Romulus awoke once again in darkness, and grumbled to himself as he did. He was getting very tired of everything turning black. It was a bad enough trope in anime and fantasy novels, and he wasn’t enjoying feeling like he was stuck in one, the other, or both. He was in a video game! Then again, that might have been worse. His hands instinctively went to his chest amid those thoughts and he sighed in relief when he felt the lack of a hole in his shirt and, more importantly, his sternum.
“Hello, my Champion.”
Romulus rolled his eyes to the heavens at Lilith’s voice.
“You gods sure do like your dramatic entrances.” He said blithely, turning to face the silver-haired goddess of Death and suddenly standing in a throne room reminiscent of the one he’d freed her from, except this one had an enclosed ceiling and hanging chandeliers. “Though you’re a far better sight than that pompous nightlight you call a brother.”
Lilith laughed at his reticence, and he couldn’t help but grin at her reaction. It was nice when his humour was appreciated for the masterpiece it was. “I rather enjoyed that little showing, actually. Especially the part where you threatened to… What was it?” She tapped a red-painted nail to her lips, then snapped her fingers. The motion made her body shift in a very distracting way beneath her ankle-length black dress. “Ah yes. ‘Skullfuck’ his Avatar.”
Romulus felt his cheeks redden a little with embarrassment. “It sort of just slipped out.”
“I take it that would be your version of taunting in your world?”
“Something like that.” He said evasively, not wanting to explain internet trolling.
“It was wonderful to hear, my Champion. I would reward you for your courage in standing up to my brother, in fact…” Her lips curled upward in a lascivious smile that made him think very bad thoughts “...but I fear we do not have the time. I must give you my Gift quickly, for Solarius has put plans in motion and you are in peril.”
Great, cockblocked by a god.
Lilith approached him and placed her pale right hand on his heart, her left reaching up to brush his hair and cup his jaw. “I am so proud of you, my champion. You completed your task in an impressive time. I had thought it would take great guile to infiltrate the Necropolis, yet you managed it with an ease that few would be able to emulate. Your masterful handling of the Duke and your easy befriending of the Wayfinder will come back to reward you in time.”
“I had good incentive.” He said with a smile.
“Indeed.” She replied coyly. “And I hope that incentive continues to guide you. For now, however, you must focus on your immediate circumstances. You have just arrived, and yet already our time grows short.” Her right hand extended and a massive scythe abruptly appeared out of nothingness. With masterful precision, she twirled the weapon and shallowly sliced the side of her neck.
Black blood interlaced with bright silver rivulets stained her pale flesh immediately.
“Come and take your gift.” She said in a breathy tone. “You have earned it.”
Romulus hesitated as he watched her, swallowing down the initial sense of shock at seeing a woman cut open her own neck. He looked at her glowing red eyes, and then back to her bleeding neck in concern. “I…”
“Do not hesitate.” She urged him. “You have earned this, my Champion. Take what is yours, especially when it is freely offered.”
Romulus bit back another objection and cursed his own hesitation. He had already committed, hadn’t he? He was being an idiot. He’d selected the goddamn Vampire route! It wasn’t as if this was wholly outside the norms for that trope. Swallowing back his natural aversion to what he was about to do, the tall blond grit his teeth and darted forward before he could think better of it. A moment later his lips locked around the wound in Lilith’s neck, eyes falling shut as he let the goddess’ blood flow into his mouth.
The moment he did, his eyes shot back open in wonder.
It was the greatest thing he’d ever tasted. Nothing in his life, not a single thing, could compare to the sheer wonder of the flavour that was her blood. He couldn’t even put an association to what it was he was experiencing. The nearest comparable thing would be ambrosia, the mythical drink of the olympian gods of Earth. A guttural moan escaped him as he swallowed Lilith’s vitae, his eyes rolling up in pleasure as he greedily drained her.
“That’s enough.” She whispered under him, her hands on his chest.
Romulus didn’t stop.
“Champion.” She said with a hint of concern.
He needed more. More!
“Romulus!” She croaked. “Stop!”
Clarity abruptly returned, and he tore himself away from her neck in a stagger. His breathing came in heavy, vicious gulps of oxygen and he licked his lips instinctively, barely noticing that his entire body was shaking. “I… I’m sorry.” He muttered, looking anywhere but at her neck.
