Jacob was both nervous and annoyed.
These two werewolves were tough and strong, likely far above the Forsakens beyond pitiful Level 0. They could easily crush him like a bug, but their sheer arrogance and bullying frustrated the half-undead on a level he’d never felt before. Something was being awoken in the Forsaken’s psyche, something cold and pitiless that made him want to beat the living hell out of these two and then… do something he couldn’t quite figure out, something natural to him but also something the human part of him found morally repugnant. As the two lycanthropes forced him onwards, Jacob also felt hungry, as if he hadn’t eaten in a week. I’m half-undead, so what do I eat? Do I eat normal food? Living creatures? Both? Or something else? He didn’t want to find out, but considering how famished he was, the half-undead would be finding out anyway.
The sun didn’t help the matter either.
Thankfully, Jacob didn't catch fire in the daylight. However, he felt slower and clumsier while the brightness hurt the Forsaken’s eyes. The sun also appeared to be affecting the werewolves as well, seemingly trying to concentrate on something as they walked while also keeping an eye on Jacob. Jacob stumbled a bit as his light-blinded eyes didn’t register a rock. The half-undead almost fell over as Jacob’s ire grew even greater. Fucking… pricks… he grumbled to himself, shakily regaining his footing. Barely an hour and his clothes were already coated with dust and dirt. And I still don’t haven’t finished my Starter Quest… Jacob thought gloomily. His heart seemed to agree, slowing down along with his breathing. Looking down, Jacob realized his arm was turning a greyish cast, and the black color of his veins was becoming obvious. His nails were also slowly turning black and pointed while rubbing a tongue over his teeth revealed that they had a definite edge to them as well. “I… I don’t feel so good…” Jacob coughed as he stumbled, voice raspy. One of the werewolves snorted. “Like hell you are. Get your damn ass moving and-“ he paused for a moment before saying. “Where’s the all Death Essence coming from?” Sniffing around, Jacob felt one of the werewolves drag him closer and heard a deep sniff… and then a gagging sound. “Fuck, he smells like an undead.” Flipping Jacob around, the werewolf's eyes widened in shock. “Monster!” he spat, pushing Jacob away, who proceeded to fall to the ground and hit his head hard.
HP 58
“Ugh…” Jacob grunted as the werewolf strode over before picking up Jacob and bringing him up to face level. Hot breath pushed into Jacobs’s nostrils, and the Forsaken wrinkled his nose. “You think you can sneak in here and eat us undead?” the werewolf snarled. “You may have gotten past Sophie, but you’re not getting past us.” he motioned towards himself and the other werewolf. “I’m sure the Alpha will understand that you’re undead, snuck in here, and we had to kill you.” Jacob struggled into an upright position, only to be slammed back into the dirt, this time hitting his head on a rock. Stats swam across his vision as a box popped up.
You have suffered a Status Effect [Dazed]
Duration: 1:59
Effects: -2 Agility, -2 Perception, -1 Logic. User moves slower and is less adept at stealth, complex thought, and fine motor functions.
Ow… part of Jacobs’s mind spoke up as a paw pushed onto his chest, pinning him into place. “You’re not going anywhere…” the werewolf paused. A feeling like something was poking the half-undead all over the body enveloped Jacob, and the voice continued, “….Forsaken.”
Jacob tried to figure out how to get out of this, but the ringing in his head made it difficult to think straight. “I… I’m,” he stuttered as the paw pressed into his chest further, making it difficult to move or breathe. “Save it, undead,” the werewolf growled. The beast raised its axe as Jacob struggled to worm his way out of being pinned. “You’re going nowhere but Oblivion.” I should have just hitched out of here and avoided the stupid Secondary Quest, Jacob thought miserably as the axe paused above the werewolf's head. And now I’m going to-
The axe came down on Jacobs’s head, and everything went black.
====----====
WARNING
You are low on Life Essence.
Undead instincts and form have been activated. Instincts/form will remain until Life Essence reaches sustainable levels.
The blue screen hovered in front of Jacobs’s face as he opened his eyes. This, a cold feeling developing in his body, and the howling monster in his stomach were the first few things to greet the Forsaken. So… hungry…he thought, clutching his stomach with a hand tipped by razor-sharp claws. Need… to… feed… Jacob opened his eyes and saw the sun was low on the horizon, meaning he felt somewhat better. Still, his head hurt, and it was hard to think about anything besides finding something to eat or drink. Preferably something alive. No… wait, that’s… wrong, part of Jacobs’s brain put up. However, it was drowned out by the more animalistic side of him and his empty stomach. Shakily getting up to his feet, Jacob looked around, not a single breath coming from his lungs. Nor did his heart beat. That seemed wrong on some level, but something seemed to be blocking him from figuring out why. Immediately, Jacob’s hunger came back in full force, and his not breathing/no heartbeat concern disappeared like it had never been there in the first place.
