without the maintenance and preservation of mine essence, mine corpus shall decay, and my mechanized lifeform would cease to function."

"Sure. Preservation and maintenance. Makes sense."

"Secondly, the pursuit of music. 'Tis the prime motivation of my current existence."

A music lover! Hell fucking yes! Aubrey mentally cheered. Music was her lifeblood, and anything relating to songs and sounds had her utmost interest. Did they just become best friends?!

"Music's everything." Aubrey high-fived Thaddy.

"Indeed." The automaton reciprocated the gesture. Sparks and arcs erupted, and Aubrey suppressed a wince. Damn electricity.

"So, Thaddy. Lemme get this straight. You seek to preserve yourself and pursue music?" Aubrey summarized.

"Yes," the automaton agreed.

Things were literally clicking into place, and the grand plan that had stewed in her brain—besides the one about killing her murderers—was forming a band in this world. Now seemed like the golden moment.

"Alright, Thaddy Vanholt. Let's team up. Form a band. How's that sound?" Aubrey offered.

Thaddy's gears clicked and whirred. "A fortuitous proposal. Yet, verification is in order."

"Ask away, clanky."

Thaddy stroked his metal chassis and paced.

"Question one. Are ye trustworthy and without malevolent intents?

"Yep. Straight-talking Aubrey. Honest as fuck."

"Inquiries two and three. Would ye betray mine person and conduct nefarious machinations against mine mechanical corpus?"

"Clanky. We're musical kindred spirits. Why would I wanna break or ruin your tin—err, brass can ass? The worst I'll do to you is use you like a sexbot when I'm horny."

"I am unfamiliar with the term 'bot'." Thaddeus titled his dome.

"Hmm... ah! I know." Aubrey snapped her digits. "Pleasure automata."

Thaddy's mechanisms whirred, and his top hat unceremoniously fell from his head. Aubrey imagined that if the automaton had skin, his brows would've furrowed.

"You… jest?" Thaddy Vanholt ventured.

"Yea—nope. Dead serious. If it ever happens that human dudes don't want to get intimate with me because I'm an Unhallowed, then it's either gonna be you or my gargoyle friend."

Wait, did Ceddy even have one? Eh, minor detail. Aubrey would cross that bridge when needed.

Thaddy retrieved his fallen top hat, fidgeting with the brim and scratching his dome-head. "Inquiry four. Should our accord transgress and fizzle forthwith, would ye sabotage my musical aspirations and curtail mine pursuit for a fulfilling musical experience?"

"Nope. Music's everything. Why the hell would I stop you from pursuing the holy grail? Sounds hypocritical. Besides. Who says the accord between us can't succeed?" Aubrey countered.

He cocked his top hat to a contemplative angle and fiddled with his gears. "Lastly, should danger transpire. Would ye defend and preserve mine mechanized corpus?"

"No hesitation. Yes." Aubrey held up a thumbs-up. "Defending comrades' mechanical asses is priority number one."

Thaddy paused. Aubrey could envision smoke issuing from his mechanism. After a moment, he straightened, snapping his top hat upright. "Very well. Agreement sealed and contract consummated. Ye have demonstrated the aptitude and merit to earn mine trust, Aubrey. Allow mine person to present an offer. Join mine endeavor to assemble a musical collective. Become mine companion and associate."

"Hell fucking yes." Aubrey pumped a fist. Wait, wasn’t making a band her idea? Whatever. "Glad to join. Thaddy. Let's make music."

Thaddy extended his mechanical hand. Aubrey gripped the metal limb and shook. Arcane symbols flared and encased their clasped hands.

"Hey! What the—"

"Do not fret. 'Tis a magically binding accord." He released her hand and Aubrey studied her limb. The mystical sigils dimmed and vanished.

"Agreement consummated and valid," Thaddy confirmed.

"Great." Aubrey rubbed her palm. "Hey, so um, this place looks like shit. Would you like to relocate to a cathedral? It's got a huge basement."

Thaddy's lenses whirr-ed and focused. "Relocation possesses appeal and merits. However, mine possessions and equipment require relocation. Mine person cannot abandon the sanctum."

"Sweet, no problem." Aubrey surveyed the disheveled and wrecked room. She hadn't noticed until now, but there were a lot of mechanical apparatuses and gadgets strewn about. Tools, instruments, and various contraptions covered the tables and surfaces.

Woah. Hmm. Guess this counted as Thaddy's workshop or laboratory. Wonder how much it costs to rent a wagon?

----------------------------------------

Renting a damn wagon turned out to be a bigger hassle than she expected. She ended up settling on using an open-air cart that was hitched to a couple of horses. Luckily, she only had to pay a fee for usage, and nothing more. But now she only had a few shillings to her name.

Hours later, Aubrey and Thaddeus worked together hauling the heavy and bulky equipment. They finally finished transferring all of the mechanical inventions and musical devices into the wagon.

The sun neared the horizon, casting elongated shadows along the cobblestone streets. They made their way back to the cathedral, with Thaddeus sitting on the wagon's front seat with her, garbed in thick robes to hide his form.

The horses pulled the wagon steadily, trundling over the stone pavement and rumbling through puddles.

