The sun bore down on the bustling town. Main street had become a hub of movement as people constantly pushed and fought their way through the crowded streets. The only reason someone might stop was if the knights patrolling the area were to step before them. As no one wanted to see a member of Black Shield towering over them.
The clanking of their armor raises eyes from the other knights matching their emblem. And frantically they inform the others of a horrific scene just outside of town. One of the nearest cliffs had been drenched in blood and many other pools had been found nearby. However, he couldn’t find any bodies, let alone any animals who seemed to have vanished alongside the incident. The only evidence of their departure was the twisted and broken trees leading either to or away from the pools.
Hearing this, the knights begin to speculate at the possibility of a monster on the loose. And with the recent reports of the white tiger, the “King of the Northern Forest”, running away from his domain due to some unexplainable force… They didn’t want to link the two but a creature who could rid the forest of its denizens could possibly be the same to frighten the tiger. Everything lined up too well for them to all be coincidence, which made them shake at the thought that a monster of that magnitude was far too close to the town.
Quickly they dispatch a squad of rather reluctant knights to investigate. And as they set off, another wagon begins to roll into town. It was the same type of wagon from yesterday as both the coachman and the wagon itself had the same emblem as well.
People diverted their paths to let the wagon pass, watching it with trembling eyes. A group of knights hop on as it starts to make its way from house to house. And without hesitation, they barge in and pull whatever young women they can find. This continues on as the hours sink past and the sun slowly scrapes into the horizon . . .
Dusk.
The wagon’s wheels screech to a halt at its final destination. The people who could hear the awful sounds crept away as quickly as they could. Their last and final stop was at the brothel house.
Multiple knights hop off the wagon, slathering their boots in mud as they set up to the door. Undenounced to them, something stared down upon them from atop one of the roofs…
"We have come for Martha!!" The doors slam open as the knights force their way in. The female residents immediately retreat towards the very back of the room as the knights thrash around the room in search of their target.
"I said… Where. Is. Martha!!" A knight shoves a table over, knocking a round of drinks to the floor.
The house itself was an old tavern, with lots of round tables scattered around the main room each with four chairs accompanying them, and a the signature wine bar tucked in one of the corners. But this tavern wasn’t just a bar any longer, it had become a home for its residents. Drawings hung from the walls, flowers placed in jars sat on each table, and even most of the wood had been renewed. Yet the knights cared little for the decor.
The girls huddle together, shivering with fear as they watch their own home being destroyed before their very eyes. All the drawings torn down! The jars smashed! Even their signature wine was taken by the knights.
Yokubo’s knights were in particular a very vicious bunch, they were notorious for having such arrogant and condescending attitudes toward their own people they were meant to serve. But even that paled in comparison toward how inhumanly they treated they slaves…
A slave could do nothing but watch as their home was destroyed. They had no right to challenge a knight, even the tiniest of inconveniences toward a knight can result in severe punishment from their owner.
Though the girls’ nerves were already just about shot from the sudden intrusion, a single knight from their battalion stood high than the others. His armor was a bit more bulky, more plating covering his body with insignias showing his rank within and allegiance to Black Shield.
A scoff escaped him as he stared down at the shivering women trying to hide themselves from his men. He knew his rank would shut anything they could attempt down with a single glance, who in their right mind would challenge a Grand Knight such as he. This gave him confidence, if not arrogance, as he knew the rumors of his title. Being able to take down a legendary class all on their own…
With a laugh, one of his men tosses him a bottle of wine. He returns the gesture with a grin as he pops the cork and starts chugging down the precious alcohol. Others laugh while continuing to trash the place. And it isn’t until one of his man grabs a prostitute by the throat does any of the girls’ even dare to make a move. They happily begin to drink away the girl's hard-earned alcohol as the one who grabbed a prostitute by her neck lifts her up off the ground. He begins to strangle the shit out of her as her face twists with agony as her legs twitch uncontrollably…
The knight lifts the woman with little strain as he crushes her windpipe. Tears start flowing from her eyes as she desperately tries to get away, making the knight smile as he gets off from the pleasure.
"That's right whore, keep making that face for me."