A part of Jacob wanted to find the two lycanthropes and eat them. It was only fair that the fact that they’d caused him to be like this meant they’d be prime targets. Still, that would likely bring their entire pack’s wrath down on him. No, that wouldn’t do. He needed to find something nobody would miss. A wild animal, perhaps. Something already dead if things got tight. Jacob sneered at the thought of his first meal being something so… mundane. Still, starving half-undead couldn't be choosers. Reluctantly, the Forsaken then set off to find himself food. The buildings around him, like the one he’d broken into previously, were all boarded up, and the female werewolf he’d met words said there would be nothing of value in them either. If only there was a way I could get into their hoard without getting killed for the second time… Jacob mourned. I bet they’ve got plenty of weapons they’re not using. Looking down at his claws, he shrugged. Though I suppose these will do for now.
It was at this point when Jacob heard the clang of something metal slamming shut and then the sound of something hissing. The Forsaken licked his lips. Food. Easy prey, too. Stalking forward, a strange mixture of carrion and fresh blood caught Jacob’s sense of smell. Odd… blood smells good, though. Some part of Jacob was protesting, stating that this was all wrong. Why was he doing this? It was an injured animal that was already tortured enough. Why increase the poor things suffering? I’m hungry, the other part snapped back. Now shut up and let us feed. Stalking forward, the cawing continued, and Jacob grinned cruelly. Time to eat.Rounding a corner, Jacob finally saw his prey. It was a large rat, the size of a loaf of bread. Its back had been caught in a small iron snap trap and was bent at an odd angle. I’s been crippled, Jacob realized. I don’t know if it will taste good… but food is food, especially when you’re starving. At that, a bolt of hunger shot through the Forsaken’s stomach, causing him to clutch his stomach for a few seconds until it passed. Got to… eat… he thought, stalking towards the rat. It saw him near instantly, hissing and baring its incisors. Still, it was crippled and unable to move. Helpless and weak. Jacob reached for it, grappling it and snapping the animal's neck. As the life faded from the rodent’s eyes, Jacob forced the snap trap open, pulling the rat’s corpse out.
Acting on instincts he couldn't quite place, Jacob quickly skinned and gutted the corpse. By the end, his clothes were covered in blood and gore, but the rat was prepared to eat. Peeling a chunk of flesh off of the rat, Jacob placed it in his mouth and chewed. The meat was tough and didn’t have much flavor, but it was better than nothing, and after polishing off the rat, Jacob felt something close to full. A message popped up in front of him as the Forsaken ate the last bite.
Milestone Achieved!
You have consumed your first kill.
+1 Race Level.
Racial Skill Gained!: Curse of Undeath [I]
Racial Skill Gained!: Life Sense [I]
+2 Strength
+1 Agility
+1 Perception
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
50% way to Race Evolution
Wait… what? Jacob thought as his heart started up again, almost making him jump. With that, the Forsaken’s body started to return to normal, as well as his mind. Looking down at his blood-stained hands, now with smaller claws tipping them, Jacob wanted to feel sick. He really did. However, all he felt was… satisfied, like he’d eaten a good meal, which he could still taste through his now slightly sharp teeth. What… what the fuck is happening to me? part of Jacob whimpered, I… I just killed, skinned, and ate some sort of… giant rat, and all I can feel is… content? I’m a fucking monster… Getting shakily to his feet, Jacob looked down at his blood-caked clothing and shivered. The whole half-undead thing was far more disturbing and difficult than Jacobs’s mostly comfortable first life could ever have prepared him for what had happened today. Looking down at his ruined clothing, Jacob took a deep breath. Okay… I need to calm down. Maybe I can… find somewhere to hide and figure out what exactly my abilities – all of them – are. Looking around, there was little to no cover anywhere. No boxes to hide behind, no available buildings to go into. And it would be foolish to go back to the building he’d broken into previously. What about the Heretic Portal? Jacob wondered. That’s as good a place as any to hide. Looking back up at the trail, Jacob sighed. “Let’s hope the fourth time’s easier,” he muttered.
