“Alright, let’s plan” Steve said

“Great skills first!” Ryland replied.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The two sat in the room discussing the in's and out's of their various abilities. Ryland went over how he can feel the urges of his body. His ability to give suggestions to undead around him. As well as his limitations on interacting with the living world.

“But this new [Chilling Touch] is amazing! I can’t wait to try it in battle and see the looks on their faces” Ryland said.

“Hopefully the battles are far behind us. I’m not dead yet Ry, and I plan on staying alive for quite some time” Steve replied

“FIIIINNNE. But why do you have to be such a bore? Try entering a duel or something to test out your skills.”

“Ry, What skills could I use? First [Death Bolt] and I’ll be skewered by every weapon in the region!” Did he honestly forget that Steve was a former [Necromancer].

“Ahh right, My bad. Still…I want to test this some more.” Ryland responded dejectedly.

“I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future. Now onto my stuff” Steve wrangled the conversation back to its primary purpose. If he didn’t keep Ryland in line, they’d be talking about any subject that popped into the ghost’s skull.

Steve was quite meticulous in how he explained his abilities. Going into extreme detail on the ins and outs of what he could do. How [Death Bolt] wasn’t the best at open combat. Blood spells were strong at first but severely hindered him later. As well as possible options he could take in the future. He was careful to leave out the whole [Friendship] thing. He still wasn’t sure how strong that was and what it did exactly. Besides, he didn’t want to commit fully to Ryland. In a few levels, he’d have the opportunity to swap if needed.

“You didn’t take [Bone Shaping]?” Ryland asked with a bit of excited confusion.

“Why would I take that? It is only good for making creations and until now I’ve had none”

“Steve! Get creative! You could make nails like claws, turn your forearm into a shield, spit teeth like projectiles! You’d be a menace on the battlefield. Hell! If somebody grabs you, turn that arm into spikes.”

Steve had to admit he’d not thought of those ideas. All his focus was ways to better his constructs, not self improvement to that level. Packing away the thoughts, he shifted the ranking of the sculpting skills a bit higher.

“Those are great and all Ry, but it doesn’t align with what I want. I took this new animation skill so I could send a few distracting minions. If I do it right, I can poison their teeth, then amplify the effects with [Malaise].”

“Ooooo that is a good combination! I like that” Ryland turned and gave a thumbs up.

“Besides, thinking about your abilities…I think we can actually form a pretty good team. Do you want to try some things tonight?” Steve asked.

“Oh yeah! I’ve been itching to do stuff. What you got in mind?” Ryland replied.

“Just wait here for a bit. I need to grab some supplies” Steve reached for his sack and left towards the alleyways. He was going to find some vermin…

Thankfully, the Inn kept it’s garbage in the back and away from prying eyes. He was new to the town and the last thing they needed was guards questioning his motives. Anyone rifling through the trash was sure to draw attention. Holding his breath, he dug deep into the pit of filth pushing rotting meat and other slop to the side.

“Jackpot” He grinned as he found a bloodied sack of dead mice.

Clearly the inn, like many others, had a rat problem. But what was a nuisance for the kitchens, was rotting gold for a [Necromancer]. Using a torn cloth, he carefully pulled out the mice and stuffed them into his own bag. Sealing it shut, he quickly returned to the room with his newest prize.

Dumping the contents onto the floor. The zombie quickly reached out to snatch a snack.

“No… “ Ryland scolded his body. The zombie paused briefly before trying again.

“I SAID NO” This time he pushed onto the bond the creature backed off.

“Hang on, I got this” Steve pulled out a severed ear and tossed it to the zombie. The thing retreated and began to chew on the cartilage.

“Keep him busy, I need to set this up” Steve said and pulled out his paintbrush.

Grabbing the jars of blood. Steve dipped the brush inside and slowly drew the sigils onto the floor. Various curves, lines, and vaguely familiar objects formed the ritualistic circle. It was a strange sensation, he’d drawn the basics many times. Yet Faust refused to show the last bits. With the new skill, he was able to deduce the final symbols and complete the runework. His brain scoured the glistening blood, checking for any flaws. Satisfied, he placed his fingers onto the markings and began the chant.