Desperation hangs in the air between where everyone stood. And as if prompted, the residents shift before moving in, trying their hardest to grab hold of their sister. Yet, before any can get even an inch close, the other knight moves to block them, their swords at the ready with devilish grins splitting their faces.
"You sluts have no right to get in our way. We're Yokubo's men, we can do whatever the fuck we want."
The tension in the air grows palpable as silence takes hold of the two parties…
"STOP!!"
Everything stops for a moment as a shout rumbles the stairs. The girl’s footsteps were heavy with fear and guilt as she steps down from her hiding spot. It was Martha, the girl who tended to the homeless just the night before.
She spoke with a weighted breath and teary eyes, “I-I’m Martha…”
Her words calmed the tension in the air as the knight let the other girl go from his death grip. . They sheathe their blades as they step towards her.
No hesitation struck them as they slammed her onto a table!! Almost shattering it before placing her hands behind her back with sinister smiles…
"So– the bitch finally decides to come out from hiding…" a wicked hiss escapes the knight as his grip tightens around her hands. Tears begin flowing down as she clenches her jaw to the pain. .
" ...Don't hurt them… Please… I'll go with you without any resistance if you don't hurt them… " she begs but to heartless ears…
The knights begin to chuckle at her request, and one of them presses her face even further into the table, while getting uncomfortable close…
"You're lucky you're my type. How about we make a deal… we’re in no rush here. So if you would take me to one of the back rooms, and have some one-on-one time with me… I'll consider letting the others go without harm… " He says as he tries to smile perversely, tightening the grip around her hands…
She remained silent…
The seconds pass by as even more tears run down her face… Her heart begins to pulsate immensely as her eyes wander over to the other girls…
Fear runs down their faces, but they all shake their heads…
Her body starts to tremble as she takes a hard gulp… Still remaining quiet…
The knight grumbles before grabbing a lock of her hair! He pulls her head up to his before shouting in her ear!
"Speak up bitch!!"
Her eyes close shut to the pain as the other women begin to rush in to her aid! But as they do, the other knights intervene, their swords at the ready…
Panic begins to enter Martha’s heart as cold sweat runs along her chin. If she didn't answer now, nothing would stop the knights from converting the brothel into a bloodbath…
She would have to sacrifice her own body in order to protect them… She was willing to make it if it meant her sister could live. . After all, she was a prostitute, this is what she deserves…
Although she was reluctant to say it, she took one last gulp… and submitted…
"...o-ok... " her voice was shallow, almost inaudible to the knight’s ear. Yet he smiled at the break in her, at the sorrow pouring from her eyes.
A laugh booms from the group of knights as he utters a single, “good choice.”
Despair fills the room as the girls watch the once bright Martha breaking under the knight’s grip, binding her with one hand as his other lifts up her skirt while tracing the outline of her trembling thigh… They felt powerless, helpless, hopeless…
The main door slams open, the wood almost splintering under the force!!
Everyone whips towards the sudden intrusion. The knight’s grip on Martha is released as a surge of terror courses through him. Though upon looking at the intruder his eyes narrow, an almost sneer plastered across his face. The only pair of eyes to widen out of shock and not fear or repulse was Martha...
A creak was the only think to break the silence between. The cloaked figure leisurely walks through the ravaged room, passing the knights without so much as a word. He only sits at one of the last remaining upright tables, his back turned to the stares drilling into the back of his head.
Martha couldn’t help the smile creaking at the edge of her lips. That same clock, those two horns protruding out from underneath the shadow of his hood. He’d returned…
A dumbfounded expression lines one of the knight’s faces as they step towards the intruder. A witness could foil their plans of having their “fun” wit one of the prostitutes. He would simply remove the problem by force if necessary so could resume.
Veins gradually grow visible as they all begin to follow behind the first knight, leaving Martha to rush over to the other girls.
They all begin to size the cloaked figure up and circle him, to their surprise, he didn't react at all, he just continues to sit… and stare.
Something didn't feel right....
The atmosphere suddenly grows thick as an ominous aura radiates from the man… The knights feel their armor grow heavy, their hands shaky, and whispers echoing within the air between them.
