I make out a faint blue light as I keep walking. Just glad that I don’t have to deal with CWO Mary. Was she always this bad? The old distinction in rank is fading.. at this rate, I may end up with the short end of the stick.

Although, thinking about it, our old ranks don’t matter. I’d better start showing accomplishments if I want to regain command. Still, that loyal Henderson.. he’s been siding with Mary a bit too much lately. Perhaps he has feelings for her?

“Haha, that’s not possible.” He may be in another world, but he doesn’t seem like the type to forget about the family he’s left behind. Even more so if his post death viewing session was anything like mine.

Knowing his family, they’d only fasten his resolve to find a way back. I think as I attempt to recall their interactions when I’d go over for their bi-yearly barbecues. I remember feeling slightly jealous despite abhorring relationships.

My thoughts die down as the flickering light gets brighter as I turn the corner to find myself at the entrance to the lich’s room.

It’s filled with all sorts of rustic furniture. Worn and battered books fraying at the edge as they’re precariously perched on the edge of rotting shelves. Strange archaic writing etched everywhere from the floor to ceiling.

I look down at the lich’s skull to find hollow sockets. Devoid of their lights. His bones glowing as wisps of light seem to be drawn towards them.

Looking down at him, I begin recalling how everything started going wrong the moment I met him.

Dragging me out of my enjoyable dream to thrust me in this cursed body that lacks even a pulse… but I guess it may reflect who I am.

I shake my head to clear the thought, and anger is quick to replace my brooding.

He’s just lying there. Not even responding to my presence. I might feel better once I just land one hit.

I ball up my fist. It rises up almost subconsciously.

Bearing down at his hateful skull I have trouble holding myself back.

That is, until he turns in his sleep.

The wind whistles as it tears. Leaving a dull grey afterimage as it traces its course towards the sleeping lich.

With a loud crash, and the sound of breaking bones I find myself standing there. Unable to believe what I’m seeing. The lich’s skull is one thing, but the stone slab he was resting on is broken as well. Large cracks spreading from the center of a deep impression my fist made.

“Vragska?” I call out, but there’s no response.

“Of course there wouldn’t be. It’d be stranger if he did.” I mutter as I observe my knuckles. Not a scratch on them.

Suddenly the lights that were swarming over him start making their way towards me.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Wha.. huh?” I’m almost blinded by the amount as another one of those windows pops up in front of me.

Soul Acquired: Soul of a Fledgling LichDo You Accept? Y/NFor defeating a Lich, no matter how green behind the ears, you've acquired the right to ascend. Should you accept the tormented soul, you'll be recognized as nobility among the other undead. However, it should be noted that you'll become the target of others seeking to advance themselves in the same manner. This high concentration of tormented souls may cause significant issues.

Wait, isn’t this the first time I’ve had a choice?

This offer isn’t too bad. It’d immediately solve the problem of hierarchy, but it’s not like I really want to be in charge. It’s kind of bothersome to be quite honest, and I could always just make off on my own if it came down to a conflict.

Although the prospects of a lowly skeletal soldier wandering around the mire doesn’t seem to be too bright. It’d be much better for my chances if I were to command an undead legion.

As for the tormented souls.. I already have a host of nearly individual voices in my head. It wouldn’t do to ruin the precarious balance I have in place.

This package seems to come with too many problems. I come from a democratic nation, and it’s how I’ve lived all my life. True, I couldn’t quite manage to fit in, but talking things over might be a better idea than brute force… I start thinking before I recall that first knight I met.

Maybe not… I’m not getting anywhere with this.

From what I’ve seen so far, it doesn’t seem like I’m hurting for power, but that might just be mistaken on my part. Let’s just try to believe in my crew, and hope they’re all better people than I am.

I select no, and the souls disperse. Seeping through the solid rocks.

Title Acquired: LiberatorHaving chosen to free the tormented souls gives them the choice to pass on to the afterlife, or remain behind to wreak further havoc. For allowing them to freely choose their own path by liberating them from a tyrannical captor, you'll be hailed by the lower classes as a savior, and persecuted by the leading castes.

Random Rogue POV

I make my way out of the damn mire to find myself at the edge of a pristine forest. The foreboding atmosphere dissipating as I keep heading towards the town.

I breathe a sigh of relief as the familiar sounds of the forest surround me. The soft rustling of leaves putting my tense nerves at ease.

“I’m so thankful I made it out. Damn that dungeon, and this fucking mud.” I say as I stomp my feet to try and dislodge it.

“You’re telling me.” I turn towards the voice to spot the figure of my warrior companion. A splotch of blood covering his knee.

“Keith, what happened to the others?” I ask.

“Hey Asan.” He says ignoring my question.

“Yeah?” I ask, irritation leaking out as he’d ignored my question.

“You only have to run faster than the slowest guy, right?” He responds with a wry grin.

I break out in laughter as it dawns on me.

“That blood, you didn’t?” I say gasping for breath.

“Yeah..” he says with a chuckle.

“That’s just perfect! Damn holy man was getting on my nerves anyways.” I say wiping a tear from my eye.

“They’re a different sort, that’s for sure. Arrogant as all hell.”

“I’d have to agree. Let’s head back to the tavern. I need a drink.”

“You and me both.” He agrees.

After an uneventful trip we make our way into the Hammered Hare. Attracting the attention of more than a few adventurers who look at us with a grin on their face.

“Yo, so I heard you bastards really managed to take out that Lich.” Says a gruff man the size of a mountain.

“What are you talking about?” I ask thoroughly confused.

“Wasn’t that you guys? The job disappeared after your group left. Don’t remember anyone else taking that job.” He asks with a frown.

I dash out of the tavern to confirm it with my own eyes.

“I-it’s true.” I mutter as my eyes scan the listings. “It wasn’t us.. then who?” I wonder as I keep watching letters flit across the board from time to time as new jobs are posted and completed.

I think back to that ridiculous black skeleton. The way it took out a rank C knight in one blow almost nonchalantly.

“Was it.. a power struggle? Was that thing a skeleton lord?” I begin muttering as I struggle to understand.

“Excuse me, are you the party leader Asan?” A feminine voice interrupts me. It’s one of the guild receptionists.

“Ah, yes.” I respond.

“Congratulations on completing the Lich suppression.” She says with a bright smile.

“Ah.. yeah.” I say scratching my head.

“The board has confirmed its completion. As the first and last party to accept the offer, if you’d just confirm it with the front desk, we have your payment and rank advancement ready for you.”

“Ahaha, thank you for your hard work as always.”

“It is we who should thank you. Given time that Lich could have grown to be a great problem. Please, this way.”