Hehe… HAHAHA! AHAHAHAAHA! IT IS FINISHED! I told myself that I would shut the tower arc in this chapter! And it is shut! 33 pages! 10 150 words! I wrote it for past two days! 14 hours of writing! My eyes are bleeding! Fingers are on fire! BUT THIS SHIT IS DONE!... I mean… totally awesome arc… is finished… it is awesome. Cuz’ its mine. I am about to start a poll right after posting this chap, You will have time to vote till Thursday-Friday… that’s all guyz. Author s out!
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Group of clothed rogues was dashing through the swamps.
* “Ay. Time?”
* “We should have 10 minutes more till the creature should be done with lure, then about 5 or 6 till it would g…”
A roar could be heard from bushes only a kilometer or so away.
* “…forget what I was saying. We have only five or 6 minutes till it would get back.”
* “Should be enough. If you would get your asses moving! Where is that bloody nest!?”
* “And how do you think nest of such creatures should look like?”
* “Nest itself should be hidden among bushes and treas. But all around should be laying leftovers of its dinner. Half eaten bones, chewed corpses…”
* “So… just like this one?”
* “… who the fuck would put corpses on the fucking tree?!”
* “Hey, don’t judge its taste. Maybe it thought it would like nicely there?”
* “Shout up, Ay! Get going. Master Rogue wants its eggs smashed.”
* “Won’t it get angry?”
* “Master Rogue wants it angry.”
* “Won’t it attack village while its angry?”
* “For fuck sake! Ay! Master Rogue wants it to attack a fucking village! We are not questioning. We are doing. Got it, Ay?”
* “Aye Aye!”
* “For fuck sake…”
They quickly bashed eggs, making liquids splash around. Little creatures that has already partly formed within eggs couldn’t survive outside of an egg.
* “Job done. Now, run away before that beast would get back here… remember to use that perfumes, if it would learn your smell… you are done.”
Another roar could be heard.
The team start running again.
* “That was fun! Like totally! We get such easy mission so rar…”
* “Shut the fuck up Ay!”
Soon, enraged creature that left humans alone for decades, start roaming further and further from its territory looking for someone to relieve its hatred.
Tower
Two minotaurs were running through the corridors breathing heavily and looking over their shoulder every few steps.
* “What was it?! Where is it?!” One of them yelled.
* “Just run you idiot and pray that it is busy eating the others!”
Floors from 41 to 50 were divided into sections, each section had dozens patrol routes, on crossing of every route there was guard outpost, and on crossing of each bigger route, especially between sections there was a small stronghold. Nothing special, jusy bit more fortified camp. Depending on floor the number of minotaurs moving in patrols and guiding outposts and stronghold was bit different. Here, on 41st each patrol had two novice warriors, outpost about 8 novices and two higher rank and stronghold was made of 20 novices, 5 higher ranks and one elite.
Runners were stationing in one of strongholds. Were – past tenses was used on purpose. They never slacked, always stayed alert to perform as well as possible in front of higher rank, in the end one of their words could promote them, and social status for bull-kin is everything.
Yet still, somehow, the creature managed to get inside. Bah! They even did not notice them for quite a while. It started almost innocent. Two novice went missing. Nothing serious, one could went “on the side” and another, as there wasn’t anything urgent, go train or hunt some small creatures. No one bat an eye when someone went missing for a short amount on time, maybe, just maybe, if they weren’t back till evening…
Yet then another two disappeared. And another one, and another. It all turn dirty when one higher rank vanished as well. Then everyone started checking every corner looking for their comrades. And finally they were found. Or at least the part that remained. In the storage hut packed bloody carcasses of eight warriors were found, even more! Strapped off equipment which was laid decently under the wall. Whatever lurked there was quiet, fast and intelligent… it was also pretty big, looked like huge wolf with insanely big claws, two rows of teeth, lizard like forked tongue and bat ears. From its back few sharp bones were sticking out like spikes. It also had no problems to move on almost vertical walls. And as soon as it was spotted it fell from the ceiling of the hall and brought hell upon the stronghold.
For Bloody Mother! If you would see how fast it was! Almost a blur! In one moment it was tearing chucks of flesh off novice’s neck, just to appear at the other side of the camp attacking yet another one. It targeted easiest pray at first reducing number of targets. Elite and officers went to combat immediately… but beast was avoiding direct combat. It jumped on those running away first slashing theirs tendonitis and muscles immobilizing weakest and spreading chaos. And finally, when defenders somehow managed to from more or less complex formation and readied themselves for battle… One of them exploded. Just like that. He wanted to circle the creature, but as he put his feet on the ground the earth beneath him glowed with strange red symbols and… Kaboom! His pieces flew left and right.
It used ash as cover and performed yet another attack aimed at Elite. His hands extended from smoke, grabbed commander by legs and pulled him inside. Only sound of flesh and screams of pain escaped the cloud of dust and dirt. When it fell, what we saw was mutilated body of commander… and not even sign of a beast. Then another two warrior died. That was the moment when already mentioned two decided to leave the outpost and ran as far as they could.
* “FUCK! IT’S BEHIND US!”
Indeed. The monster was running over the wall with tail constantly moving in and out of his mouth. It know their smell, and it wasn’t going to stop chasing them. Yet information about appearing new powerful predator needed to be delivered. The faster thinking one took his sword from his back and slashed legs of his companion. He thought that by doing so he would buy himself some time.
… Yet monster simply laughed like hyena, ignored laying warrior and kept chasing the last one reducing the distance in speed beyond comprehension.
Warrior understood that he had to fight. It ran away little more, allowing the creature to get even closer, just to suddenly stop in place, turn around and perform a horizontal slash. The monster jumped over the blade performing semi-somersault landing few meters ahead.
Minotaur tried facing it again, but he dropped on his knee. The warmth on his side spread first. The pain came after that. On piece of leather he used as his clothing red pool quickly began forming. The question was… when?
Then he noticed yet another thing. The tail of monster. It was ended with some strange stinger! Just what for all creation is that beast made of?!
Supporting his body on blade, young bull-kin managed to raise against. Blink. The creature was no longer there. Blink. It was in front of him. Blink. Sharp pain in another side and monster was gone another time. Blink. Ah, it rolled between his legs to get position behind his back. Now it was making mess of the muscles on his back.