They take quick glances at one another, unsure of what to do. Then, one of them steps up. The others watch as one of their companions, drunk of the brothel’s booze walk up to the man. His body was slim in structure, and as alcohol kept fear at bay, he carelessly, and wobbly walks before everyone.
" . .Ehhhh, *hiccup* . . look pal, who da fuck are you?" his words were slurred but they still manage to slip free from the drunken knight’s lips.
The man only tilts his head upwards in response.
Something unnerving begins to set into the knight's hearts. Even though they outnumber him and their swords were already at the ready… Sweat still forms on their faces...
"I SAID!! . .*hiccup* . . Who da fuck are you!!" the knight shouts while drawing a dagger.
The man's head slowly turns...
All but the drunkard stumble back, their legs quiver as they witness the man’s stare. His yellow, glowing eyes were the only thing to escape the abyss beyond the veil created by his hood.
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"I am... What awaits all things... "
The knights all begin to cower before his words. The drunkard just laughs at his reply and places his hand on the guy's shoulder.
"Look pal... Don't give me some edgy shit!*hiccup* Just get the fuck out of here!! Or you'll have to deal with our boss, Yokubo, got it!? *hiccup*" he states while pointing the dagger at the man’s throat.
A smile emerges from the man’s hood as it practically splits his face from ear to ear . .
"Heh . . Hehehe . . .Hahahaha!Hahahahaha!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!!!"
A laugh rumbles out from the man. It crawls across the floor causing a tremble to take hold of all but the drunkard. The knights’ try their damnedest to keep a grip upon the weapons as they begin to skitter and attempt to pull themselves away from the man, no the monster before them.
Before the drunkard can react to the sudden shift in his companions, something grabs onto his wrist. And with a twist, the bone shatters as the flesh almost tears free! He screams as his dagger falls free, and as if to keep him from running, the man slams his broken hand upon the table after catching and slamming the dagger through it!
He frantically tries to grabs at the blade through a fit of screams and tears! And as he does, the cloaked figure grabs him by the throat before leaning in and whispering…
"Good~… Tell Yokubo that his days are numbered... Soon, Axel the Reaper, will be coming for his life!!"
Another laugh escapes Axel as he lifts the knight, squeezing the life from him. Then with little effort, he throws the knight into one of his approaching comrades!! His hand is shredded by the blade as the table holds firmly in place and blood splatters across his comrade’s helm!
(Ability: Carnage Feast, activated)
(Carnage Feast: Gives the user an increase in all stat categories upon the scent of blood, and will continue to stack when more blood continues to spill. Deactivates once the battle has concluded and stats will normalize.)
(All stat boost!)
"Die!! Hell spawn!!" A shout trails with one of the knight’s swords as he makes an attempt upon the monster!
Though Axel only smirks, a easy dodge and a punch to the stomach is all that is needed to send the knight careening through one of the window shutters!!
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"
Axel’s laughter turns maniacal as another knight steps forward to meet their fate. Though before they can even make a proper attack, Axel grabs their weapon. He practically drags the knight with him as pulls them close enough to grab their helm. All the knight sees before his helm is crushed by Axel hand is a wicked smile and a hungered, burning yellow gaze.
They couldn’t even scream as blood began to pool around their feet. Their arms flail but to no help as the skull is crushed before their companion! And as soon as their arms drop lifelessly, Axel tosses their body to the side before leaping towards the next knight!!
(All stat boost!)
(Ability: Bloodbath, activated.)
(Bloodbath: Makes the user go into a feeding frenzy upon killing, with every kill making the feeding frenzy urge even stronger.)
(Ability: Soul Reaper, activated.)
(Soul Reaper: Exclusive to the {Grim Reaper class} Allows the user to reap all of the stats and abilities from the dead.)
Witnessing their friends being easily murdered causes the rest to attempt to flee!!
"Aaaaahhhhh!!! It's a monster!!!" They begin to retreat.
Axel licks his lips and lets the knight run. Turning his gaze onto the remaining knights as his laughter only became louder!!
"Get over here!!!" He growls as he inhumanly darts around the room relentlessly tearing through the ones not quick enough to escape him!!
Their screams filling the building as he painted the walls with their blood!! The prostitutes can only cover their eyes at the horrific scene being created before them!