“No…” She murmured. “It’s alright. You are just far stronger than I thought. Far, far stronger… Your hunger is terrifying…” Her cheeks blushed red as she said it, and the goddess seemed short of breath for a moment.
A second later, she cleared her throat.
“The Gift has been given, and you are Anointed. You will return to the mortal realm in a few short moments. I have done all that I can within the limits of my power, and I am still weak from the lack of Faith. Survive what is coming, my Avatar. Conquer your foes, found your dominion, and revel in your lusts. Overcome the machinations of my self-righteous brother.” She smiled at him as she finished, the coy seductress once more. “Gather me ten thousand Faithful souls, and you shall reap the first of your rewards. I vow it.”
As if to drive home her point, her hands rolled down her sides and her dress turned from formal silk into a sheer nightie that would make a Victoria’s Secret model blush.
“Ten thousand souls, huh?” Romulus asked as he eyed her new attire. “Deal.”
“Romulus, one last thing…” Lilith said as his vision started to darken.
“Yes?” He asked with a sudden onset of weariness.
“Remember: Revel in your lusts, and take what is offered. I can give you no further hints. Good luck, my Avatar. I will be watching you with hope and longing.”
Lilith faded into darkness.
Romulus opened his eyes with a start a moment later.
Something hard was under him, and when he shifted he heard the tell-tale creak of metal. Something also felt strange about his head, and when he lifted a hand to investigate, he froze at the feeling of metal blocking access to his skull. Heart racing, Romulus looked down at himself and realised he was sitting on the Revenant-King’s throne. His runeblade was on his lap, and his body was encased in a suit of armour that felt more comfortable than anything he’d ever worn.
Before he could investigate further, a System message filled his vision.
Romulus stared at it in confusion for a moment, before he barked out a strained laugh. Of all the things he had expected, what he read was certainly not part of the equation. The more he looked it over, the more he wanted to laugh, curse, dance, and groan in equal measure.
SYSTEM MESSAGE
Quest Complete: Avatar of the Dark Lady
You have successfully claimed the [Liber Nox] and as a result have been transformed into a Sanguine Revenant by the Dark Lady.
In accordance with the ancient laws, your name and status as the Avatar of Darkness has been anointed in the eyes of the gods, and you have been given access to the seat of power of the last Revenant-King.
In addition, your ascension forged a bond between yourself and the last Revenant-King. As a result, he will now be your permanent companion, a unique summoned character manifesting at first as an invisible and intagible spectre to advise and guide you on your path.
You have taken custody of [Liber Nox], the last Revenant-King’s [Armour of the Dark Sovereign], and his Revenant Runeblade [Silence].
As you already have a Revenant Runeblade, [Silence] has been fused with your own. Evolve your weapon further to unlock the hidden powers of [Silence].
Finally, your [Mark of the Dark Lady] has evolved into the [Aura of Darkness].
Congratulations on your Ascension.
All hail the Avatar of Darkness!
Difficulty: C+
Success: Claim the [Liber Nox]
Failure: Die
Rewards: Due to your success, you have earned:
* Item: [Liber Nox] (Divine Relic)
* Title: Avatar of the Dark Lady
* Gear Set: [Armour of the Dark Sovereign] (Mythic Armour)
* Weapon: [Silence] (Weapon Infusion)
* Skill: [Aura of Darkness] (Passive)
Romulus dismissed the prompt with a wave of his hand, flopping back into the throne of bones to consider his situation, only for another window to immediately jump into his view as he did. This time when he read it, he felt only interest and mild satisfaction at what he saw.
SYSTEM MESSAGE
Race Change: Sanguine Revenant
Through the power of the Dark Lady, you have been transformed into a powerful and ageless Sanguine Revenant.
As a result, your Mana Pool has been removed and converted into Health, and any future points invested in Intellect or Willpower will be converted to Health instead of Mana.
Other modifiers will remain the same.
Additionally, you have now received several new Racial Passives and Abilities. Refer to your skills menu to view these in more detail.
As this is a World First in Eternus Online, you have also been awarded 10 Platinum to spend at your leisure.
Congratulations, Traveler Romulus!
