Chapter 23: A Monster Calls
“So Adena what type of monster will you become?” That one line gave me goosebumps.
Clivent hadn’t said a word but for a moment I thought. Did I hear his voice? No, that's not possible. 'He's mute, get it together.'
“What a question I’m not a monster Clivent” I giggled lowering my eyes from the Wolfmans' hands that had said too much.
Adena ce Raphil Mabtali, a monster? Papa would be disappointed. I think I’m incapable of becoming a monster. What does it even mean to be a Monster?
"These books aren’t going to read themselves," I announced.
*Ping!* [Dance of Etiquette] has leveled up!
Would you look at this “Bestiary Monsters Amuck" I’m so lucky hooray a book about monsters let’s get to reading. 'Could this be any more boring?' I don't think it could be. I feel sick to my stomach after that conversation, the library atmosphere has reached its peak on the stale pyramid, definitely asking to leave after this.
“What is a monster you ask? Candralt is filled to the brim with unnatural horrors. Horrors that go against the good-natured and natural laws of the world, taking all manner of shapes and sizes. The long-eared pagans, the half-beasts, and the heathens who crave the blood of man. Bloodthirsty beasts you may consider them, but none crave the blood of man more than the humans.”
I hate this library.
“Monsters are divided by tier birthed from the planet itself; they are set on taking flesh as nourishment, and mana as sustenance. Monsters lack a system just going to show how forsaken they are by the Gods.”
“As you should know by now system users are grouped by class and level. There are class tiers to properly represent where you are on the food chain. These tiers are used to give the combatant an idea of how out of league you are on the field compared to the Monsters that roam about. This bestiary may be outdated so we recommend asking a comrade for further information on these topics of importance. If not the Adventures guilds then a guard may give you the time of day.”
“Monsters may not have systems like us, users of Intelligence but don’t underestimate them; they live a life of death. Monsters thrive wherever there is mana, the substance is crucial to their progression, and it enables evolution to even the weakest.”
“Evolution is a blessing for a monster, possibly a curse for the monster tamer.”
“Rarely do you find monsters evolving in unsafe environments; it renders them immobile Monsters are beings of instinct they know better than to drop their guard. If you ever find a monster evolving. Kill it! Do the world a favor. Who knows what it may turn into? Evolution is the liberation of one’s previous corporeal form. Unspeakable changes are made to a monster's aspects of being during evolution. Even a beast tamer is wary of this change, uncertainty leads to death.”
“Beast kin, the humanoid races are the closest to monsters. Their physique speaks for itself; some even undergo evolution if the situation calls for it only when the right conditions are met. This is just a rumor but be wary fellow hunters in rumor lies the smallest hint of truth.”
The information restrictions are getting on my nerves. Finally, we can leave.
“Clivent I’m done reading the Information has proven somewhat useful. Are we able to depart now?” I had been using [Dance of Etiquette] in the hopes that it would mask my nervousness.
After Clivent's last question, I had drawn a line with no more questions that would lead me to doubt myself. I was not a monster, nor was I raised to be one.
“Adena, can you stop speaking in that manner? You sound like a noble that might draw unwanted attention.” He was warning me of danger, and I’d heard him loud and clear. It was only for a little while, but I had laid the skill on quite thick out of fear of being discovered. I’m not a monster or a danger to anyone.
“Adi what should I do about our citizenship?” patiently waited for a reply that never came.
Clivent had started putting the books back. I wonder where we would head next. His words were bouncing around in my head “Take care of my citizenship before it becomes a problem”. A chance to let one of my secrets go free.
“What would it cost me?” I only trusted my parents until now.
Clivent had heard me mumble the question and looked in my direction as he moved the books of his choosing back onto the cart.
We were here because of me, so of course I would help put the book back on the cart. Getting up and moving around brought the calm that I needed most during this moment of uncertainty.
What told me that I could trust my parents? Father always told me to trust in myself. I needed that assurance when my mind played tricks on me. Papa would give me a warm hug to hold me down; everything was always up in the air. His speck no, papa’s matter was a gift in itself. Eyes of warm glowing white light, arms of brown earthen shades firm and strong to keep me grounded, beneath the brown were his veins of clear blue and red blood flowed to the tempo of his heartbeat.” It was so easy to see. A body that didn’t hide anything from me, a man wearing his heart on his sleeves.
“Who was Clivent Bane?” words at the edge of my throat never to be spoken.
[Eyes of the Watcher] was one of my racial skills. It's always been mine to use. I just lacked the courage to tap into its potential.
Sitting back down on the wooden chair closing my eyes for a second. I needed to concentrate. There was no need to sit or close my eyes but every effort to understand the skill would pay off.
The system offers a skill description if you focus on the name and that's what I wanted most. Something told me that understanding this skill would be of help. My fear of the system would have to take a backseat. The pain of system initialization was stopping the process.
"Time to get over it," I said thinking of the outcome.
[Eyes of The Watcher] ~ {Open} ~ A Racial ability unique to your lineage. It allows the user to see matter and much more. Matter makes up every living and nonliving thing in existence. [Eyes of The Watcher] can see the constructs of reality for what they truly are. The skill scales with Intelligence and Dexterity.