(All stat boost!)
(All stat boost!)
"Noooo please!!! Don't kill me!!!" A plea falls upon deaf ears as Axel catches the chest piece of his next meal!
"Aaaahhhhhhhhhhh'' a scream is all the knight can give as Axel bites through his clavicle!! He squirms as his screams turn to gurgles, however, his attempts at breaking free are extinguished as Axel takes another bite out from his throat!! The knight grabs at his missing esophagus as his lungs wheeze out in spurts of blood across the floor!
(All stat boost!)
(All stat boost!)
"Watch out!!" Martha’s yell catches Axel off guard, however, he still moves accordingly.
A giant sword about the size of an adult rams into his gut! The grand knight only pushes further, piercing Axel’s abdomen and slamming him against the wall!! Axel’s body seizes as his blood leaks down the wall he’d been impaled upon. A single cough is all he gives before his body goes limp…
(All stat boost!)
(All stat boost!)
Though before the grand knight can free his blade... Axel’s hand grabs the blade. His eyes flicker back to life as the adjust upon his new killer. A smile forms across his lips...
(Ability: Undead Body, activated.)
(Undead Body: Allows the user to receive minimal damage to their body's vital areas. Also allows any body parts to automatically reattach itself)
(Ability: Regeneration, activated.)
(Regeneration: The highest form of automatic self-recovery. This ability will regenerate organs in mere seconds and gives the user a 50% decrease in Mana usage. Requires Mana as fuel.)
The grand knight stumbles back, relinquishing his blade as Axel merely hangs against the wall by his sword alone. His body shivers as the man before him easily pulls the blade from his gut ...
The floor boards groan as Axel lands. A smirk crinkles his face as his begins to casually walk over to the grand knight, his injury rapidly healing before him.
“What are you…?” the grand knight feebly questions as an aura of dread manifests around the monster before him.
The air grows thick as blacken smoke starts to ooze out from him. His eyes glow brighter than the stars against the inky black void beginning to surround him. A smile reaches the furthest it can go just as the words leave him.
"Your time has come..."
The grand knight almost falls to the shear weight of the pressure Axel was exuding. Though with a quick reaction, he grabs hold of his fallen sword and takes a swing with everything he has left!!
"Take this!!!"
"HahahahahahahHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!"
Axel bursts out laughing like a psychopath as he only punches the sword in response. It shatters in half on impact!
His heart begins to race as he watches the knight's face spiral down to the lowest level of despair upon witnessing his one and only chance at victory disintegrate before him.
Without giving any chance to react, Axel lunges!!!
The grand knight couldn’t even react as his arms are tore free from his body!! He screams as he crumples to his knees!!
(All stat boost!)
(All stat boost!)
Axel's laugh echoes across the entire building as he grabs the pathetic man by the throat!! And with a simple squeeze and yank, he rips the grand knight’s head from his shoulders!
His body slumps as Axel pitches the head at the ceiling! The helm encapsulating the head only dents as it breaks through the roof!!
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!"
Axel laughs at the display he is creating as he summons a fireball into one of his hands!
(Enchanting cast nullification)
And just as the head hits its apex and before it begins its decent, he chucks the fireball! It explodes in a dazzling display in mid-air!! The shock wave collides the with town, rocking it for a mere second and blowing the clouds away!!
Blood dribbles upon him as he basks within the scene he’d created. With a breath, he closes his eyes and bathes in it...
The girls could only look upon the scene with mouths agape. A shiver had overtaken the group as they finally started peering around their home. The brothel had rapidly become a bloodbath with tables being overturned and some broken, and countless bodies… or their parts strewn throughout the room. And yet, a collective sigh of relief washes over the girls.
" ...Thank you... Young man... for saving us..." an almost whisper leaks out from the group as one of them steps forward.
Axel opens his eyes, his smile still cracking his pale face. His gaze falls upon the small girl, then over the entire group.
Pure malice and a lust for blood pour out from his golden gaze...
A chuckle erupts from his lungs as his smile grows in an attempt to split his face it two...
"...Who said I was going to save you...?"