He felt its weight on his shoulder, in same time he felt fangs sinking in his neck. So that how he was about to die…
* “My, my… we are smart one, are we?” The creature hissed “I will give you a choice. You can die with honor, but trust me, I will make it as long and painful as I can… and I believe that I can make it really, reaaaally painful.” It made suggestive break
* “And… other option?”
Its grin appeared much wider.
* “Or you can tell me… what is the fastest way to your main camp… the one on 45th floor…”
The minotaur chose to live, but the creature didn’t fulfill its part of deal,
Minotaur’s Camp. Couple hours later
* “Anything new?” Chieftain asked one of his commander.
* “Reports from the 1st are being delayed. Those lazy bastards are doing their work half-assed again.”
* “Maybe another woman is slaughtering our troops? Maybe even friend of that one…”
* “I would doubt in that. That lizard came from higher floors, we are even suspecting that she may be some banished habitant of stronger tribes… And whatever is happening on the first, it had to come from lower… maybe adventurer? When was the last time adventurer entered the tower?”
* “Whatever. How is the woman? Ready for trail?”
* “Ha. She has a spirit. We have sent two guards to bring her… one has broken arm.”
Commander grinned.
* “Don’t… Hurt her… yet.”
* “And what about solider with broken arm?”
* “Whip him. And degrade. He failed while performing his duty and thus proofed that he in incapable.”
* “It will be done… now… are we ready? Tsh. Such a pain! If she would kill few… maybe dozen, we would do it in traditional way…”
* “No. It was a slaughter. If we wouldn’t convene a trial, people would become…”
* “Restless?”
* “Ha. Nicely said. Indeed.”
* “Yet still, trial shouldn’t be practical when charged is a woman…”
* “And if we won’t treat her like warrior, we would bring shame upon those who has fallen. And then again….”
* “Restless. Yeah, you are the longest ruling chieftain. Many younglings… and not only, are getting inpatient. Fools. All they want is fame, as if they can’t see that you brought prosperity…”
* “Tha! I would gladly go retire and join elders… if there would be a worthy successor… Like my oldest soon. That whore…”
Chieftain growled.
* “Indeed… he was a smart lad.” Commander admitted “All he was lacking was your strength.”
* “Strength itself is nothing. The era of muscles perished long ago. Look at us, tribes are living in caves and dungeons…”
* “The time will come, when we would leave this place…”
* “Ha! Hoods will never allow this. They also are slaves and in their pride they want to see everyone and everything sharing same fate. All we can do is to keep living and hoping that one day we shall be free. And now… woman.”
They reached destination. Big, quickly made wooden arena. It was already filled with spectators. In the middle of it a woman was bounded with chains. Chieftain and his 2nd in command took main spot in front of “charged”.
* “Woman. You were told to kill fifty two warriors of our tribe. Punish for this crime is death. Death so painful and humiliating that it would be equal of death of over fifty warriors. Long death, your death may last for many years, so each day you would beg to finish your suffering… and you shall be forced to give back to as many warriors as you killed. What will you say?”
* “Warriors…” Emerald eyed woman spited in the sand “Those pathetic creatures were warriors? I was pretty sure I killed gathers, maybe, just maybe scouts. But if such weakling are serving as warriors… then you are going to fail against raid of goblins!”
The crowd went insane. She spoke about their family.
* “Then how do you feel, being defeated by such weaklings?”
* “Not if there are hundreds of weakling. But I see that you are very proud of defeating a single woman with dislocated arm bringing only half of your tribe. Such a…”
* “Silence. Because you, despite being a woman, are also a warrior, giving a honor to your skills I will allow you to chose your first partner.”
Her face first turned into grimace of surprise, and then into pure hatred.
* “You are joking? As if I would allow such a half-creatures as you lay a hand on me! You are not worthy to even spit on you!”
* “Maybe. Fortunately, your allowance in not needed for you to give a brith.”
* “…You recognized me as warrior, did you?”
… Blaika… that stupid girl did not tell her about their tradition, did she? No, even she couldn’t be this insane.
* “Then, as a warrior, I find you lacking skills to be a chieftain. I demand a battle! If I would win, I would leave free… and take your head as souvenir!”
* “As if we would allow some fucking sow to challenge a chieftain just like that! Step in a fucking line!”
Someone from audience yelled.
* “Yeah! You are not the only one that wants to fight with him!”
* “On the other hand… she can demand to be proved innocence by combat...”
* “A fucking woman?!”
* “No, A fucking warrior.”
* “Just end this stupid charade! She killed by brother!” another voice could be hear.
* “And my cousin!”
* “And my son.” Chieftain finally said. Quietly. But it was enough to make everyone silent “So be it. But you know what kind of consequences you would face as you would lose? And you shall lose.”
Woman only clenched her teeth.
* “You will belong to me. You stupid girl. You will regret it. But… if that’s what you want… Guards. Bring her to armory. Let her pick her weapon and armor.”
That was a job of lowest in ranks. As two younglings came to her to free her from chains, they were disturbed but someone with insignia of Elite.
* “If you would allow… I am going to do it.”
Chieftain looked at the one who spoke. He was huge and muscled and his body was covered in scars. Despite his disability he was moving around without any problems. Number of Elites wasn’t high, still chieftain did not recognize him.
* “If that’s what you wish for. I will not refuse request of veteran, whatever your motives are. But you will be responsible for her, is that ok with you?”
Elite bowed his head slightly and released dragoness from her chain, took her under his arm and lead to the armory.
* “Karulu, do you know him?”
* “That elite? Forgive me chieftain, my eyes are not as good as they used to be. I couldn’t see him well.”
* “He was blind.”
* “Ha? No. there is no blind Elite as far as I know… are you sure? Maybe he had just absent gaze…”
* “His gaze couldn’t be [Absent]. He has no eyes at all.”
Zari’s POV
* “You fucking, silly, stupid idiot!” I hissed “You couldn’t act to buy time, could you?!”
* “W..What?! What do you mean?! Who are you?!”
* “Unfortunately illusions can’t bring my eyes back.”
* “Z…Zar?”
