Was it a stroke of luck, or perhaps even the guiding hand of fate?
Because the unthinkable happened yet again.
Out of nowhere, an arrow burst through the neck of the knight, spraying blood everywhere.
“grrragh, grrrrrgh!” The knight made some gargling noises while spitting out his own blood, and then crumpled down to the side.
John Fleetsword spun himself around as quickly as he could to the direction from whence the arrow had flown.
“Aw, fuck…” he quietly remarked as he noted the approach of six well-armed figures.
I couldn’t see his expression, as he was facing away from me, but I imagine he put on some kind of act while saying, “My friends! Thank the Gods that you’ve come! We’ve been gravely wronged by these fell charlatans and –”
“Shut it, fiend. We saw the whole thing,” A large and fierce man holding a heavy looking Warhammer said, cutting off Fleetsword.
“I am John Fleetsword. You don’t want to cross the Earl of Uppens and mess with his knights now, do you?” Fleetsword said loudly.
“Peh. We’re Nordhound. Uppens is the one who doesn’t want to mess with us!” the man said.
“Fuck. Nordhound. I was hoping it wasn’t you guys when I saw you off in the distance. Fuck!” Fleetsword looked at the man in the middle, and then to the others to either side of him before continuing, “Can’t we strike a deal?”
“Hmm, a deal? I don’t want to, but let me ask the others just in case. What say you, guys?” The man said.
“We cannot, nay, must not associate with dishonorable men.”
“I do what boss says.”
“It’ll come back to bite us in the rear, so I say no.”
“I sense great evil within this man. He is not to be trusted, Findel.”
“Eh, I don’t care either way. But if we want that otherworldly food you’ve been talking about, gotta help out our horned friend here, no?”
“Well, that’s how it is,” the man with the Warhammer told fleetsword.
“Shit! Fuck you!!” Fleetsword screamed and activated his Aura.
But immediately after, a white flash shone in the area of Fleetsword and he was decapitated. A man in shining armor shook off the blood from his sword and sheathed it in his scabbard.
He then grabbed Fleetsword’s head by the hair and raising it up shouted out loud, “Fleetsword and his knights have been felled! Fleetsword has fallen by the sword of Myson Adorel of Nordhound!”
Immediately, the clamor of battle died down, and what was left of the Uppens soldiers threw down their weapons in surrender.
“Dispel,” A bald and genteel-looking middle aged man in clerical garment said while holding his hands toward us. White shining beams of light fell down towards Keenstag, Byot, and me with a twinkling sound, and we found that we could talk and move again.
“Nordhound, at your service,” the leader of the group said while grinning.
Victory. Battle Aftermath screen can now be accessed
“Note that minion and subordinate status ups and class ups due to battle can only be designated within the aftermath screen,” the System alerted me.
“Thank you…” I muttered, dizzy and sleepy from the blood loss. Then I lost consciousness.
When I next awoke, the sun was hanging low through the view on the holo-windows of my room. The setting sun painted the surroundings of the mountain range in brilliant fiery red and golden yellow hues. There were some purples and blues mixed into the scene in the sky as well.
“Master, have you slept well?” a voice sounded out.
“Oh, it’s you, Byot. How long have I been out?” I asked.
Byot took a glass from a side table and poured some water from a jug into it. He handed me the glass and said, “A day and some hours, Master.”
I instinctively reached out with my right hand, but found nothing there but a bandaged stump.
Seeing me grimace, Byot spoke, “Do not be too worried Master. From what little I know, dark lords can regenerate any of their appendages. I gather that is why Cleric Ouvrcalle did not deem it necessary to reconnect your severed arm.”
“By Cleric Ouvrcalle, you must mean that man who dispelled the paralysis from us,” I said while I received the glass of water from Byot with my left hand.
The water was cool and refreshing, being flavored with hints of fruits.
Byot took out a glassy medallion and somehow activated it.
“Our Master has awoken and is fine,” he remarked towards the medallion.
“Understood. I will be there soon,” I heard a curt reply in what could only be Gajie’s voice.
“Whatever happened to them, that Nordhound group?” I asked.
“Nordhound is an acclaimed group of adventurers, Master. Gajie told me that they are number one in the rankings for the continent of Hwasten. They were hired as advance scouts and guards by the envoys from Lemarin and Ducaz.
Although…”
“Although?”
“Forgive me, but it would be best for you to find out about that yourself, Master.
Luckily enough, Nordhound got to us just in the nick of time. They have been ushered within high-class visitor quarters as honored guests. The envoys and their entourages have been allowed to set up camp outside of the dungeon,” Byot said.
At this point in time, I heard a double knock on the doors.
“Come in,” I answered.
Gajie, with ever the same visage, entered and bowing, said, “Congratulations on your victory, Lord.”
“Thank you Gajie, I am always relying on you. There must have been much to do, what with the decisions to make regarding the Duchess Hetsalia, our guests, our casualties, and the Prisoners of War,” I greeted her.
“Would you like a status report, my Lord?” Gajie asked.
“Not right away. For now, I will wash up and get dressed. Then, I want to meet with Nordhound first. You can update me on the situation on the way,” I said.
