“Now which way was it…” I muttered staring at the map.

This forest seemed to go on for ages, just trees and foliage for miles on end. Glancing around, I noticed one of the earlier marks. Double checking, I cursed when I realized I had backtracked. The constant heat and repetitive environment playing tricks on the brain. Of course Faust had to make a base in the most secluded area he could find. why couldn’t we be on the outskirts of a major city. I doubt the guards would care if a body or two went missing.

Taking a second, I redrew a path and mentally mapped out the directions. Changing tactics, I decided to follow the cliff-face. It would add some extra distance but at least I wouldn’t be walking in circles. Taking a swig of water, I continued onwards. I really needed to find shelter soon. Each step was more grueling than the last. My muscles were burning and I knew that I’d be sore in the morning. Why couldn’t I have just been a [[Priest]]? Then I could live off donations and the blessings of others. No no no, I had to be different.

SQUELCH

My boot sunk into a pit of mud. Between my weight and the heavy backpack, it went up to my shins. Leaning to the side, I tried to pull out my leg. While my foot was freed, the boot was stuck. Why couldn’t this trip be easy? Sighing, I unstrapped my bags and leaned over the pit. My arm bulged and a veins popped on my forehead as I pulled.

POP

The boot was freed and smacked me in the face.

“DAMMIT” I screamed out with such force it caused birds to flee the trees.

Muttering curses, I poured out as much mud as I could and slipped my foot back in. It felt…vile as the remaining grime oozed between my toes. Restrapping my equipment, I continued on my way. Each footfall causes the insole to squish and absorb into my socks. Faust may have been my master, but after this, he’d owe me a whole new outfit.

It took an hour to reach the cliff. A miserable 60 minutes of travel. My clothes stunk with sweat and grime, My skin clammy and sticking in places, my nethers chafing, and my back killing me. Even with the enchanted pack, it weighed a ton. I really needed some rest. In the distance, I saw a bit of a outcrop of rock. It was the perfect place to rest and recover. Entering the shade, I set up camp for the evening.

I kept the fires low as I didn’t want any [[hunter]]s or [[Scout]]s discovering my position. It wasn’t normal to be this deep in the forest. Curious eyes and innocent questions always led to trouble. Sure, I could probably handle one or two, but the repercussions would be a disaster. Laying against the rock, I pulled out some rations. The dried meat and hardtack was painful on the jaws. It required so much chewing to be palatable. Thankfully, I had enough water on hand to soften the biscuits but still it took some effort. I hoped we’d be done soon as I would kill for a warm, home cooked meal.

With a full stomach, I stretched out my legs and massaged the muscles. It wasn’t the best, but boy did it help. Hopefully the bit of self-care would prevent some of the pain in the morning. Checking my supplies, I pulled out a bedroll and set out some basic wards. They were not the best, but it was better than nothing. I did a final round making sure the specimen bag was secure and passed out.

I woke up in a panic, something had tripped the wards. Grabbing my wand, I took a defensive stance. Thankfully, the first rays of sunshine illuminated the forest…but it was nothing. What could have caused it? Glancing down, I found the perp—A squirrel. The vile creature had gorged himself on my rations and his cheek pouches were filled to the brim. It was always the squirrels!

I rushed after the foul beast. The critter rapidly retreated towards the closest tree. I couldn’t let it escape. Aiming my wand, I muttered.

[[Dark Blast]]

A glob of negative energy shot forth…but the squirrel was too quick. The spell smashed into the tree-trunk and left a dark stain on the wood. I could hear the chitting above as the squirrel. It was diabolical, that stupid beast was taunting me.

“I’ll show you!”

[[Dark Blast]]

[[Dark Blast]]

[[Dark Blast]]

The leaves turned grey as the life was sapped from them. Only when I heard a

THUD

Did I feel a sense of joy. Right at my feet was the thief. It wasn’t a direct hit and the thief hobbled back towards the tree. I wasn’t letting it get away again.

“Not this time!” I went for the kill.

[[Dark Blast]]...

“Ow” something hit my forehead disrupting my aim.