* The user referred to the matter as “specks” Would you like to change the name permanently [YES] or [NO]?
* Matter makes up all. The user has looked past reality on multiple occasions and observed the composition of many beings. Be wary of losing perspective due to low Intelligence and Dexterity.
“Finally, a real skill description!” I jumped right out of the chair causing Clivent’s ears to shoot up in surprise. I didn't care about his minor shock, maybe a little.
“Sorry Clivent," I forgot that it wasn’t a good idea to yell in a library.
“It's my first time in a library like this. Sorry, for breaking the rules.” He didn’t seem to care about my little outburst.
Clivent had finished putting the last book back on the cart. Turning around it seemed he had something to sign.
“It is customary to remain quiet in a library but seeing as we’re the only two people here it's no problem. I assume the system has started giving you more detailed descriptions.” he was momentarily sitting back down. I wish I could read minds. A minute ago, we were leaving and now we’re about to have another long conversation.
“Focus” Adi chimed in. He wouldn’t help me make decisions but now he had something to say.
“Wait, how did you know about the system finally of use to me?”
Lifting his hands “It was the whole reason I brought you here. The system works differently for everybody but one thing our systems have in common is the system’s learning process. [System Initialization] takes a while, especially for those who know little information regarding its inner workings. Adonin said he didn’t know anything about the system. I'm guessing the same goes for you.”
“Why are you helping us?” I had many questions, but this took the cake. Why did Adi choose this man out of everyone in the city?
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“I'm helping you because your brother asked me to. If we had first met, would've probably directed you to someone who could help you. In my stead, there are few good people left in the city.” Clivent answered but it still felt like he was dodging the question.
“You're dodging the question, why do so much for Adonin, a child you barely know?” I wasn't angry, just confused if I trusted this wolfman he could betray me. He could betray us. We have to make it back home.
“You two are quite similar, both ask so many questions without answering any in return. So, I'll give you a deal, a secret for a secret. Is that fair Adena?” He sat in wait looking dead center into my eyes.
“Adi? Now would be the time to give me a little advice. Anything would do” I was concerned about what secret would he want in return.
Closing my eyes “Please dear big brother help.” the second I thought he would reply.
“Third person” Adi had spoken, his voice still had a sort of sluggishness to it but at least it was something.
“Third person” I repeated aloud wondering what he meant. “Wait, Clivent you said there were only us two here, if that's the case then who's the person over there?” Opening my eyes, I already had my left index finger pointing toward the person behind the three rows of shelves reading a book.
The guy lowered the book slowly looking in my direction and a chill went down my spine. There was no way he could see me, right? Wait, was he listening to me talk this whole time?
Time had slowed, something was wrong. I hated this feeling of impending doom. Cold shades of blue specks were spreading outward from that person’s body. Blue matter was invading this room no, it wasn't blue matter it was snow.
In a flash, Clivent had jumped over the table shielding me.
=====
The room was encased in a thick layer of ice. There’s so much cold come to think of it, I didn't feel anything at all.
*Ping!* [Pain Resistance] has leveled up!
'Shut up! ouch my head, what the hell is happening!' It was counterintuitive to yell at the system but the thing was giving me a headache.
“Clivent” I whispered, uncertain of what was going on. All I could recall were cold blue eyes staring at me.
“Why Is this happening!?”
Clivent’s gigantic body was pinning me down. Looking upwards I could see him gasping for air as blood spewed from his mouth.
“What is happening!?” Was that my blood did he maul me? Is that why I can't feel anything?
“Focus” Adi was still sleeping. Why won't you help me!?
“Ar!” was that his voice? It sounds like he's in pain. “Ar yu keh?” Clivent was trying to talk, and it sounded terrible. Why am I shaking? What the hell is going on? Clivent's bulky-furred arms were holding up the world. Ice was still spreading across the floor as I looked to my right. “Clivent get up.” I was trying my best not to scream. I still had no clue what was going on, but laying on my back wouldn’t solve anything. I had to stay calm no matter what. Taking a deep breath Clivent pushed his whole body off the ground using his elbow to break something behind him.
Luckily, I wasn’t squished to death by his huge body. The sound of him turning caused blood to pour all over me. A squelching noise was followed by breaking ice.
Clivent couldn’t move as well as I had thought. Blood was leaking from his back onto the iced floor. Eventually, the blood stopped flowing and started freezing. He had managed to move from in front of me, which turned out to be a bad idea.
I should've kept quiet. lying on the floor facing the icy ceiling. I looked around the room without moving a muscle. The person's eyes sent chills down my spine, I didn't need to turn my neck to see that the culprit was still looking at me and Clivent.
I was too scared to look back “Adi, please help!” I screamed at the top of my lungs.
“One punch, Adena, look at him, he's so scrawny,” Adi spoke, still lounging around in his Nothing.
“I can’t do it!” I responded to the Brother who lied about coming to my rescue when I needed him most.