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
“Forgive me, my Lord. I never took your bathing into consideration! Please allow me to rectify this error. From now on, I will have maids attending to you in this regard as well,” Gajie said, flustered and with sincerity.
I could only moan, ‘great…’ to myself.
Gajie clapped her hands together a couple of times and five maids came inside and bowed.
“From now onwards, you are to take into consideration that the Lord also bathes,” Gajie ordered the maidservants, then continued, “get to it, girls!”
Once the whole ordeal was over, I found myself sitting on the silver throne within the audience hall. From what was briefed, Mark Keenstag and my surviving minions who required it were given appropriate medical attention and were now recuperating. Brightness Hetsalia and her guards were being attended to in high-class visitor’s quarters. And regarding the battle, we lost all the goblins except the goblin warrior, 12 Golems and 5 pixies, while 70 enemy soldiers were slain and 25 were captured and held in prison cells.
Gajie was standing at the head of the right side and Byot at the left. There were other minions and maidservants amongst the throng within the audience hall chattering to one another.
I was looking through the Battle Aftermath menu when soon enough, the enormous silver doors which led into the hall were opened, and a golem acting as a herald blared out in a mechanical tone, “My Lord, Nordhound enters.”
The leader was in the middle, and to his left was Myson Adorel while to his right was a huge beastkin. Next to Myson were two girls and beside the beastkin was the cleric. All of them except the leader either bowed or curtsied, with the leader only nodding his head towards me.
“Damn, I didn’t think you were going to be so formal about this! Uh, Lord Reprobate, I mean…” the leader pithily commented before stammering.
“It’s alright. You adventurers saved my life as well as those of my followers, minions, and guests. We were victorious because of your help, and for that I thank you,” I announced.
“Please, introduce yourselves!”
“Findel Valkur, leader of Nordhound, at your service! I’m an Otherworlder from Earth, just like yourself, Deprofundis,” the leader, a large and fierce looking man with brown beard and cropped hair spoke.
Name: Findel ‘Warhammer’ Valkur Age: 32 Height: 185cm Race: Human Gender: Male Class: Viking Successor (Elite, B+), Berserker (Epic, D-) Titles: Feared Warrior (Legendary, A), Otherworlder (Epic, C-), Aura User (Rare, E+), Hwasten Top-ranked Adventurer (Mythical, B+), World High-ranked adventurer (Epic, A-), Hardened Veteran (Limited, B-) Skills: Blade Aura (Limited, B), Berserk (Elite, A-), Rage (Superb, C+), Heavy Smash (Epic, E), Smash (Epic, F+), Wild Swing (Superb, S), Leadership (Epic, B-)
Mentality: Honor and Battle
Disposition: Neutral, Order
Martial Prowess: 85/85 Intelligence: 80/85 Commander: 50/50 Health: 90/100 Explorer: 80/85 Wisdom: 60/70 Politics: 31/40 Allure: 40/40
“Myson Adorel greets Lord Reprobate! I am a knight indebted to Master Valkur, Lord Reprobate,” a handsome man with blonde hair spoke.
Name: ‘Chivalrous’ Myson Adorel Age: 27 Height: 177cm Race: Human Gender: Male Class: Knight (Elite, C) Titles: Valiant Knight (Limited, A), Aura User (Limited, D+), Hwasten Top-ranked Adventurer (Mythical, E), World High-ranked adventurer (Epic, D-), Veteran (Superb, B+) Skills: Blade Aura (Elite, E+), Enhance Strength (Limited, C-), Heavy Blow (Superb, C+), Fast Jab (Superb, B), Endure (Epic, B), Charge (Elite, A+), Block (Superb, D), Guard (Elite, B-), Special: Strike of The Cherished One (Superb, A+, Unique)
Mentality: Honor and Courage
Disposition: Good, Order
Martial Prowess: 60/62 Intelligence: 27/38 Commander: 23/40 Health: 46/47 Explorer: 19/31 Wisdom: 29/35 Politics: 12/33 Allure:67/67
Next to speak was the humongous beastkin with the blue ears and tail, “Jaegen Prissasortener, a Wolfkin of the Hati tribe.”
Name: ‘Bloodlust’ Jaegen Prissasortener Age: 21 Height: 218cm Race: Beastkin (Wolfkin / Hati) Gender: Male Class: Blacksmith (Limited, A), Brawler (Elite, D+) Titles: Feral Anvil (Rare, S+), Hwasten Top-ranked Adventurer (Mythical, F), World High-ranked adventurer (Epic, E-), Veteran (Elite, B-) Skills: Enhance All Physical (Limited, B), Supersonic (Limited, C+), Sidestep (Elite, C), Backstep (Elite, C-), Charge (Limited, C), Counter (Limited, D+), Grapple (Elite, C), Wrestle (Elite, C-), Swipe (Elite, A), Forge Weapon (Rare, B+), Forge Armor (Rare, C), Forge General (Rare, D-), Repair Item (Rare, B), Item Appraisal (Common, E), Special: Ice Storm Fury (Superb, B, Unique)
Mentality: Loyalty & Purpose
Disposition: Good, Neutral
Martial Prowess: 44/44 Intelligence: 30/30 Commander: 9/30 Health: 62/65 Explorer: 31/34 Wisdom: 22/30 Politics: 7/30 Allure:33/44
“We’ve met before, Lord Reprobate. I chose not to reattach your arm, as such procedures sometimes lead to unsatisfactory results. My name is Jacques Ouvrcalle,” the middle aged cleric said.