The rodent had friends. Each one pelting me with sticks, acorns, or small rocks. This was unfair, it was a whole squadron versus me. Covering my head, I retreated back towards the camp. As I approached, a secondary group jolted in all directions. I quickly realized that it was a faint, the first was a distraction for the main raid. In those brief moments of rage, the swarm of squirrels decimated my supplies. My bags chewed open and rations scattered across the floor. This wasn't good. I quickly set up a new ward and felt my mana pool rapidly drain. After casting all those spells, it was going to be a while before I could recover.

Sweat was dripping down my face as I held my wand forward. A few critters tried to pass the [[Anti-Life Shell]] only to bounce off the barrier. Each time, I felt a bit more energy drain but this was much more efficient then casting a [[Dark Blast]]. The minutes passed slowly as the group tried to break in once more. Yet for all their effort, it held. I collapsed as the vile creatures retreated to the canopy. I gathered up what was left and began to take supply.

Nearly half of what I brought was gone. This would mean I would need to make another trip in the coming week. Thankfully, the specimen bag was still intact. I guess they could feel the negative energies from within and instinctively avoided it. At least it was a small win in this hellish journey. Leaning against the wall, I consumed another round of food. I needed to replenish my mana fast. These woods were dangerous and it was a death sentence to not be prepared.

It was pointless to travel after the epic battle. Instead, I took the time to scavenge and supplement my food stocks. Thankfully, Faust had shown me what was edible and what wasn’t. Picking out a few berries, I stuffed my pockets and snacked on the trip back. They tasted delicious. The juicy, sweet fruit popped on the tongue and flooded the tastebuds. It had been months since I had something sweet. Faust was always running me across the countryside and I never had time to rest at the taverns. Oh I begged and pleaded for him to just give me a day off. I’d be so much more efficient after a delicious, calorie packed meal. Yet Faust didn’t care he was always focused on creating his newest masterpiece. However, this was a nice respite and I was thankful for the sweet treats. With a full belly, I rested by the fire and drifted to sleep.

Pain, so much pain. Grabbing my stomach, I rolled to my side. Oh god…this was bad. My guts were groaning and my body was feverishly hot. No no no no no. This couldn’t be happening. I know I picked the right berries. Faust had shown me when we first came out to this forest. Wait, maybe they had to…

“OH NO” My stomach lurched and I nearly exploded on the spot.

Rushing away from the encampment, I dropped my trousers and squatted down. A filthy deluge rushed from my body, splatting the floor below. It was awful, it was vile, and I felt like I was going to die. Each time I thought it would end, another burst shot out.

“Please whatever god is watching…help” I was crying as I tore up my innards.

Even the nearby animals were fleeing the scene. This was beyond humiliating. I tried recalling what Faust said. It was only then I realized I had been fooled. The [[Necromancer]] never actually ate the berries. In my mind's eye I could recall a small smirk on his face as he continued onwards. Realizing it was just another one of his “Pranks” I screamed out.

“FAUUUUUST!”

I don’t know how long I was…reliving myself. But I was so weak. My legs quaked with each step and my body was aching from the purge. I needed water and I needed food. I also REALLY needed a bath. Why couldn’t I have become a [[Hydromancer]]? Here I am using leaves like a [[Barbarian]] and I know it didn’t get it all. I did my best to ignore the unpleasantness but it was impossible. You know what? Screw Faust, he can wait a bit more. I’m not traveling like this. Pulling out the map, I saw a stream was nearby and took the day to clean up.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

The next morning, I was feeling somewhat refreshed. The last bits of the poisoning were gone, I had a full stomach, and my mana had recharged. Strapping on my bag, I cleaned the campsite to eliminate any traces, and began the journey once more. At least the nature walks were somewhat peaceful. My mind wandered as I reviewed various lessons. Carefully speaking the dozens of incantations and rituals. Trying to picture the anatomy of different mammals. The best way to graft limbs onto a dead corpse. Various types of preservation skills and techniques. As well as ways to cheat the life-cycle. They were all basic things for a [[Fledgling Necromancer]] but the fundamentals were key to growth.

Approaching our hideaway, I noticed a bit of disturbance in the foliage. Was somebody–or something in the nook. I sighed, I was exhausted and it was probably my imagination but this class always filled my paranoia.

[[Detect Life]]

Just to be safe. Feeling the vibes of the region, I couldn’t identify anything within. I know the skill wouldn’t penetrate far into the rock, but it did reach a few feet. It must have just been my mind playing tricks on me. Honestly, I was just glad to be on the right path. I knew that Faust was going to put me on dissection duty for being this late. Whatever…it wouldn’t be the first time I got bloodied.