* “Hush! You are in deep shit! Damn, if I would be few hours earlier… I could simply picked me as your first mate. That should have bought us some time in which we could escape… DAMN! I was waving to you! If you would pay some more attention to your surroundings… On purpose I didn’t covered my eyes! Fuck. Shit. Damn. Bananas!”
* “You idiot! Why didn’t you return to guild?! If you would return with help…”
* “I would return to the guild in day or two, then I would waste another day to organize a ride and then another two days to reach the tower. And then all the time needed to reach you… Do you think you can win?”
* “He looks strong but so am I!I have already defeated dozens of them… ”
* “Have you ever defeated human?”
* “What kind of question is that?! Of course I did…”
* “So can you defeat Jericho? He also is a human. That’s same thing. On my way here I have… interrogated few warriors… He is a legend here. Genius, hard working, prodigy. I think that he may be in league of his own… I can cast few blessings on you… and curse on him, but I am afraid that it won’t gave a lot… Fuck. Shit. Damn… Listen now. If you will find that you won’t be able to defeat him… buy as much time as you can. I will try to… do… something…”
* “You are in loss too, are you?” I simply know that Gisele smiled “It’s ok. Leave this place. Run. I will l… OUCH! Are you mad?!”
* “I will leave. But only with you. Period…. D. Don’t get me wrong! Jericho wouldn’t let me live if I would return without you! It’s not like…”
* “Zari. Thanks. But if you say about him is true… Well, I will try to die in this battle so… OUCH! Stop that!”
* “Say it one more time and I will fucking kill you myself! You are going to fight. And you are going to win. And if not, then I will start acting. You. Have. To. Survive…. Plus you know what would happen with you, if you would die in this place? Let me just remind you that corpses don’t usually lie here too long…”
I helped her to arm herself. As soon as she was ready I started chanting quietly. With [Vipers blood] no problem appeared… but when I tried using [Haste]…
Are you sure, that you want to cast [Haste] on target [Gisele Redwing]?[Y][N]
…Yes?
Lemme ask one more time, are you REALLY sure that you want to cast [Haste] on someone with [Berserk] class?!?![Y][N]
Why not?
Ok... ok... easy there... [Haste] lower intelligence and helps listening too [Heart's Voice], and now, what kind of stuff can someone with [Berserk] have deepest in the heart?
So... are you REALLY, REALLY SURE?!
[Y][N]
I AM NOT THE ONE WHO WILL FIGHT WITH HER! So please, mark the option [I don’t give a fuck]!
Idiots. Idiots everywhere.
Gisele for a moment dropped on the ground.
* “Sis, are you ok?”
* “Hm? Ah… yes, I think yes… it’s just… I fell so light… everything is so clear, whatever you did Zari, thank you. Finally I have no more worries. All is clear. I know what has to be done.”
She said and smiled brightly.
* “Ok, so remember. Try fighting as long as possible, buy me time. Outcome of fight is not important and…”
* “What are you even sayin’ Zari? What has to be done is killing every last male of this savage tribe! I will fucking pulverize all of them. Free the women and…” She said that with brightest and biggest smile I ever seen. No dose of anger at all.
* “Yes yes yes yes. That exactly what I meant. But first let’s start with big one, ok? Yesss, follow me back on arena… like that…” as we were passing near two other minotaurs she bared her sword and began marching in their direction “… NO NO NO NO NO! BAD SCALY! Right here! See? Much better.”
… what have I done?
Back on arena chieftain was already standing supporting his whole body weight on huge bastard sword. He mimicked Gisele’s equipment, as if he wanted to prove that he can defeat her even on her own field of specialty.
* “Thank you, Elite, for fulfilling the duty that you didn’t have to do.” Chieftain said “Yet I have to ask you to leave the arena. You may… witness… the fight on my chair, if you wish to.”
I didn’t like that. He basically told me that he wish to watch me. I am standing out too much.
* “I am more than honored for this distinction, but, because of my condition I won’t be able to enjoy this spectacular show of skill and courage, it would only remind of the privilege I lost, if you, please, excuse me…”
* “… So be it, Elite. Would you care joining me in my tent as soon as battle would be over?”
* “Yes, that would be a pleasure chieftain.” I bowed my head again and left the arena.
Yet as I was passing him by I whispered the word of curse.
[Exhaustion] has been successfully cast on [Dorrapak of Shadowfist Level 46]
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As I did he looked at me. For a moment I thought that he noticed. But apparently their knowledge about magic was limited. Maybe he felt, that I did something, he felt the impulse of magic, but was not sure what it did.
I hurried my pace leaving the arena, for I had few more places to visit before I would visit chieftain for cup of tea with biscuits… For I slowly lost any hope I have left, that Gisele would win. But, maybe, just maybe, it won’t be as tragic as I th…
As soon as I stepped out from mini-coliseum I heard a loud yell and cling of steel. Apparently Gisele rushed right away with all she got in mindless charge.
Nope. It will be a tragic failure. Better start working and…
* “Forgive us Elite, but this tent is off limit without a special perm…”
Body felt unconscious on the ground. I grabbed him by legs and pulled inside the tent with food supplies. That will be good place to start.
Half an hour later.
Gisele lost. She had no chances from very beginning. Yet I manage to do all I wanted in mean time, as chieftain wanted to humiliate her and elongated the fight as long as possible. Once again fortune favored me. Right now I was waiting in his tent preparing herbal infusion. I didn’t have to wait long. Soon enough through entrance to the tent leader of minotaurs came holding Gisele thrown over his shoulder.
* “Such a pain in the ass.” He said throwing her unconscious body on the floor. “And I have no idea which one is greater pain, that woman, or you. I had a word with Karul. There is no blind Elite in out tribe.”
* “You told him to gather information while you were fighting? And he needed only half an hour to verify my identity in tribe counting hundreds? What an outstanding efficiency! You are a lucky man to have such a second in command.”
I put cup of tea in front of him on table and took a sip myself.
* “Forgive me my insolence…” I continued “… but I would like to have a better view on my negotiation partner. Could you please tell me what more do you know?”
* “Not really much. Only that you are not as handicapped as you wish to everyone thing about you, and that you are interested in the woman here” He said pointed with his chin at Gisele.
* “All of that after sharing two sentences. Yes…” I said stirring sugar from my own stock in the tea “… Indeed. I would like you to ask you… to give her back to me.” I smilled.