It wasn't a long or complicated ritual. Many [Necromancer]s had performed this in the past and many more would continue in the future. With such repetition, the aetheric webways were already carved out in the world. As such, the mana needed was minimal for such a small creature. He smiled as the power flowed from his body and illuminated the runes. Once bright blood quickly darkened as the inherent lifeforce was transformed into deathly energy. Swirls of bluish light engulfed the mouse, the circle of life twisted and tainted. Within moments, the creature began to twitch. Legs kicked out, arms clawed at the air, and distorted squeaks left its jaws. But it was working, Steve was creating life! It felt so…personal. Magic always was intoxicating to use, but this was a whole new experience. IT resonated with his class and encouraged him to do more.

It struggled to its feet. Steve didn’t notice at first, but the creature perished from blunt-force trauma. Somebody must have kicked or stomped on the poor thing. Its jaw hung loosely from the mouth, Bits of bone poked out from its ribs, and one eye was missing from the face. But for all the damage—it was kind of cute. This was HIS. A creature HE created! The first of many on his way to greatness. What starts at a mouse only grows to something far more complex. He’d not fear any bandit, priest, or king! After this journey was done, he’d find a secluded spot and form his own lab. Maybe he’d take on an apprentice or two. Unlike Faust, he’d never gatekeep knowledge. But, in his dreamy aspirations. Steve failed to notice the ghost drifting towards the ritual.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“That is beautiful…” Ryland reached into the circle, inherently drawn to the swirling energy before him. .

“RYLAND NO IT'S NOT FIN…” But the ghost's subsumed the spell. Upon contact, the light blazed bright and the mouse let out a high pitched shrill.

Flesh shifted and bones snapped as the injuries were forcefully healed. Even the eye started to regrow, only this time the pupil split into a clover formation. Muscles bulged out and enlarged as the deathly magics flooded the tissue within. It tried to waddle forward, but the bulk was too great for the tiny legs. Instead, it fell forward and rolled onto the side. Tumors erupted from the sides and bulbous growths of flesh stretched the skin. The snapping of bone and sinew was heard as bits of calcified mass penetrated the skin. Squeaks turned into gurgles when a second head began to form at the neck. The thing more teeth than face and gnashing at the original head. Even the tail began to split into nine separate pieces. The thing tried to contain the influx of energy, but being so small it couldn’t only take so much. Moments later, a sickening…

POP

And the beast exploded into a shower of gore. Chunks of flesh launched across the room as congealed blood splattered the onlookers. The entire rib cage was open and little meat remained. Yet…it didn’t die. Even now, the muscle undulated and the skin twisted from the deathly magics. Only when the zombie reached in and snatched up the treat did it stop. The clumsy creature smears the runework and halts the spell.

Steve ended up with a facefull of rancid blood while the rest just went through Ryland. Both just watched on with curious horror as the zombie chewed the remains like gum. The flesh is heavily reinforced by the magics and difficult to chew. Still, it didn’t stop the zombie. After a few more bites, he forced back the meal and swallowed. Ryland felt a bit of his stamina return as the creature was processed in the zombie’s belly.

“Ryland…What the hell was that?” Steve turned, blood dripping off his cheek and plopping onto the floor.

“I…I don't know. I feel…drained. Whatever it was, it took nearly a third of my stamina.

“Hmmm” Wheels turned as Steve stared at the chunky remains littering the room. His eyes drifted to the zombie as it scoured the floor for what was left. Good thing it was on his side, that creature was voracious…

Steve took a moment to reflect on all the events leading to this. From the meeting in the cave, he knew that Ryland was a deep wellspring of deathly magic. Even with his low level, it was surprisingly large. It just didn’t make sense. Steve had met some of the most powerful [Necromancer]s in the region and they would struggle on such a feat. And it only took a third of his stamina to do it!? Steve started to worry about even introducing the ghost to the others. With such a wellspring of power, they’d be able to circumvent so many restraints. He’d need Steve to avoid any spells in the future. If that was a regular zombie, who knows what damage it may cause.

“I uhh… I think I'll let you handle the animation from now on.” Ryland said

“Yeah. I think that's for the best” Steve responded.

He wanted to ask so many questions, but that was for later time. For now, he’d need to focus on this new skill. When he got back into the coven, he’d book a private lab and experiment under more controlled conditions. So many questions had been raised and each answer only led to more. Who knew a simple zombie and annoying ghost would skyrocket the world of necromancy. Pushing the thoughts behind him, he grabbed the second mouse.