Name: Jacques ‘Baldy’ Ouvrcalle Age: 41 Height: 171cm Race: Human Gender: Male Class: Cleric (Epic, E-) Titles: Travelling Cleric (Superb, B-), Hwasten Top-ranked Adventurer (Mythical, C-), World High-ranked adventurer (Epic, B-), Hardened Veteran (Rare, C), Healer (Elite, B) Skills: Heal (Superb, C+), Heal Area (Superb, C), Dispel (Superb B), Dispel Area (Superb, B-), Cure (Elite, A+), Cure Area (Elite, A), Prayer (Superb, B), Offering (Elite, B), Self-sacrifice (Limited, C-), Entice (Limited, B+)
Mentality: Continental Traveller
Disposition: Neutral, Neutral
Martial Prowess: 10/25 Intelligence: 65/65 Commander: 4/20 Health: 24/28 Explorer: 31/33 Wisdom: 65/70 Politics: 53/55 Allure:26/40 Magic 51/55
“I’m Riley Woolshearer, you’ve seen my archery skills up close and first-hand, Lord,” a young woman with freckles and red hair spoke up.
Name: 'Scout' Riley Woolshearer Age: 23 Height: 166cm Race: Human (LowHwasten) Gender: Female Class: Scout (Elite, B-), Ranger (Limited, B+) Titles: Joyous Sightseer (Limited, A), Hwasten Top-ranked Adventurer (Mythical, E-), World High-ranked adventurer (Epic, E+), Veteran (Elite, B+) Skills: Enhance Vision (Superb, D-), Enhance Hearing (Elite, C+), Detect Trail (Superb, C+), Follow Trail (Superb, E), Chase (Limited, D), Retreat (Superb, A), General Archery (Elite, C+), Crossbow Mastery (Limited, B-), Lightning Arrow (Limited, E+), Fire Arrow (Limited, D), Snipe (Elite, B+), Special: Swerving Arrow (Superb, B, Unique ), Seduce (Elite, B+), Shear Wool (Common, E)
Mentality: Joyous Sightseer
Disposition: Neutral, Disorder
Martial Prowess: 22/25 Intelligence: 24/30 Commander: 11/20 Health: 22/25 Explorer: 30/35 Wisdom: 29/30 Politics: 42/45 Allure:41/45 Magic: 15/25
And finally the last person of Nordhound, a young girl with elven ears, introduced herself, “Alizei Galdehunderuh greets Lord Reprobate.”
Name: 'Natural Druid' Alizei Galdehunderuh Age: 16 Height: 153cm Race: Elfoid (Hutnal) Gender: Female Class: Druid (Elite, E-) Titles: Pure Maiden (Rare, B), Adventurer (Rare, C+), Vrai Talker (Limited, D), Healer (Limited, C-) Skills: Accelerated Growth Bestowal – Nature (Superb, F+), Plant Control (Elite, B), Twisting Vines (Elite, C+), Vrai Talk (Limited, D), Heal (Elite, D-), Dispel (Limited, E), Cure (Rare, C+), Sacrifice (Uncommon, F), Multi-Language Versed (Limited, B-)
Mentality: Idealist
Disposition: Good, Order
Martial Prowess: 3/10 Intelligence: 57/60 Commander: 2/10 Health: 9/15 Explorer: 12/20 Wisdom: 11/60 Politics: 8/20 Allure:17/50 Magic: 33/45
“I bid you all welcome to my dungeon, members of Nordhound,” I responded with a nod and continued, “Findel, we must talk further later on.”
I cleared my throat and pronounced, “Gajie, what is the appropriate reward for Nordhound?”
Gajie responded, “Lord, usually there are the bestowal of treasures, gold, titles, and territories. However, in this case, Nordhound has a particular request of you.
In fact, it was for this exact reason that they arrived at the battlefield in the nick of time, as they were making haste to get here.”
“Hoh, really?” I said.
“Haha, you see, Lord, I love this world but there’s always been one thing I missed from Earth. Food. Pizza, burgers, fries, chips, pop, as well as ethnic cuisines like Caribbean, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Italian, you know, the whole shebang. I’ve woken up at night because of such cravings without being able to allay them. I know I’ve bothered my comrades enough about it over the years, and they’re curious about our cuisine.
I had given up all hope… until I heard the news about you. I practically volunteered us for this mission,” Findel said.
“Hahahaha! Findel, I definitely know that I can summon food. I’ll feed you and I’ll feed you well, if it’s the last thing I do!” I laughed heartily.
“Thank you. And as one hired by the Kingdom of Ducaz, I would like to remind you not to keep the envoys waiting too long,” Findel said.
“Indeed. Gajie, allow entry for the entire retinue of the envoys and usher in the emissaries,” I announced.