* “First things first. You know me, but I don’t know you. Courtesy would demand saying your name first… I am Dorrapak first of this name. Chieftain of Shadowfist. Son of Durnlak. I was born on this land, and as me and my people are slave of it, we also shall die here. But you already know that”
* “Oh! My manners! Where did I lost em’? How shameful! Name Zariel. Son of no one. Owner of nothing. I was born in the wild, and I would love to die in my very own castle, because of either old age or abusing wine, feared and worshiped till the end…” I tiled my head a little a smiled. Then I took cup to my mouth and took long sip.
* “You are not drinking?” I asked innocently
* “Ah, indeed. Pardon me. It’s not like I don’t trust you…”
* “But you don’t trust me”
* “Exactly.”
* “Shame. Those tea herbs are really expensive back when I came from. Hm, maybe that will convince you – I am definitely not going to poison you, for I would gain nothing! Oh, and as fast as you would drop dead those guards that you put all over the tent would jump on me. And even as I consider myself as skilled warrior… I doubt I would manage to defeat whole tribe.”
* “Yet it didn’t stop you for putting a spell on me.”
* “I am afraid you are right. But you have to understand me! If Gisele would have won, all my problems would solve themselves! You can’t blame one fragile man to pick easiest way.”
I gifted him with yet another cheerful smile
* “Very well. It was stated what you want… now, what can you offer me?”
I pretended to gasp.
* “My deepest words of gratitude won’t be enough?! Will your words of gratitude bring back to life fifty warriors?”
* “… I trust you are not interested in necromancy?”
* “No.”
* “Very well, for I don’t know it either. Hm… I have my own strategy of convincing you… are you interested?”
He didn’t answer, so I allow myself to continue.
* “Well, first of all, I wanted to nicely and politely, bah! Even gently - ask you to give her back. But we already moved past this one… shame it didn’t work. In next step I wanted to point out all disadvantages of keeping Gisele with you…”
* “I have never said her name… I thought that you were simply interested in her because of her skills, maybe knowledge… but apparently it’s something far more… personal. Is she you mate?”
* “Maybe yes. Maybe no… But yes. It is very personal.”
* “Very well. Disadvantages of keeping her. Speak.” He was in mood.
* “Very well. As far as I know, you wanted to keep her as… breeding partner?”
* “That one of possibilities… very likely possibility.”
* “Then you have to know that one: She is half dragon. Dragons are not very fertile, so trust me, she is not going to give you as many babies as you want. Two, she is terrible in bed. Trust me. After everything you will be all sore. Not in good meaning of it… and lastly… You know how much she eats?! In that matter she is not a lady. Oh you poor bastards. You will lose your supplies for a year within a month!”
* “You are joking all the time. And even as I enjoy conversation with someone more intelligent than a rock… I slowly feel that this conversation is tiring me.”
* “Must be effect of the spell. Let me take it off… better? Hope so. When none of previous method would convince you… then… I am afraid I will have to threaten you.”
I said with truly despaired expression and rested my head on joined hands.
* “Please. I don’t like threatening such an outstanding individuals. Let’s have a drink. Talk like a friends, shake each other hands and part our way in agreement.”
* “Trust me. I wish for nothing else. We still can drink, have a talk, shake hands and part our ways. But a woman stays.”
* “Hm… you already know that I am a magic user? Of course you do, you pointed that out moment ago. Yes I know one or two curses, I know one or two healing spells… But the thing I am really good with, is fire magic.”
* “You want to tell me that you will crisp me into beef?”
* “You? Oh no! we both now that you can crush my head before I would cast a spell… but.. do you know what explosive rune is?”
* “… on higher floors there are similar, I believe… after steeping on it, it makes Kaboom… am I right?”
* “Not only, those are most popular one. There are also variation activated on command and after some time would pass… and I am afraid that I might put one in your granary… your storehouse…” I made a pause “Nursery… quite few kids you have there. Maybe one day they will grow into spectacular warriors… if they would survive this day, that is.”
* “I don’t like those threats.”
* “Neither do I! I told you that I hate threatening!”
* “Just… what are you. And stop pretending to be bull-kin. It’s getting on my nerves.”
* “I am your doom, or your salvation,
I am your bane or liberation,
I am your end and I am your grave,
Or am I…. forgive. I can’t think of any cool rhyme that would make any sense.” I said while morphing back to my human form “The problem with wearing too many faces, is that you slowly forget how your true one looks like… But there are those who call me a king. I guess.”
* “King? Such a petty thing? King of what? You yourself have said that you were born in the wild and are son of no one. Who are you leading?”
* “A funny fact. All I want is to not be involved in anything. Still remember the day when I promised myself to stay quiet about who I am, for there are quite few people that wants my head… But, I was visited by harpy, tigerman, lizard-kin… They were blabbing some nonsense about me being a ruler of all the beasts…” I titled my head even more “May you please explain to me what could it mean?”
Lack of eyes was a problem. I couldn’t watch over his expression and thus was left without many possible hints.
* “Are you a… Devourer?”
* “Don’t know. They called me with same name though.”
* “Can you take shape of what you ate?”
* “Was I looking like a minotaur a second ago?”
Weird silence took a grip over conversation. I risked. Risked very much. I already know one thing. There are those who either worship me, and those who wants my head. Maybe, if he would be on the side of Kitsune I could mention that I have conversation with her too? No. No point. He wouldn’t believe me.
* “So you not only killed, but also ate my warriors?”
Ups.
* “I have lost somewhere my lunch box…”
* “The answer remain – no. No matter of who you are, we are forced to act according to dungeon will. And dungeon wants everything to be attacked. We may let you go, you have similar smell as dungeon, so it may not view you as one of enemies, but it already marked a girl. The hoods…”
* “If by hoods you mean Reanimators, creepy guys raising dead, them they have sent me here…”
* “Lies”
* “How do you think Gisele appeared here?! They said that they want to test me and to climb up…”
* “… Listen carefully. Depending on what are you going to say next… you may either proved to be a help… or end dead. Tell me exactly what they said. Did they mention 50th floor? Something about curse?”
I waited a little bit, to both recall my conversation with keepers of dungeon and to consider how much I can reveal without getting shorter by head.