New Skills:
* [Sanguine Thirst] (Passive Skill)
* [Sanguine Kiss] (Active Skill)
* [Sanguine Body] (Passive Skill)
* [Sanguine Mind] (Passive Skill)
* [Sanguimancy] (Active Skill)
The moment he dismissed the new window, a series of alerts dominated the log on the bottom left of his HUD, and Romulus read through them dutifully.
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Congratulations, you have learned a new skill!
Skill Name: Sanguine Thirst
Skill Type: Passive
Skill Function: As a Sanguine Revenant you are gifted with agelessness, supernatural beauty, and powerful physical and mental gifts. The cost of these things, however, is the Sanguine Thirst. Now and for the rest of your immortal life you will crave the essence of others, draining them to sustain yourself. The more potent the essence, the longer you will be sated. As you grow more accustomed to the Thirst, your ability to sustain yourself will improve. Eventually, you may even be able to feed on the blood of your foes as you rampage across the battlefield.
Skill Level: Novice 5
Skill Description: Let the blood flow, and your cup spilleth over!
Congratulations, you have learned a new skill!
Skill Name: Sanguine Kiss
Skill Type: Active
Skill Function: The strength of a Sanguine Revenant is in their Court. The more Vampires you create, the more powerful your Court, and the more powerful you will grow. To create more Vampires, the Sanguine Kiss must be given. Only the truly willing may become part of your Court, though their loyalty is not required. Bear this in mind, for once you sire a Vampire, they gain access to the path of succession. Be wary you do not create your own downfall. As you become more proficient with this power, your ability to sire new Vampires will increase in speed, and new Vampires will start at a higher level.
Skill Level: Novice 1
Skill Description: Bend the knee and accept immortality!
Congratulations, you have learned a new skill!
Skill Name: Sanguine Body
Skill Type: Passive
Skill Function: As a Sanguine Revenant, you wield the power of the Dark Lady’s own blood within your veins. This allows you to far exceed the physical limitations of other flesh and blood creatures. You are stronger, faster, more durable, and possess healing capabilities far beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. For each level of Sanguine Body, you gain +1 to Strength, Agility, Vitality, and Endurance. Additionally, you gain +10 to each Attribute every 5 levels of Sanguine Body, and +25 to each at every new Tier. (Current Bonus: +15)
Skill Level: Novice 5
Skill Description: Tremble before the perfection of the Sanguine!
Congratulations, you have learned a new skill!
Skill Name: Sanguine Mind
Skill Type: Passive
Skill Function: As a Sanguine Revenant, you wield the power of the Dark Lady’s own blood within your veins. This allows you to far exceed the mental limitations of other flesh and blood creatures. You are smarter, more gifted, and more magically potent than other mere mortals. For each level of Sanguine Mind, you gain +1 to Intellect and Charisma. Additionally, you gain +10 to each Attribute every 5 levels of Sanguine Body, and +25 to each at every new Tier. (Current Bonus: +15)
Skill Level: Novice 5
Skill Description: None may comprehend the dark majesty of a Sanguine mind!
Congratulations, you have learned a new skill!
Skill Name: Sanguimancy
Skill Type: Active
Skill Function: The power of the Dark Lady courses through your veins, and through her grace you have managed to unlock a rare and powerful skill: Sanguimancy. As a Sanguine Revenant blood is your domain, and the blood of your foes is no exception to your sovereignty. You are now able to manipulate blood upon the battlefield, using it as an Aquamancer might use water. As you grow in power, your potency, control, and range will increase alongside a decrease in cost. (Current Range/Cost: 5m/50HPS)
Skill Level: Novice 1
Skill Description: The very blood of the enemy betrays them!
Congratulations, you have learned a new skill!
Skill Name: Aura of Darkness
Skill Type: Passive
Skill Function: As the Avatar of Darkness and Revenant-King, you are the personification of the Dark Lady’s will and power upon Eternus. For so long as this holds true, you will carry with you an Aura of Darkness that announces your nature and presence to anyone sensitive to such magic. This Aura also doubles as a Charisma bonus, and a minor resistance to magical attacks and enchanted weapons. You will receive +2 Charisma and +2% Spell Resistance per level. (Current: +6 Charisma, +6% Spell Resistance)
Skill Level: Novice 3
Skill Description: Yours is the Shadow of She of the End!