Along the way, a message blared in her mind.

[Your Rank has increased from Prelude to Adagio]

[You have 2 unused Talent Points]

[You have 4 unused Ability Points to spend on your Banshee abilities]

[You can increase two of your attributes by one grade]

Wait, what? Aubrey raised an eyebrow and inspected her status page.

[Name: Aubrey]

[Race: Revenant]

[Variant: Banshee]

[Rank: Adagio]

[Attributes: Grade]

[Tempo: E]

[Dynamics: C]

[Timbre: D]

[Pitch: C]

[Harmony: F]

[Resonance: E]

[Cadence: D]

[Riff: F]

[Select the two attributes to increase by one grade]

It felt a little strange that somehow, even though she lost her fight against Thaddeus due to getting sucker-punched in the face (or the chin to be exact) with the added benefit of suffering through an electrical jolt, she still ranked up.

At this point, she had a suspicion that ranking up depended on a variety of factors. It wasn't just a simple win-or-lose formula.

After some deliberation on which attribute to raise, Aubrey decided to give Dynamics and Harmony a boost.

[Increasing your Dynamics attribute enhances the power and effectiveness of your skills and abilities. It also provides a damage bonus to weapon attacks.]

[Increasing your Harmony attribute boosts the potency of skills and abilities that buff and debuff targets.]

[Dynamics: B] ⇧

[Harmony: E] ⇧

Aubrey felt a slight wave of power flow through her body. The sensation felt akin to drinking a really hot cup of coffee that gave a subtle rush of alertness. The feeling of a mild caffeine buzz ran through her frame.

For her talent points, she didn't want to spend too long looking through all the Talent Trees again. One skill from the Rondo Route and one from the Sonata Path had already caught her interest.

[Footsteps Amidst Echoes (Rondo Route, Tier 1, Passive Skill): Increases stamina regeneration, allowing for sustained movement in battle.]

[Dance of the Swift Gale (Sonata Path, Tier 1, Passive Skill): Improves movement speed and agility, enabling quicker dodges and positioning.]

With that taken care of...

Next, what were these Ability Points?

[Ability points are spent on your Banshee abilities. The two ability trees are Banshee's Lament and Banshee's Aria.]

[Banshee's Lament: This ability tree draws upon the haunting and eerie aspects of the mythos, focusing on controlling others through fear, debuffs, and manipulation. This path is designed to disorient, weaken, and terrify opponents, making them easy targets for the banshee and her allies.]

[Banshee's Aria: This ability tree focuses on the empowerment of oneself and allies, bolstering attributes, healing, and channeling the power of music through auditory and sonic attacks. This path is ideal for those who wish to conquer obstacles with strength, power, and force.]

As the wagon continued its journey, with Thaddeus leading the horses, Aubrey scrolled through the list of abilities from each one.

Interesting... both paths had their strengths and weaknesses.

On one hand, Banshee's Lament represented the tactical and mental aspects of a battle. It played to the idea of utilizing deception and guile. The ability to cloud the enemy's mind with terror and fear and to inflict them with crippling ailments that rendered them vulnerable.

On the other hand, Banshee's Aria embodied the heroic and inspirational side of battling. Its focus is on increasing the attributes and power of one's allies by pumping everyone with buffs, auras, and healings, alongside providing devastating sonic attacks.

There were also several passive abilities that Aubrey could unlock.

After spending a bit of time mulling over each ability, Aubrey eventually settled on four.

[Echo of Vitality (Banshee's Aria, Tier 1, Active Ability): Boosts the stamina regeneration for the banshee and her allies within a twenty-meter radius. Duration: 120 seconds. Cooldown: 240 seconds]

[Swift Cadence (Banshee's Aria, Tier 1, Active Ability): Enhances group movement speed, enabling rapid positioning and maneuvering. Duration: 90 seconds. Cooldown: 180 seconds]

[Eerie Echo (Banshee's Lament, Tier 1, Passive Ability): Nearby enemies have a reduced chance to hit, affected by the unsettling whispers that linger around you.]

[Woe-Begotten Whisper (Banshee's Lament, Tier 2, Active Ability): Targets a single enemy, causing fear and making them flee in panic. Duration: 15 seconds; Cooldown: 120 seconds]

[Note: Tier 2 abilities require you to have achieved at least the Rank of ‘Adagio’, and have unlocked at least one Tier 1 ability in the same tree.]

Feeling satisfied with her choices and her newly upgraded attributes, Aubrey sat back and watched the city scenery.

Eventually, they arrived back at the cathedral with minimal fanfare. The church's looming facade appeared more formidable and impressive compared to her first arrival. The sun's dying rays reflected off its stained glass windows and glittered over its flying buttresses.

They parked the horse-drawn cart beneath the shadow of the cathedral's colonnaded entryway.

Aubrey hopped down from the wagon and headed to the main entrance, opening the double doors.

Inside, a strew of bodies lay scattered on the floor by Cedric's feet. Blood dripped from the gargoyle's claws and spattered across his face and chest.

Cedric looked up and regarded her, the crimson glowing in his eyes. "Welcome back. Did you return with souvenirs?"

"N-no. Not exactly. But more importantly... what the hell happened here?!"