* “They did mention both. That I have key to their salvation, that answer lies on 50th floor, and that I am lacking strength to…” I waited a moment “… fucking bastards and their riddles.” Enlightenment fell upon me “… Please tell me, aren’t you, by any chances, concerned about seal being intact?”
* “Hoods were enslaved by dungeon, and we were enslaved by hoods. We would regain our freedom if hoods were no longer bound with this place. And you were told to possess an artifact?”
* “I hope I do.”
* “… The 50th floor has no guardian. It is because the creature that could somewhat be filling that duty… would be me. On the 50th floor there is hidden door, after generation we found them by accident. They are leading to the another place – some kind of altar guided by powerful creature. It was in slumber, but as we approached it awoken and warned us that we should come no further. So we left. Later, after forming a raid we attacked that place. 100 finest warriors were decimated. But the true meaning of that place was revealed to us. That was a place that bounded hoods. But we were lacking knowledge and tools to release them. Hoods told us to never enter that place again… until they would sent to us… You said that you may be our salvation and liberation… You better be.”
… those fuckers Reanimators… they tricked me, did they?
Few hours later
As soon as our conversation was over, chieftain bolted from the tent and start yelling left and right. Once again he organized a raid, this time made of 200 warriors, for he has said that day of their liberation has finally approached. He has took me with his by his side, announced me a Devourer.
That part was same in most of the legends. I was suppose to find those who were suffering, who were rejected and enslaved to one day free them.
I didn’t like that part. One – my credo is, that if you can’t do something by yourself (and you can’t afford to pay someone to do it) then you simply don’t deserve this. And all stories about heroes that would one day come and save you, are nothing more than an excuse to not do a shit by yourself.
But, as alternative I could have been tore into pierces by herd of bull whose dreams has been shattered. In that situation I turned a blind eye on credo of my.
Right now, we were marching with small army toward 50th floor. In the camp stayed only woman, those who were incapable of fighting and small group of 100 or so warriors. Just in case we would not return.
Hm? Of course that they did not believe me at first, but few displays of shapeshifitng did the trick. So yes, we are marching into a lair of creature that wiped out hundred of minotaurs in one go. Not in squads of 2-3 like myself, nor 3-4 like Gisele. 100 at once. Sweet.
* “It’s here.” Chieftain said “Behind those door there is a portal that will take us into the altar.”
* “What are you waiting for? Lead your tro..”
* “After you.”
* “I wasn’t going to run away, you know? I was simply taking care of morale of you tr..”
* “After. You.”
* “B..”
* “I insist”
Whatever…
The altar surly was leaving a strong expression on everyone who seen it. Unlike rest of dungeon it was richly decorated. Looked pretty much like insides of great cathedral. All with marble sculpture showing acts of battle between devils and angels. From the sides up to the center you could see the devils and angels becoming more… human-like, so on the sides there were many horned monsters with red skin breathing fire with grotesque bodies, or winged animals, 3 meters tall humanoid tall throwing spears or giant wolf thrashing around imps. And at the middle two women were standing. Not fighting directly, more like watching each other angrily. Heira and Luxia, were my guess. That’s all about walls, come one, tour, we have much more to visit. Next stop… chasm of death!
There was an altar indeed. A high sculpture of kneeling angel was guarding it.
We kept marching onward and onward. Up until the sculpture start cracking. When the figure was covered in cracks, a powerful beam of light hit it from above. When we could look at it again, we find out that on the spot of sculpture its living copy was holding a place. Three pair of wings were flapping slowly, as if checking if they could be used after such a long sleep. Then, archangel looked upon us.
* “Be gone, you trespassing those damned hales. You shall come no further, for this place is one of pillars that holds this realm in peace, and I am the one who guards it, and I shall guard till time will meet its end.”
It raised a blade and strike a ground beneath her. The vibration she send make all of us stumble.
* “I am sorry, miss, but I am afraid we have urgent business to be done here, if you could please turn around and pretend that we are not here…”
* “That shall not happen, step aside. Leave. Or be turned into dust.”
* “What will we say on that gentlemen…” I said turning back to the warriors “… are we going to listen to that fair lady and turn around?”
Army growled angrily.
* “We have been slaves long enough!”
* “If we have to chose between dying in battle, and seeing as our sons are growing up knowing nothing but life of a slave, then we shall welcome death!”
* “I am hurt over your fate, but breaking the seal will bring nothing but even greater suffering. Thousands of lifes has been sacrifices to maintain this seal. I will not allow those noble suffering to go on waste…”
* “You mean noble slaughter?”
Angel turn her gaze on me
* “I have finally understand the purpose of this tower. It is used in battle between gods. Life of those who perished here are nothing more but fuel to keep the seal working. You are not even letting them go away and rest in peace, instead you are forcing them to keep working for dungeon, killing other creating vicious circle of self powering device. There is nobility in this act. Nor sacrifice. There is only backstabbing slaughter. If all angels share same logic as you, then I am grateful that I am dealing with devils…”
* “You… you are tainted?” She asked “Yes. You are. Wonderful. You shall be perfect sacrifice.”
… Fuck.
* “Behold mortals, witness who you are challenging.”
Seia of Holy Oath [Archangel]Level666Hp[66 666/66 666]Mp[66 666/66 666]Sp[Na]SkillsSword Usage - Trancender [Passive] [Level 666]
Holy Magic [Active] [Level 89]
Trained body [Passive]
Serenity of mind [Passive]
Zealous [Passive]
ResistancesFire - 75%Water - 75%Earth - 75%Wind - 75%Light - 125%Chaos - [-25%]Okay. That's an angel. How the fuck did you encounter it? Hm? You have Chaos affinity? Run. RUUUUN!
* “Listen… my king… go for the altar. We will keep it busy.”
* “Let me give you a few helping paws and wings.
May thee be summoned, Lurking in the nigh,
Thy woes has been heard and I offer you my might,
And thus we…”
* “Listen, all fine and dandy… but can you speed it up?”
* “… oh, right. Come guyz. I need you to die for me again.”
From the veil of violet darkness Kiato and Ravens stepped out. Greg was materializing not far away too.
* “Gentlemen, I need your help. It’s bad. Very bad. Can you please, buy me some time?”