Walking past the threshold, the cool air was refreshing. I really needed to get some shuteye. Even without any incidents, I was exhausted. Thankfully, this was the last true stop before returning to Faust’s cave. Unpacking my things, I pulled out the map and plotted the next route.

“Hmm, another 6-hour walk” was my general estimate. Still thought at least it was towards the end.

Suddenly, a strange chill sent goosebumps up my neck and I quickly jerked my head back. It was nearly impossible to see in the dark cave. After letting my eyes adjust, nothing came into focus. It must have just been a mixture of paranoia and exhaustion.

“Must have been a rat”

Settling down, I grabbed some rations and slowly ate dinner. I took my time with each bite, savoring the flavor before swallowing. It was one of the few pleasures since I took on this class and I was going to enjoy every moment. As I took my third bite, something shuffled into my peripheral.

“ARRGH” I screamed out as a zombie lunged towards me.

What the hell was this? Did something get loose? How did it get here? In an adrenaline-filled rush, I replayed my travels. I didn’t pass any negative zones or mass graves. So what could have caused this? Tumbling to the side, I reached into the pouch searching for my wand. I was still only a [[Fledgling Necromancer]] and couldn’t cast spells without it. But the creature was quickly on me. Grabbing the specimen bag, I shoved it forward–knocking the zombie down. It would be some cruel joke if I was killed by a lowly zombie.

“Where is it!” I started to panic as I patted my pockets trying to find the wand.

This was such a rookie mistake, I never kept it in the same spot twice and it was a thing Faust told me every day.

“Always keep your instruments within reach…” I could hear his condescending voice in my brain.

Glancing around, there was only one spot to check. Unfortunately, the shuffling undead was blocking the path. I had to think on my feet, at least I was scrappy as a child. Ripping off my robe, I tossed it onto the beast and rushed past. It had to be in here. Dammit why wasn’t it opening! I kept trying to undo the knots but my efforts only seemed to make it worse.

“Calm down, calm down” I muttered, I had to move quickly. As I could hear the zombie tearing through the fabric.

I was out of time. Turning back, I tried to dodge the charging creature when my foot slipped out of the boot and I fell. Dammit it must have been the mud-pit from earlier. Panting, I rolled to the side as the zombie pounced. This wasn’t good, I couldn’t keep fighting like this. I only had one last desperate gambit. Honestly, death might be better when Faust found out…but that was for tomorrow to deal with.

Smacking the zombie, I pulled out my dissection kit from the side pocket. Using the sharp blade, I slashed into the backpack, easily tearing open the fabric. Magical sparks illuminated my face as the preservation runes shattered. But I didn’t stop, I could feel the zombie closing in and with one final tear–the limbs fell out. It was as fresh as fresh could be. The parts not even a day old, dug up from the town grave. Already, I could see the zombie eying the meat. The creature went still as it stared at the food. That was all the distraction I needed; quickly securing my wand I pointed.

[[Calm Undead]]

I didn’t have any direct destructive spells as Faust didn’t want me to damage his…pets. But this should work for now. Resting against the wall, I watched as the creature moved towards the meat. Thank the gods they were simple creatures or this could have been much worse. Yet something was…off. I couldn’t pin it, but most zombies just…attack. This one had some sense of tactics. Was it a new breed?

It took me a few minutes to calm myself. My heart pounding in my chest as I brushed with death. Wait, maybe a better way would be I saw my own demise. I tangle with death daily. Smacking my face, I calmed my brain. This wasn't the time for terrible jokes. I nearly died! My arms still shook as I wiped the sweat from my brow. Slowly, the adrenaline faded and a rage built up within.

“Dammit Faust! You can’t let zombies wander” I smacked the wall so hard it tore open my knuckles.

“Ow” Shaking my hand, I glanced at the zombie.

I wasn’t sure how the creature made it this far. Without something feeding it energy, it should have kept near desecrated land. The deathly energies needed to constantly be replenished or it would just collapse into a rotting corpse. Were their bandits nearby? That might explain how it got this far. Just a wandering zombie feasting off some hits. No, that wasn’t right. This far away from society would make a terrible bandit camp. Carefully moving to my supplies, I pulled out my spectacles and took an aura reading.