“Stay back this time” He said, Ryland held up his hands and drifted back to the bed.

Wiping down the floor, Steve made sure that the area was clean before restarting. His brush tracing out the runework for a second time. For some reason, the second time was far more relaxing than the first. With the first success, the second would be even easier. His mind quieted as he painted the floorboards. It was simple, calming, and something he needed after the hectic few days. Once finished, he placed the mouse instead and began the incantation.

Moments later, the second mouse was reborn. Satisfied with the creature, he smeared the lines to halt the ritual. This one was even cuter then the first, it barely had any injuries and explored the area with an intense curiosity. Leaning back, he just watched the undead critter sniff the air. Satisfied with his newest minion; he walked over to his supplies to grab a little treat.

“HEY NO!” Ryland called out.

Steve twisted but was too slow. The zombie snatched the thing with a clawed hand and shoved it into its maw. The crunching of bone intermixed with the mouse’s death squeaks was a horrific sound. Steve wanted to reach into the creature’s mouth and pull his creation free…but it was far too late. The zombie was only two bites in and the mouse was nearly mush. Unfortunately, zombie mice were far harder to kill and it continued to shriek. Only when the zombie slurped up the tail like pasta and swallowed did it finally stop. Satisfied with the meal, the zombie began to lick at its fingers, savoring the remnants of the mouse.

Both were…quite annoyed at the zombie. After a brief moment, Steve stood up and grabbed a pillow off the bed. Walking into the corner, he held it to his face and yelled. Ryland and his body watched in silence as the muffled screams leaked out from the cushion. Steve pulled his head back, took a gasp of air, and repeated the action a few more times. Once the anger subsided, he placed it back onto the bed, fluffed it a bit, then grabbed his brush once more.

“Shall we try again?” Nobody acknowledged the outburst.

Thankfully, Steve only had to fix the single smear to get the ritual working again. Onto his third mouse, he placed it back into the circle. Touching the runework once more, he glanced up.

Ryland and his body backed off as they made eye contact with the man. His stare filled with deep hate. In that single moment, the [Friend of the Dead] grew several inches. The air shifted as the rage coalesced around him. He was a fierce beast, taunting them to move. Then, it was gone. All of it contained once more and he smiled.

“Ready?” Steve asked

The two nodded and took one more step back…for safety purposes.

Without any interruptions, Steve was finally able to get his mouse reanimated, normal size, and uneaten. A faint connection tethered to his soul as the creature drew upon his mana for existence. If this was on a battlefield or other place of death, he could supplement the mana with innate deathly magics. But for now, he was the sole source of energy. With a simple command, the critter ran up his leg and climbed to his shoulder. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out some meat and held it up. Sharp teeth snatched the morsel from his fingers and quickly devoured the semi-fresh flesh.

“Jealous are we?” He asked the zombie.

The creature turned and ignored the statement. Clearly it thought IT deserved the meat over that pathetic thing.

“Be nice, still plenty for you” Ryland said and pressed into the bond.

Ignoring the two, the zombie returned to its ear, sloppily chewing on the severed appendage. Occasionally glancing up to stare at the skittering mouse.

“So..that’s it?” Ryland broke the silence

“What do you mean “That’s it”?” Steve retorted.

“I mean like, can’t you animate something better? What is that gonna do?” Ryland was serious.

“Ok here me out. You said you have command skill right?”

“Correct…Well more of a suggestion” Ryland replied

“Great, One weakness of minions is their lack of thought. Why don’t we give it a test, I’ll command this creature to follow your will. You can then watch and correct its actions. Think of it as a third hand!” Steve said

“Oh Steve, you are a genius!” He tried to kiss Steve’s forward but floated right through.

Steve smiled and placed the rat on the floor.

“I know.” He said to Ryland. Turning to the mouse he spoke once more.

“Follow Ryland and listen to him…But return to me before the day's end. Nod if you understand”

The creature took a moment then gave a slow nod. Ryland grinned as the little thing looked his way.

“ONWARD MY MINION” Ryland shouted and phased through the door, the mouse quickly followed.

“How did you put up with him?” Steve turned to the zombie. Both savoring the moment of silence now that the rogue is gone.