* “An archangel… You are not prepared.” Sebastian hissed angrily. “Even with such forces you stand no chances.”
* “I don’t want to win! Just to use that altar over there…”
Sebastian looked in pointed direction.
* “Summon Succubus.”
* “But… I thought that she is not going to fig..”
* “Summon her…”
It took me a little.
There was loud poof, and ever louder “Pyuun” As in thin air overly chest-ed succubus appear in clothing that could be called with many adjectives… but definitely not “decent”.
* “Ya-hoo! It’s you favorite idol Zanez ‘ere. Ready for some lov… Zari. Where the fuck you summon me to? D… Don’t tell me… that your fantasy is to look at be being taken by this herd of… muscle… manly looking… tasty… mino…”
* “Hello Zanez.”
* “Kih! Baho..”
* “It’s Sebastian.”
* “S…sure…”
* “You have a job to be done…”
* “Yeah, yeah! Fret not. I have already seen than herd. Easy! I will get em’ done! None of them will stand! Ho-ho…”
* “Your target is an angel behind you.”
Zanez looked at angel, and on Sebastian, on me, on Sebastian, on me, on angel, back on me and back on angel, and then she pretended she was about to look on Sebastian just to look back on angel.
* “It ain’t going to work. I am not a battle type. Tie her up and give me a whip, yes! Tying her up by myself – no!”
* “What if we would say, that you have to lay with Zari, but that angel is going to disturb you?”
* “Ha-ha! Smart! But no. No. No and nope.”
* “Listen here, you sow.” Sebastian lost his shit “I don’t like it either. But this kid will live for few more decades. Maybe centuries… or even a millennia or two. What is two thousand years for us? Eventually I will be back. And I will remember to thank you thoroughly… for not helping me…”
* “Aww? You pwomish? I could use a good spanking.”
~ Her. Me likey
* “Vile creature. Bringing succubus against me? Futile efforts. That pathetic Lust Devi could never taint my pure holy aura…”
In that moment Zanez froze
* “Say wot? That was a challenge? After day of the dark I had my ways with dozens of your sisters and brothers… breaking them was my pleasure! Ah if you could only hear theirs moans…”
* “LIES!”
* “Lies? You will be able to tell… IN A FUCKING MINUTE BIRDIE!”
… Birdie? Woah. That insult. She won’t be able to get herself together after it.
* “H…H…HOW YOU NAME ME YOU…UNPURE… CREATURE?!”
… that worked? That actually fucking worked?! Whatever… in mean time I will be a sneaky snek and slowly I will get to the altar.
* “You stand against archangel! A commander of Silver Legion!”
* “And I am Zanez! And as I would finish with you your cunt will be…”
There… there there there I am almost there…
I was about to reach the altar with my hands, but devil and angel already start dancing. And as they were dancing a tongues of black flames and lightening were being casted around.
One of those lightening almost hit my stretched hand.
* “Careful there!” I yelled
* “Sorry!” Zazed yelled
* “Sorry…” Seia followed “… WAIT! YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO TOUCH IT!”
* “YA THINK YA HAVE TIME TO LOOK AWAY!”
Now… let’s see… The altar looks like crying angel, arms are pointed down, almost as beggar… doesn’t suits it…
* “You won’t even guess the way to activate it…”
If hands looks weirs, it possibly means that they can me moved… VOILA! Now, when someone is crying he or she usually hides face in palms. Now, much better! A pocket appeared on the chest level of statue.
* “Impossible! Still you… TWAH! JUST LET ME FINISH SENTENCE? MAY I?|
* “Tsh. Killjoy, go on.” Zatez pouted.
* “Still, you will never use it! You don’t have a key!”
I took pendant off my neck. Shape of talisman suits the one of pocket…
* “You are fucking joking?!” Angel whispered
* “Ho! A bad word?!” Zatez titled her head.
* “W..I would never..!”
* “I heard an “F” Word! I am sur-e!”
* “IT HAD TO BE YOUR IMAGINTAION!”
* “ARE YOU FIGHTING OR CUDDLING” I lost my composure
* “Of course we are fighting!” Angel yelled
* “But give us two more minute and we will bring our relationship on the next level!”
* “After my dead body!”
* “Well… I had my way with zombies too, so not that I mind…”
* “D…DISGUSTING!”
Angel took her blade, Zanez brought her whip.
* “Before we start… what’s your safe word?”
* “YOU LITTLE!”
* “Harder? Perfect!”
Ok. Let’s see… Oh fuck… that astral Rubik’s Cube. So that’s what the pendant is for…
Now… one left.. one right…
Black Sky [Locked]; Weeping orphan [Miss]; Raging Mountain [Locked]; Red Dragon [Miss]…
Fuck! There has to be a key of fitting every position… Wait… Black sky… there is dark as fuck here, raging mountain… Rage stand for Evil, which would be domain of Heira and Mountain for the tower… Weeping is correct, cuz’ stand for sorrow, but orphan is out of place… My head… Red Dragon, means Fire and Nature… completely out of order…
My… HEAD!
Change Orphan into Witness… no, rejected… maybe…Wings… Weeping Wings?! What the fuck? That has no sense at all…
[Locked]
What!? Whatever. One more, four more to go…
I took a moment for myself to puke.
Archangel grabbed succubus by neck and threw her bellow. Zanez groaned in pain. Yet her troubles were not over yet. Before she was able to get up protector of an altar raised blade over her head channeling into sword lightening made of pure light, bringing it down powerful beam of light was unleashed.
And in the very moment, a second before it would reach the devil, a minotaur jumped between them taking spell onto his own body. He turned into ashes.
* “Charge! Buy the devil as much time as she needs to recover! What are you doing maggots! Your fate is being settled by two women! Where is your pride of a warrior! Glorious death of slavery!? What do you chose!?”
Few warriors jumped in the air trying to bring the angel down. For Seia they were barely any threat, with lazy swings of blade she was turning them into piles of embers. Until one of them running from behind her, actually managed to catch her. She lost a balance for a second in the air, that very second allowed for another one catch her leg, another grabbed her arm and yet another landed on her wing. In the very end Archangel fell from the air on dark and duty floor of cathedra.
Another radiance of light and Holy Oath was back standing on her legs, minotaurs were nowhere to find.
