So, why did you decide to drag this corpse back with you? Writes CWO4 Mary.

“I didn’t know he’d die of fright. I honestly didn’t think that was possible.” I answer with a creaky shrug.

Well, now that the ensign is a murderer- starts Henderson but I cut him off.

“At least I wasn’t enjoying myself so thoroughly at the vietnamese port tha- mfmmffmf” I say as he muffles me with his hand. Which brings up another question, how does this speech work? I walk over to a puddle and start speaking gibberish to try and find out.

Doesn’t seem like there’s any vocal chords and I lack a tongue. So just how did he quiet me down? Maybe-

I’m yanked backwards. Looking back I see CWO Mary dragging me towards the group of skeletons. As I draw closer, I notice something strange happening. A small portion of the skeletons seem to be disrobing the dead priest.

Taking his possessions for themselves.

“So, what’s going on here? Anyone care to explain?”

I’m not sure. I’ve checked and the only ones doing so are the unmarked skeletons. A few even left and came back dragging an armored corpse with them. Mary writes.

“Hey, you. Skeleton D4.” I say manhandling the lesser skeleton. It snaps its head towards me and starts clattering its jaws like crazy. Even going as far to claw at me.

“You.. can take a nap!” I grunt the last word as I shatter his skull against the wall. A few skeletons look up for a second, but soon enough they’re back to looting.

I walk over to the group surrounding the knight I killed earlier. Easily breaking the arms of a skeleton in the process of stripping off the chestplate and taking it for myself.

A couple swarm towards me, but strangely stop as soon as I strap it on.

“Is it an instinctual need?” I mutter in my strangely normal voice. I look towards the corpse again and the armor looks very tempting indeed. Shiny.

“I need the shiny.” I say before pummeling the skeletons around it. It doesn’t take too long for them to back off, red eyes glaring at me as I claim my prize. Taking the crushed helm in my hands, I scoop out the pulpy mess.

Then, with a screech of metal, I pull out the dents and put the now ragged helm on my head. I look around for the tower shield, and spot it in the hands of a red eyed skeleton. It begins shaking as I stalk towards it.

One powderized skeleton later, I stand in full plate armor. I look back to where the other skeletons were fighting over the priest. Unexpectedly few of them doing so. I thought the red eyes would have went after new loot, but they just sulk around. What’s left of them anyways.

No, the most common skeletons who clamor around the priest have glowing blue orbs. A few green eyes mixed in as well.

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I look over to my men and have them fall in line.

Over four fifths of them have red eyes. I closely observe them. Noticing an overall advantage in height. The skeleton itself seems to be sturdier with slightly darker bones.

The rest have blue eyes, save for CWO Mary with green. These frames are smaller, and even at a glance seem to be brittle. However, they seem to glow in this dark cave, and not just due to their pale white coloration.

As I finish my observations, the looting is complete. I look over to see a ripped robe there, a staff here, a separated pair of shoes on different skeletons, and a mace held behind ones back.

“Oh yes, I forgot about the weapon.” I say, and the skeleton near the back jumps in fright. It slowly turns around and starts sprinting towards the exit. My laughter trailing behind it the whole way.

Is that alright? I’m pretty sure Vragska’s going to be pissed about you losing so many. Henderson writes.

“Hm? It’ll be fine. It’s probably going to be back when it gets hungry.”

Please don’t treat your subordinates like pets. Actually, I feel sorry for anything that needs to be taken care of by you.

“That’s rude CWO Scott.”

I thought I told you to call me Mary.

“I was under the impression that the military uses last names.”

You know full well-

“That we shouldn’t keep lord Vragska waiting any longer. Forward march!” I shout heading back into the depths.

The squelch of each step makes way for clacking as mud gives way to rock. The sounds echo off the walls, and I close my eyes to paint a picture with the sound.

Soon I pick up the lich’s chanting as it echoes through the cavern. Only growing louder as we approach. Brief flashes of blue light flare up now and again from around the corner.

“Successful, were you?” Vragska calls out as we round the corner.

“Yes Lord. They hardly put up a fight.” I answer back.

“As expected of one of your color. How would you like a reward?”

I get a bad feeling.

“I hardly deserve one for such paltry-”

“It would reflect badly upon me as lord for not rewarding the success of my subjects.”

“I really don’t-”

“Skeleton A.” He says, his voice growing deeper as the orbs of his eyes seem to grow.

“Y-yes?”

“You deserve a reward. Do you not?” He asks. Purple flames arcing along his robes.

“I-if you deem it necessary.” I say backing off.

“Oh, of course I insist, I’ve just acquired some brilliant souls after all.” The purple flames make way for white, tendrils of smoke seeming to rise from it. It pulses as if it has a heart beat.

“O-on second thought,” I say before grabbing and thrusting CWO Mary in front of me “this is the remarkable skeleton who so valiantly defeated the enemy!”

Mary turns towards me, and seems to be swearing at me as her jaws clatter up and down.

“Modest, but I do believe all of it was due to your brilliant leadership. The success of your men are your own after all.” He says as the same unseen force flings Mary to the side, several of her bones cracking against the rocks.

I’m pinned to the ground as my jaw is forced open. My flailing leaving a few minor scratches on the lich as the soul draws closer. It enters my mouth, and to my surprise, doesn’t taste bad at all.

Almost reminiscent of chocolate. He releases me, and I begin chewing while savoring the taste.

Hmm a faint undertone of coffee as well. I guess my instincts were off after-

“Guh?! Gah! Hubu!” I start choking and gasping as unbearable pain spreads through me. I try my hardest to spit the damn thing out. Tearing out a few teeth as I scrape with my fingers.

My eyes dart around, seeking salvation, and I spot CWO Mary staring straight at me. Her teeth seemingly stretched wide into a nefarious grin.

I look near her feet to find That’s what you get. Don’t ever try throwing me under the bus.

“Y-you!” I croak out as my vision cuts to black.

Rank Advancement UnlockedSpecies: UndeadSkeletal CreatureGiant SkeletonZombieSkeletal SoldierYour body will be reconstructed to be more adaptable to change. Granting you the ability to change from your humanoid form into another. In the initial stages there won't be a significant boost to any of your abilities, but as you progress, there is a possibility of becoming a skeletal dragon. The largest advantage lies in versatility.Grander in every scale compared to your original form. However, your size makes for an excellent target for any enemy casters. You generally scare off lesser opponents, and embolden allies, so stronger opponents will target you in most confrontations. Further down the line, skeletal titans have been known to mow down armies as easily as a farmer does wheat.A trademark of lazy necromancers. You're meant to be fodder, and it is a job you do well. While slow and weak, this may be your only path towards regaining a sound body.The backbone of a skeleton army. It is through your hard work and sacrifice that hone many an adventurer's strength. However, despite your fragile existence, it is by overcoming that harsh reality through which you gain strength.