“Hmmm” There was nothing nearby. No usable source of death energies nor fresh corpses to feast on.

That was very weird. Maybe Faust did create the first autonomous zombie…but if he did then why did it get loose?

“Maybe…” I pulled out my Lantern of Night

Slowly approaching the feasting undead, I held it out. Almost immediately the ethereal flames flared out with a intense flash. I nearly pissed myself as I jerked back.

“WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!” Even the strongest undead didn’t have that reaction.

That was a lot of negative energy. If I could harness that, I could create a small army. This thing was a walking graveyard! No wonder it didn’t have issues traveling. What the hell had Faust made? My inner curiosity took over…without him around I might be able to siphon some knowledge. Pulling out my scalpel, I carefully approached to cut off a sample. Clearly the flesh had to be altered to store all that undeath. Leaning over, my knife nicked the arm when suddenly the zombie smacked my hand back.

I jumped back and took a defensive pose. Zombies shouldn’t have a reflex. I could still feel my [[Calm Undead]] and the creature was happily feasting. It shouldn’t care if something attacked or injured it. Basic zombies only cared about food even over self-preservation. This…thing was much more than it appeared. I needed to be careful in my approach. Walking to the other side, I leaned against the wall and stared. I couldn’t let my guard down, but I wanted to review all I had learned.

No matter how much thought I put into it, nothing was making sense. This…thing was clearly some anomaly. Even the way it ate was…human-like. Meticulously tearing the flesh and chowing down. Most would have been ripping it to ribbons and ravenously feasting. What had Faust created? Dammit! If I could have just taken a peak at his notes. All these years of servitude and I was still just Steve the [[Fledgling Necromancer]]. Of course he would create something new when I was digging up graves. The bastard refused to give up any knowledge. It was always Steve sew up the corpses, Steve I need fresh blood, Steve feed the zombies, Steve, Steve, Steve. Only with the scraps was I allowed to practice. The most I’ve been able to animate was a single hand. Yet even that was destroyed by a wayward squirrel. God I really hated squirrels.

Think Steve think, what kind of undead could this be? It wasn’t magical nor was it overly bulky. That eliminated the majority of the damned.

“Hmm not a shadow…” I mumbled as I observed the unmoving, dark silhouette.

Rummaging through my back, I pulled out my notebook and flipped through the pages. Could it be a variant of a puppet? No…there was no other necromancer nearby to take direct control. Draugr, Tower of the Damned, Unshackled, Leper, Bloated Bile Spitter, Wheelbones, Pestilent Blight, nothing I had matched. I glanced up and…

“OH FU…” I leaped back as the zombie was staring directly at me.

Reaching for my wand, I pointed it at the creature and it went back to eating. Whatever it was, I couldn’t let my guard down. I should just leave, Faust made this mess and is responsible for cleaning it up. But…the strange zombie was so intriguing–I had to figure it out. I pulled out my blood quill and pricked my finger. With care, I began drawing an incantation circle. Wherever the quill touched, a thin line of red followed. A cold sweat formed on my brow and my arm began to go numb from the bloodloss. Once the circle was complete, I sat back and rested. I could have used my own stash, but the fresher the material the stronger the spell.

Pulling out a bit of meat, I placed it in the center and waited for the zombie to enter.

“Come on buddy, I know you want it”

The creature must've smelled the flesh and turned towards me. I placed my hand on the circle and waited for it to cross the threshold. As it reached the edge, it paused. The head turned and it stared off into space briefly before heading back to the chewed up leg…Now THAT was weird. No zombie would avoid fresh meat.

“What are you…”

Yet that would have to wait. I was exhausted from the fight, the travel, and the bloodloss. Pulling out my blood quill, I drew a protective ward and passed out.

I awoke to the zombie staring once more. Glancing over, I saw the dissection array was damaged and the treat gone. Stretching out, I grabbed some rations from my bag and refilled my stomach. I pulled out some more meat from my pouch and tossed it at the zombie. As long as it was fed, it shouldn’t attack. Standing up, I dusted off my pants and froze.

HELP

A group of stones were strategically placed. Who did this? Nobody should be this far in the forest, let alone not disturb the zombie. A chill ran down my spine as various scenarios raced through my mind.