“Are you still alive human I'm doing you a mercy.” Our attacker was talking behind the shelves his voice was hoarse and strained one moment, nails scraping across a chalkboard the next. The guy sounded like he needed a bucket ow after more or less. “Clivent get up!” lying to the side of me unconscious. I could see the wolfman's heartbeat, as he was frozen solid from where the ice had pierced his back. The movement of Matter inside of his body had been slowing gradually.
Why did he not know how to fight? Why be so big if he couldn’t even fight? The air was becoming cold and covered in gray mist. It had been a long time since I saw this type of grey matter. I hated it.
“Analyze the enemy, take in your surroundings, defend” Adi had decided to add his useless input into the mix.
*ping!* [Eternal Sunshine] has leveled up!
Staring at the ceiling in defeat. Readying to move, I took in the deepest breath I could muster, air filled my lungs, and the matter in the room came with it. I was so tired of feeling cold and empty. This world was the worst. I couldn't even feel my fingers.
“I HATE IT HERE!!!” I wailed.
*ping!* [Voice of an Angel] has leveled up!
A shockwave blew Clivent away. The Ice covering the floor had cracked and crumbled along with the frozen bookshelves holding them up. My voice carried with the wind and slipped through all manner of cracks. I had taken a massive chunk of matter in the library's air in one breath.
This world sucked, Wandering Wendy lied, this fantasy world was worse than actual reality. I hate it! I hate it!
I didn’t have it in me to cry. I was tired of crying.
A shockwave blew the cold bastard away right along with the useless bookshelves. Hopefully, Clivent was okay. He was close to me, but I wasn’t mad at the guy who was trying his best to aid me. I was relieved that I didn't hurt him that much.
If anything, he should be spared, the rest of this lousy world should bear the brunt of my scream of defiance. I didn't want to be here at all. I was tired of acting like it.
The Ice bastard should suffer those words the most, attacking me for no reason. What right did he have!?
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Chapter 23: A Monster Calls (Part II)
Gatarn Thee Admissible
Dirty fucking Dwarves. Even the Beasts bow their heads. Rats think themselves superior.
They're time will come!
I hate those damned security checks. At this point, these useless guards are just mocking, ordered to. Why would I take from this city, its ruins shall serve well.
I wouldn't steal the parlor tricks those Rats sell in stores, nor scramble for mere scraps.
The nine hundred and ninety-ninth year since the bitch of sacrifice died. A worthless death amongst the worthless masses, Humans aren't meant to ascend. Why live such weak futile lives? Pointless.
Exterminating mortals, immense joy. Business, preparations need to be made. Odesta the minx has a lot of work ahead of her. The guild Hall should prepare for the coming economic collapse. The least the mongrels can do is die in my honor.
Burgeoning lives to be snuffed out. “Ahh,” I'm getting ahead of myself "patience."
“Leader Gatarn a smith from the inner kingdom had relayed a message while you were in the conference room.”
“Quat my servant, I don’t recall placing any orders.” Having to talk to this child is the ultimate test all they do is ask and ask, take and take.
“Leader the message does not regard Forgery, the message details her missing son. A member of the Inner Kingdoms adventurer guild a half Dwarf tasked with finding food resources while scouting the Mountain. He was temporarily transferred to the outer city but never made his return to the Inner Kingdom. It's been over a week since a bounty was put out. There’s no information on his whereabouts.”
“Have one of the other guild attendants anyone besides Odesta look into it, Quat.”
Useless mortals can’t even survive a little snowstorm. This continent truly tests my patience.
If I was going to ascend, I truly wonder what life would be like just blood and brooding. There’s only so much to look forward to walking in the city streets. Blink and the thirty-minute walk from the rat cave entrance is over. How trivial Fallohum Mountain is.
“I despise this Kingdom.” Weaklings, who've forgotten to worship the powerful.
“Yes, leader Gatarn did you say something,” another Beast trying to find his fortune, un-fortunate.
“Nothing important, How far is the Hall?" A den harboring more insufferable Rats.
“I HATE IT HERE!!!” A voice came whistling past, jostling store banners left and right. The ground I stood on shook as a wind blew Quat away. It was a force, a voice soft but powerful nourishing even. Whispers Of resonance longing for release. No, it longed for home.
A shiver, whatever this was pushed past mortal bounds. It scratched the itch- The streets were covered in glass. The city had been bathed in darkness, as the light was snuffed out, fires wavered for their dance had been halted.
My heart skipped a beat. 'My heart skipped a beat.' What a thought. A genuine laugh slipped out. I somehow managed to shed a tear. The disharmony in that one voice shook something deep inside of me.
"A heart." I could go for a heart.
*Ping!* The skill [Killers Conquering] Is Maxed!
"that’s going to be a problem” A couple of people would die from that l mishap of mine. I started heading in the direction of the voice curiosity beckoned me forward and I was eager to comply.
Picking up the pace from a walk to a slow sprint I made it my job to find that voice. If Gatarn's duty didn't get in the way I would find that voice.
The outer city Dwarves would start repairs soon. It would be best to act while my movements are concealed. That attack was a low blow, and I would make sure to return it to whoever dared attack my soul. What other magics could bring me to tears?