The atmosphere tilts as the prostitutes’ eyes widen in terror! His laughter vibrates the room as two more fireballs form within his hands!!
Death tugs at their hearts as they begin for the exits!! As they escape, Axel runs rampant, throwing fireballs at everything around him and not hitting any of the girls.
Quickly, the brothel takes flame as all of the prostitutes turn towards their use-to-be home. They watch as the monster within hysterically burns everything they used to know.
They watch as the building crumbles down in flames, consuming not only Axel but the memories within...
The growing crowd almost stood mesmerized by the dancing embers. Although even as the smoke billows just before their feet, goosebumps crawl across their skin.
They could only stare at the puffs of smoke arising into the sky with wide, trembling pupils. And yet, a single mutter breaks the silence. Then another, and another, sewing fearing with the distraught echoing of one another’s words. As if to answer, the wind shifts over the crowd, gripping their hearts while warning them of the monster lurking within the fire.
The prostitutes only watch on as the brothel burns to smoldering ash...
Their hands shake uncontrollably as tears begin to swell in their exhausted eyes. Clicking reverberates between the girls as the collars clasping their necks fall free…
Martha places her hand on her neck where the thick metal had once been. Her knees buckle out from under her as she buries her face into her hands and can only sob...
Laughter falls onto the crowd as the debris begins to move. From beyond the thick black smog, something appears before them.
(Intimidation)
Like a hammer, their hearts nearly burst as a weight slams upon the crowd! Cold sweat trickles down their spine as many begin to hyperventilate, some even collapsing under the weight! Death cradles their heart as fear begins to claw its way into their minds. To them, their small world was about to come to an end, like they were nothing more than lambs that had been lured to their slaughter...
Yellow eyes stared down upon them through the smoke. A gnarled grin sent a shiver through them before a single man dispersed the smoke surrounding him. He stood upon the rubble he’d created.
With a flick of his wrist, he removes his singed hood. Horror spreads through the people as his face is finally revealed...
The wind gently caresses his pale skin as his radiant eyes stare deeply into the souls before him. His smile grows, slitting his face and revealing his razor-like teeth. And as the masses wouldn’t dare pull their attention away, he speaks.
"My name... Is Axel... Some of you may have recalled my name, as I am the traitorous hero who was killed about a month ago."
His words sew fear into their hearts, as they try their damnedest to keep from even trembling… Fearing what would happen if they made so much as a single sound.
"I was falsely accused of poisoning the princess and had everything unjustly taken away from me... my title, my family, my own life... Nobody answered my prayers or pleading and chose to let me rot in the deepest, darkest pits of hell... "
His tone shifts and stiffens as he points at the crowd. The grin cracking his face vanishes as he grits his teeth.
"...But I couldn’t stay dead... And I'm declaring war against the whole Kingdom of Everglend... Since you all took everything away from me... It would only be fair to treat you, people, the way you treated me, without mercy... Mark my words, I will engulf this entire kingdom in fear... "
As his last word falls he relinquishes his hold on the crowd. Immediately they skitter and run into any alleyway or escape they can find. Most scream, some cry as they flee in terror!! Chaos consumes the area as he had made his presence known...
Martha and the other prostitutes on the other hand only continue to cry. Martha weeps uncontrollably as she holds onto her chest. They all watch Axel with a grateful smile. Because in their eyes, Axel has performed the ultimate sacrifice...
" ...Thank you... Axel..."
She knew that now with Axel taking up the mantle of scapegoat and being hunted by the entire nation, he’d also give the girls and her another chance to taste freedom. She could finally reunite with her family after so very long…
"Hahahahahahahahaha!!” Axel’s laughter booms above them as his eye try to pierce the woman, “Your days are numbered!! Live peacefully while you still can!!"
A smile almost breaks Martha as she watches Axel leap back into the black smoke. She would try to keep his words as a promise.
Hysteria took hold of the town as riots and chaos broke what little peace the knights were trying to hold onto. Knowing that a Harbinger of Death had been announced within their limits did little to quell the fear the people already had.
That night was the first Northrade had experienced such mass panic, and it wouldn’t be the last as the word spread rapidly throughout the kingdom not long after. Alerting everyone that the Angel of Death has come out to play...