Romulus hummed thoughtfully as he read over the last of the updates, his expression thoughtful beneath his new helmet. While the bonuses from Sanguine Body and Sanguine Mind seemed like they could be immense, he also realised that they were likely only going to be truly relevant in the lower centuries of levelling. Once he reached the truly massive levels of power, even a bonus of +50 would be a footnote in comparison to the norm. He could only assume, however, that he’d unlock other benefits as he grew in power.
He could already feel the difference in his body and mind, however.
Everything seemed… clearer. Sharper. He perceived the world with noticeably more clarity and a stronger sense of personal awareness and purpose. His blood hummed with untapped potential, and he made learning to use his new power a priority. He’d have to ask the spirit of the Revenant-King, whenever he figured out how to summon his new consciousness passenger to talk.
“Oh! Armour stats.” He said gleefully, realising he’d yet to look at his new digs.
Name: Armour of the Dark Sovereign
Type: Revenant Runeplate (Soulbound)
Rarity: Mythic
Slot(s): Head, Back, Shoulders, Chest, Arms, Hands, Legs, Feet
Level: 1
Description: Once worn by the last Revenant-King and Avatar of Darkness, this set of armour became the anchorpoint for the fallen warrior’s soul through the power of the Liber Nox. With the coming of a new Avatar, the power animating this set of armour has vanished along with the Liber Nox, though the soul of the last Revenant-King remains. Uniquely, this armour will evolve as it absorbs the Essence of its wearer’s enemies, a remnant of the Sanguine power of the Revenant-King’s soul.
Durability: 1000 / 1000
* 15 Strength
* 10 Charisma
* 20 Vitality
Special Effect(s): Revenant Runeplate will evolve as it consumes Essence.
* Level 1 (1/1 Essence): First Evolution — Attunement
* Level 2 (0/10 Essence): Second Evolution — Potency
Romulus whistled as he looked over the stats of his new armour. Part of him was worried, given that he had received a ludicrous level of loot and bonuses to start him off in Eternus Online, but another part of him reasoned it was a result of the dynamic nature of the world. He’d simply made the right choices. There were so many places along the way he could have screwed up, perhaps irrevocably, and yet he hadn’t.
Somehow, he’d managed to ace every challenge thrown his way.
The gamer in him told him to be prepared for something very bad as a result.
“Sucks there’s no mirrors in here. Would be great to be able to see myself.”
“Ah.” A cultured, baritone voice said suddenly. “There’s the vanity I expected.”
Romulus cursed in surprise, moving to leap to his feet and snagging his arm on a protruding bone from the throne, which resulted in him slamming straight back down onto the macabre chair with a grunt of embarrassment.
“How regal.” The same voice intoned drily as the speaker at last came into view, stepping around the Throne. The new arrival was a few inches shorter than Romulus, with silvery-white hair to the middle of his back, and a regal-looking silver-trimmed black doublet worn above matching pants, boots, and a complimenting belt. He wore no weapon, and a bone-white crown sat atop his hair, studded with diamonds. His eyes were the colour of freshly spilled blood, and his features were heart-stoppingly handsome. Were Romulus not firmly heterosexual, he might have started drooling.
Most telling of all, however, was the fact he was faintly translucent.
“Holy shit, you’re the guy from the window!”
A snort of derision escaped the handsome spectre. “You must be referring to the abomination in the Ebonwrath estate. I hated it when it was created, and I hated it more when Jorah hung it in his throne room. One of my few regrets is not destroying it when I still had the life to do so.”
“So this is what you actually look like, huh?” Romulus asked as he eyed the ghost curiously, overcoming his initial shock. “Definitely better than a flaming skull for a head.”
The Revenant-King rolled his eyes. “As much as your witticisms amuse me, we have no time for them. You have trouble on the way.”
“What do you mean?” Romulus asked, before immediately remembering the ‘peril’ the Dark Lady had warned him about.
“I have a better idea than explaining. Your quest should be updating right about…” The wraith snapped his illusory fingers “...now.”
SYSTEM MESSAGE
Quest Updated: Neutralize the Necropolis
The Duke of Blackstone tasked you with entering the fortress in the heart of the inner city and dealing with whatever is wrong within its depths.
He authorised you to use whatever means are necessary to ensure the completion of your task, and offered you anything you need to see it done.