The sacrifice of nice warriors was not in vane, as Zanez with managed to get up already ensnared ankle of her enemy with her whip. With powerful move she forced the angel to flew through the room bashing her into every possible column and pillar.
Endless Ocean… [Miss], Bottomless Abyss… [Miss].. Ha, the true pain was not only trying to find a right sequence and fitting it into right place, but also trying not to fuck what you matched previously! And it was not easy!
Blood start dripping from my nose.
* “Not like that. Allow the intuition to guide you…” Sebastian said in my ear “… It’s like bit more complex lock picking. Try “feeling” how much another trigger needs to be pushed… Focus more on maintaining locks that you already picked, and the rest will eventually find itself. You don’t posses sufficient knowledge nor intelligence to force pick it. Instead try relying more on your affinity. You are surrounded by suffering souls of entrapped. Let. Them. Guide. You.”
[Never…] […Ending] [Cry]… [locked]
[Ever…] […Lasting] [Grief]… [locked]
* “YOU! ARE! ON! MY! LAND!” Zanez yelled “FEEL THE SORROW OF MILIONS SOULS THAT SUFFER BECAUSE OF YOU! FEEL AS THEY SHIVER ON MERE THOUGH OF BEING FREE! THEY EXCITEMENT! GIVES ME! POWER!”
Succubus dashed to the angel and kicked her with her knee into her gut, impact made her fly high into the air, but once again she was stopped by whip. From air Seia was thrown back on the ground. Devil jumped on her back, her clawed hand took a grip on one of her wing, her whip released her leg and took a grip of the angel neck instead.
By placing her leg on the back of kneeling angel Zanez start pushing on her spine, while her hand kept pulling the wing. Eventually muted gasp left angel mouth as one of her wing was tore off her body.
* “One down. Five more to go. Tell me, ya remember what happens when angel lost all her wings? They. Fall.”
Another kick send her on the opposite direction of the room
[Bliss…] […full] [Agony]… [ locked]
Zanez start charging again, yet as she was about to kick the angel yet another time, she rolled on the side, get up quickly, brought back her blade and pierced devil’s side.
* “You may be a higher Devil… You may be… favored… by location… But you are a Lust Devil… And there is no way that I would lose against a whore… that most of her everlasting existence waste on tormenting defenseless…” And she twisted her sword making the wound even bigger.
Chieftain ran from behind and swung his axe through the backs of an angel. Yet nothing happened… Nothing, if you would count part of an axe breaking on angel’s back and flying on opposite direction.
* “Blade forged by mortals shall bring me no harm…” She stretched her palm and send huge beast-man through the room. “Now, vile creature… I cast you into oblivion…”
FUCK! THINK! THINK! What describe this place!? What are the puzzles that needs to be put?!
* “And thus, the justice is served!”
… That’s it!
[Unjust Punishment]
Cogs of Cube Started Moving.
The sword was slowly reaching Succubus.
[Locked]
Altar crumbled revealing heart-sized crystal dark like night itself. The crystal broke and thousands of souls flew in all directions wailing in grief, anger and pain. But also in hope and need. All of them flew in direction of angel entering her body and then leaving it with even greater speed. Each time a soul passed through her, it left in her all the sufferings they felt during the slavery. Few of souls took a shape of hooded corpse around me.
* “You have freed us.”
* “Even as we doubted.”
* “Even though you were not ready.”
* “Even though you were merely used.”
* “We thank thee for will regained.”
* “For pain released.”
* “For torment ended.”
* “We no longer has need of having slaves of our owns”
* “So may they nations we took captive be free again.”
* “Yet, nor the heaven nor hell shall welcome souls so damaged.”
* “We shall become one with Earth and Wind.”
* “With Fire and Night.”
* “With Water and Light.”
* “With Sky and Ground.”
* “Farewell young one, may we not be the only freed by your hand…”
* “But for you own sake, we hope that we shall not meet again.”
And everything perished. The souls, the cathedral, the angels. Battled and tore, we stood in front of the door to cathedral.
* “Was it a dream?”
* “Illusion?”
* “No… can you fell it? Can you fell the dark grip on your hearts?”
* “For the first time in my whole life… no…”
* “Me… neither… are we… free?”
Someone cheered. Someone shouted. Someone felt on his knees and start crying. I knew ony one thing. For now, I wanted nothing more but to leave this dungeon.
Couple hours later.
As soon as small army cooled down after victory, they get back to the camp and told everyone to prepare for departure. They left most of the things. Took only food, some tools… and that’s it. They said that rest Aira shall provide.
Right now, we were standing in front of entrance to the tower, saying our goodbyes to each other.
* “We… we are grateful, BeastKing. You truly are as great as legends says…”
* “I won’t prove your statement wrong only cuz’ of courtesy. Now. Be nice, try not to slaughter everything that moves, eat vegetables and wash your hands after every village you would ride, who knows what kind of diseases those filthy humans are carrying.”
Chieftain chuckled.
* “As much as I am grateful, as much I have to say that your humor is… twisted, weird and creepy. We will try to make our own village in some forest. Aira shall guide us.”
* “You can say hello to her from me…”
* “Zariel… You have already told us, that you don’t intend to get involved into any politic, nor to start any war… But great events drags into mess great persons regardless of they will… What I am trying to say… that if you would actually ever wanted to start being Kind… If you shall roar… we will answer the call.”
* “…And what does it means?”
* “As you would get old enough, you shall know.”
* “Great, Everyone in that fucking tower has to speak in riddles. Ok. Off you go. Shush. You still have about 8 hours of day light, don’t waste it.”
* “May we meet again.”
Few hundred of huge beast-kin left the planes. I headed back to where Gisele was laying sat on her and put her head on my laps.
Everything good what ends nicely. So, the outcome of tower investigation.
* Sick exp grinding? Checked!
* Cultural exchange? Checked!
* Saving damsel in distress? Checked!
* Facing death and escaping cuz’ of fluke? Checked!
* Using pendant from dark goddess having completely no clue what actually happened? Checked!
Yeah, it was a good spent labor week.
I sat like that for another hour before Gisele start waking up
* “Za..ri?”
* “Sleep sunshine. Everything is all right.”
* “But… Minotaurs?”
* “… you don’t have to worry about them. You probably shall never meet again.”
