Asher and Liam stepped into a dim, oppressive environment. All around them, cell-like chambers held the remains of skeletons, a testament to the passage of time. The walls bore the marks of age, with deep cracks and dampness with cobwebs shrouding them. The familiar glow of the portal they'd entered through shimmered behind them, offering a potential route of escape should they require it. A solid wall rose up directly behind the portal, making it clear that the only way forward was straight ahead.
The air was cold and tense. The limited visibility and the suffocating atmosphere of the abandoned prison made every shadow look like a potential threat.
Liam glanced around, his grip tightening on his weapon. "I'm betting we'll encounter guards of some sort or perhaps the souls of past prisoners."
Asher nodded, his senses on high alert. "Best to assume that every corner and cell holds danger. Stay close and be ready for anything." The unease was palpable as the trio ventured deeper.
They arrived at a crossroad, standing at the junction of three hallways: one ahead, and one each to the left and right. Given the potential dangers, sticking together was the only sensible choice.
"Which direction should we take?"
"Let's go right. My parents always said, 'When in doubt, choose right because it's always... right!" Liam said with a cheeky grin.
"I can't argue with that logic. To the right it is!" Asher replied, chuckling at Liam's words.
As they ventured down the right corridor, they were met with a door at the end, fitted with a small window that teased a glimpse of what lay beyond.
"Look... There's a door that seems to lead outside," Liam observed.
"Stay sharp; there's a good chance we'll encounter our first enemy behind this door," Asher whispered, cautiously peeking through a crack as he eased the door open.
Rather than finding an exit, they discovered they'd entered the prison's exercise yard. This open space was where inmates once sought physical activity, fresh air, and occasional camaraderie. Tall walls, crowned with barbed and razor-sharp wire to deter escape attempts, enclosed the area. Gravel covered most of the ground, with patches of grass poking through here and there. Scattered about were basketball hoops, and a few weightlifting benches with their accompanying weights.
Asher's gaze suddenly fixed on a particular spot. "Wait a minute," he murmured, signaling Liam with a gesture towards the stumbling figures in the yard.
"Do you see that?"
"What's caught your eye?" Liam inquired, peering in the same direction.
"It's..."
The sight of the former humans was unsettling. Prison inmates, still wearing their recognizable jumpsuits, moved with a vacant stare and deteriorating skin. Along with them, the prison security guards, once symbols of authority, were now just as lifeless.
"Zombies!" Asher exclaimed.
https://i.imgur.com/ZNEIFgm.png [https://i.imgur.com/ZNEIFgm.png]
Congratulations, Inspection has leveled up! 1 -> 2
A gleam appeared in Asher's eyes as he stared at the undead, like a child's wish coming true. As an avid fan of necromancy, these were the very beings that had brought so much allure to his craft—alongside skeletons, undead knights, and the like. There they stood, the undead he simultaneously loathed and loved. His distaste wasn't for their being but for the typical way necromancers used them. To Asher, this felt like the universe giving him a chance to demonstrate his belief in one powerful minion's superiority over a mere horde of the undead. While this situation might not be the ultimate test of his theory, it certainly was a step in the right direction. More than anything, he yearned to see these zombies crumble before his guardian.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
"Liam, let my guardian take them on alone."
"Alone? There's a whole group of them!" Liam exclaimed, taken aback by Asher's proposal.
"Trust me, he can handle it."
"...Alright, if you're sure."
Asher nodded with determination. "Trust me on this. It's the perfect opportunity to see what he's truly capable of."
Liam took a moment, scanning the group of approaching zombies, then gave a hesitant nod. "Alright, but if things get dicey, I've got your back."
"Guardian, go to the middle of the yard and use provoke." Ordered Asher
Following Asher's command, the guardian charged into the yard. The clanking of its armor immediately drew the attention of the nearby zombie inmates and guards. They surged towards him, eager to tear the armor from its frame. A few remained oblivious to the guardian's presence, but that changed swiftly when it unleashed its 'Provoke' skill.
Congratulations, Provoke has leveled up! 1->2
The guardian stood in place, his shield held tightly. Unaware of the shield's property, Liam was puzzled on why the guardian was just standing still, letting himself be hit by all those enemies.
"Asher, your guardian's in trouble! Tell it to do something!"
"Just wait a bit... Their health needs to drop a little more..."
"How can it reduce their health if it's not even attacking th... em?"
Liam watched in astonishment as, with each strike against the guardian, the zombies lost a tiny chunk of their own health. The guardian's shield, with its 5% damage reflection ability, had whittled the surrounding zombies down to less than 50 HP each. This was the perfect setup for the guardian's next move.
"Now, Guardian! Use 'Shield Charge', then follow up with 'Shield Throw' to take down any stragglers!" Asher commanded.
With a swift motion, the guardian, adhering to Asher's command, readied itself. In a sudden burst of speed, it charged through the throng of zombies, slamming its sturdy shield into each of them in turn. The impact was devastating, and many of the undead creatures were immediately knocked down or thrown back by the force, falling on the ground dead.
Next, without missing a beat, the guardian expertly hurled its shield. It whirred through the air, ricocheting off the few zombies that had escaped its initial charge. Each hit further reduced the undead's already dwindling health to zero.
Liam watched in astonishment, understanding dawning on him. "That's... quite the strategy you've got there," he commented, visibly impressed.
You have killed 'Zombified Inmates & guards' x 12. You have earned 120 EXP! EXP (347/400)
A swell of pride surged through Asher as he observed the scene unfold, feelings of triumph and validation overtaking him. Every fiber of his being tingled with exhilaration, imagining this very scene echoing in more challenging settings. Would it stand against adversaries like the Undead King or the Lich with its legion of the undead? Or even against fellow necromancers who rely on overwhelming numbers? The anticipation was electric. 'The future holds so much promise!' he thought eagerly.
Liam approached Asher, his face carrying a mix of admiration and concern. "Asher, that was... impressive, to say the least. But we need to be strategic. I still need to earn experience points to level up. If your guardian takes out all the enemies, I won't get the chance to grow. Remember, in this new world, strength means everything. Let's work as a team, alright?"
Asher's excitement was momentarily tempered as he truly processed Liam's words. He blinked, taking a moment to consider the bigger picture. A look of realization dawned on his face. "You're right, Liam. I got carried away. From now on, we'll collaborate better and make sure we're both progressing. I'm sorry about this."
"As long as we're on the same page now, all is good." Liam said, flashing a reassuring smile.
"Shall we move on?" he suggested.
"Absolutely! Let's do this!" Asher responded, still riding the adrenaline rush from earlier.