The Duke also, however, had an ulterior motive. Having stumbled on texts relating to the [Liber Nox] and the power it holds, the Duke of Blackstone desperately desires to acquire the sacred tome in order to bring back his departed wife.
He has infiltrated the Necropolis in the wake of the Revenant-King’s presumed demise, and even now advances toward the throne room to take what he believes is his.
Should the [Liber Nox] fall into the Duke’s hands, a cataclysm will ensue. The Duke cannot be allowed to take hold of the Dark Lady’s sacred tome.
WARNING: The manner in which you resolve this quest will have lasting consequences for the world of Eternus. Choose your path wisely.
Difficulty: A+
Success: Variable
Failure: Permanent Character Death, Destruction of Blackstone
Rewards: Various
Romulus stared at the quest text for a long, angry moment.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” He demanded as he waved it away and threw his hands up. “First Solarius, and now this? Come on!”
“I do recall telling you your path would be hard.” The Revenant-King said drily.
“Yes. Thank you. I remember.” Romulus bit out, scowling at the calm vision before him. “Do you have any advice?”
“You cannot win a direct confrontation, but you likely don’t need to. The Duke wants his wife back, and you have yet to lay claim to your full inheritance. This Necropolis is more than just a gothic fortress, it is a nexus point for an immense amount of pure mana. I built it atop a massive leyline convergence. Thanks to the amount of dark mana suffusing the Necropolis, the stockpiled pure mana has been converted into more dark mana.”
“Meaning what, exactly?” Romulus asked with legitimate curiosity.
“You have enough power to commence a Dark Consecration across this entire territory, and offer the people within the chance to join you in the Dark Lady’s Faith, or die as sacrifices to her glory. You also have enough power to raise thousands of the dead. That includes the Duke’s wife.”
“I don’t think he’s looking for a maggot-riddled skelebride.” Romulus said flatly.
“True, but does he know that? Furthermore, what about those he brings with him? Do they value their loyalty to the Duke more than their own lives? Or their family’s lives?”
“You want me to try to turn his wardens against him?”
“All mortals are susceptible to temptation, Romulus. As the Avatar of Darkness, you are temptation incarnate. The sins of all mortal peoples are yours to command. Pride, Wrath, Envy, Avarice, Gluttony, Sloth, and Lust.” The Revenant-King had assumed an almost scholarly parade rest as he spoke. “In time, you will learn to sense which Sin holds dominion over a soul, and use that to your advantage. If you find the pressure point, you can press until the target concedes or breaks. Whichever comes first.”
“Okay. That’s cool.” Romulus admitted. “But it also doesn’t help me in the immediate, uh…” He frowned. “What is your name?”
“Mortarius.” The spectre replied with a wry smile. “My parents were rather lacking in subtlety.”
“You don’t say.” Romulus muttered, weighing his options and running through different possibilities in his mind. “The Sins won’t help me this time, I need to use the nuclear option. How do I access the mana reserves?”
“The Throne is the Focus.” Mortarius answered immediately. “You need to attune to it and use it as the channel to access the well beneath the Necropolis.”
“Why do I feel like this is more complicated than you’re making it sound?” Romulus asked as he leaned back, idly rubbing his hands along the bone-crafted armrests nervously.
“You either do or do not.” Mortarius said calmly. “I’m already dead, so this is on you.”
“Helpful.” Romulus grunted.
“Less whining, more attuning. You’re the Revenant-King now, Romulus. Not me. I’ll try to delay the Duke with the sconces, and make him run in circles chasing their light. I also took the liberty of activating the remaining defenses within the Necropolis through our bond. The skeletons will slow him down, but only for a short time. You need to focus on attuning to that Throne.” The spirit waved a hand, and a countdown appeared in Romulus’ HUD showing just under seven minutes. “Once this reaches zero, they’ll be here.”
Romulus let out a shaky breath as Mortarius spoke, slipping into the breathing exercises he’d learned to calm his anxiety as a child. “Thanks.” He said between breaths, realising how much the spectre was actually helping. “I mean it. Thanks.”
Mortarius eyed him speculatively, then inclined his head before turning away.
Romulus looked away from the ancient King at the same time, his focus drifting to the Throne beneath him.
“Okay, you pile of bones…” he muttered to himself “...let’s get properly acquainted.”
All the while, the timer ticked down.