She chuckled
* “You saved me? You? Alone? What a weird dream.”
HEY! I AM DEEPLY OFFENDED! That what you have to say after I wasted few days of my life just to rescues your sorry ass!? You lil’…
I took her in my arms and stat heading back to the dungeon
* “Zari what are you doing?”
* “Bringing one ungrateful ass back to the tower. Maybe if you would get raped by some tentacle monster you will show me some gratitude.”
She chuckled even more.
* “Whatever. Just let me rest like that even more. I don’t want to wake up.”
* “You are not sleeping!”
* “I do.”
* “Why do you think so?”
* “You have weird ears.” She chuckled yet again.
I checked what she meant.
… Guess who forgot to morph half of his body back… Someone will deserve loooong explanation. Well, we have few hours long trip ahead. Well, she is a woman of reason… she should take that calmly…
Few hours later in carriage
* “YOU ARE WHAT?!”
* “Hey! I have never claimed to be a human!”
* “YOU LIED TO US!”
* “No! I just never said a whole truth!”
* “Half-true is a full-lie!”
* “Gisele! For fuck sake! Look at that from my position! What do you think would happen if I would keep telling everyone left and right [Hey! I am Zariel, new avatar of creatures that each time that appeared brought upon world misery and pain, there are like dozen of organizations that would cover you in gold if you would brought them my head, welcome me warmly!]? HA!? I am fucking 11 months old and already had to kill over fifty assassins that came after me!”
* “Adventure guild is nothing without trust!”
* “I have just trusted you!”
* “Cuz’ you forget to take a shape of human!”
* “…After staying hidden within society for few months, you really think I would make such a silly mistake?!”
…. Shh, everyone stay quiet…
* “Who else knows?”
* “Ol’ man Jericho, Alesia, whole council of mages, few nobles and few more mages. That’s all from friend section.”
* “And Marika? Loki? Mrogul? Gustav? Gerwazy, Miroslav and Aloizi?”
* “… one day they will know too.”
She took a deep breath.
* “Idiot.”
* “That’s me” I agreed without hesitation.
* “Why did you chose to suffer alone?!” A fist fall over my head.
* “What do you mean?”
* “Secrets hurts. Especially when you hide your identity. In the very end you would find in terror that no one truly knows you. You would live in fear that after truth would be revealed everyone would leave you. Why? Just.. talk with us! We all are weirdoes! We all have our sins! Loki, for example, is ex-assassin! This is why he keeps covering his face, you are not the only one with bounty over your head….”
* “two thousands gold coins…”
* “WHAT?!”
* “Just kddin’! I have no idea how much they want for me… probably more…”
* “WHAT?!”
* “Kiddin’! Hey, I can’t see, but I still don’t like the look on your face!”
* “You are just… imagining… things… there is no possibility, that mere… fortune… will make me betray my… comrades… which I barelly know… cuz he kept lying to me for all the time… that has no family, nor anyone to ask where did he went missing…”
* “…Are you drooling?”
No response
* “Gisele?”
* “Hm? Wait? What? Where you saying something?”
* “No. It was nothing.”
After few more minutes she regained her good mood and start joking again. She was doing everything to ensure me in belief that nothing is going to change, that I should open myself a little more to people. Well… maybe… but I still have time for that do I?
Evening. Guild
Gisele have opened the door and right from the entrance yelled.
* “We are back! Two has left, two have returned, no one died!”
* “zaaaaAAAAAAAAAAA…”
* “That’s the moment when you are making some space, Gis.” I said preparing for unavoidable meeting.
* “AAAAAAAAAAAAAA….”
The scream got louder and louder.
* “AAAAAAAAAAAAAA…..”
A small greenish blur appeared at the end on the hall
* “AAAARI!”
Once again momentum of small fairy hitting my stomach made me fell.
* “Yeah. I am alive. I ate well, hands and legs on right places.” I said patting her head.
* “Ah, Zariel…” Mike showed his head through the door “… Please, if you could put Marika away and come to the office. Master Jericho awaits you.”
* “I trust that you have wrong information regardless the fact who holds who! Mari… may ya leave me for a mom…”
* “NOT YET!”
* “But I really have to get going! Look, I will be back on supper soo…”
* “NOT! YET! Minute more! A minute! He… Zari’s aura…”
… she is objectifying me, is she?
I directed my head toward Mike asking silently for help.
* “Well, I think nothing will happened if master Jeremy would have to wait another minute…”
ET TU BRUTA CONTRA ME?! NO! GOD PLEASE NO! EVERYONE BUT NOT MIKE! I have trusted you! You were the chose one!
In the very end we have managed to pull fairy away, but for heaven and hell, I think that I would prefer to fight with Archangel one vs one than try myself against Marika…
All that Jericho wanted was the report of situation. He wanted to know how well I can move and fight by my own.
It ended with Gisele yelling at Jericho for not telling her earlier what I was…
* “Silence young lady. If someone has desire to keep their identity hidden, guild will not reveal any information to the third parties.”
* “I AM AN ADVENTURER! NOT THRID PARTY!”
Jericho completely ignored her.
* “Zari, you have saved that idiot. As a father I can’t thank you enough…”
* “O…Old man!” I could have swore that Gis got red all over her face.
* “As you have no problems with moving around, I guess I can share both wonderful and terrifying news with you.”
* “Bad news first.” I said right away
* “Hm? No. That one and same information. It’s just a dose of fortune in barrel of sorrow. The bad news is that one of the Hydras start leaving her territory and attacking nearby villages. It’s only matter of time till we would get a request…”
* “THAT’S A HORRBILE NEWS! People will die! They are insanely strong! What can be good about that?!”
* “Zari can adapt powers of monsters he consumes… If Hydra regeneration won’t help him get back his eyes… nothing will.”
So, about week after I lost my eyes a Hydra magically appears in vicinity? Fishy. I am one lucky bastard, there is no point denying that… But… no. Maybe I am over thinking it. For now all I have to do is to go back to inn section, eat some real food cheer with friends, listen quarrels of Marika and Mrogul, maybe even few completely not funny Loki’s jokes? And as I returned the quest I have leveled up, which means that I have points to distribute and class to rank up. Yeah, may the Hydra roam wherever it wants. For now, I shall have my fun.