====----====
An hour later, Jacob was inside the Heretic Portal, feeling more than a little guilty that he was filling the likely holy room with the scent of drying gore. Still, it was the only ‘safe’ place the Forsaken could think of where he wouldn't be bothered. Pulling open his interface, Jacob then opened his “Racial Skills” tab.
[RACE SKILLS]
[Offense]: Curse of Undeath [I]
[Defense]: Life Sense [I]
[Special]: Half-Dead Physiology
Jacob was surprised that the Skills were placed in categories, though he was grateful for the organization. Though ‘Curse of Undeath’ sounds ominous. Tapping on it, the Forsaken started parsing through the box that popped up and felt more and more concerned as he read.
Curse of Undeath
Types: Curse, Offensive, Racial, Skill, Uncontrolled
Rank: I
Cost: None
Description: Biting or scratching a target gives a 25% chance of cursing a living target with undeath. This transformation will occur over the next 1-4 hours and can be cured by healing magic and items before turning, though effectiveness goes lower with increased infection. This curse requires the target to have a brain, soul, be made out of living matter, and be capable of dying. These undead are not under your control but are neutral to you and reanimate at a base of ½ their original rank. However, their starting Total rank cannot exceed ½ your own.
Creation Chance:
50% Zombie
50% Specter
Well… that’s terrifying, Jacob thought. This likely means that I have to make sure that whatever living creature I… eat or infect, at the very least, has its brain destroyed… though it might make a good distraction. Jacob paused for a moment. Wait… what the hell am I saying? Killing people and turning them into a monster just to distract an opponent? What the fuck is wrong with me? He shivered before turning to Life Sense.
Life Sense
Types: Controlled, Defensive, Racial, Sensory, Skill
Rank: I
Cost: None
Description: You can innately sense the Life Essence of living creatures nearby. This sense is non-directional but increases in intensity the closer you are to the living creature. This Skill cannot detect constructs, undead, or exoplanar creatures.
That one’s useful, Jacob thought. Though I wish it was directional. With only one last Skill to go, Jacob clicked on Half-Dead Physiology.
Half-Dead Physiology
Types: Racial, Skill, Special, Uncontrolled
Rank: N/A
Cost: None
Description: Your body functions on both Life and Death Essence, fueling different parts of your physique. You are highly resistant to poisons, disease and do not age. You still must eat and breathe, but do so at a drastically reduced rate. You also take 15% reduced damage from attacks not angled at vital areas.
Your body can utilize Life Essence to heal itself at a drastically increased rate. Your body heals at a rate of 1 HP per minute, and Major Injuries recover at a quicker rate. In addition, sunlight weakens you, temporarily halving Strength, Agility, and Perception and reducing top speed.
When low on Life Essence, your body slowly morphs into a True Undead, granting immunity to all the above hazards and not requiring you to breathe or eat, while damage resistance is increased to 25%. However, you become more animalistic and inhuman, especially towards living creatures. You return to normal once you have regained enough Life Essence to restart vital functions.
So that’s what happened with the rat…the Forsaken realized.I managed to heal the head injury – guess it didn’t get very far into my skull – thankfully – but I ran low on ‘Life Essence’ and went… Feral, I guess?He shivered, still trying to feel sorry and failing.Guess being half-dead doesn’t just affect my appearance.
It affects how I think.
Closing out the window, Jacob tried to figure out what to do now. He was alone, with no equipment, in the territory of monsters that could easily track him by smell and rip him apart. This is bad. I’ve boxed myself into a corner, and I’ve got nothing to show for it. All I’ve got is two Quests I haven’t finished, and one measly Level. I don’t know how this happened… I never screwed up this badly. He put his head in his hands. There’s got to be some way I can get out of this mess semi-alive. Then it hit Jacob. The radio station. Perhaps the AI there has some way of getting me out of this, or at least out alive. With newfound vigor, Jacob scrambled to his feet, Taking a quick peek, the purple moon was unfortunately gone, but there were no werewolves to be seen. Thank fuck. Breathing a sigh of relief, Jacob exited the Heretic Portal and crept along towards the Radio Station. The Forsaken jumped at every sound, on edge. He felt stronger during the night, but the werewolves were more powerful by far. He needed to be careful. One dropped rock, one misplaced step, and it would be the end for the half-undead. Jacob could see the station barely forty feet away. It was strange, but the rocky sides of the mountain blocked the sight of everything outside the valley, while the radio mast was unusually high, yet just barely managed to peek above the peaks.
Finally making it to the station, the Forsaken edged inside, hearing the AI still talking. I would have thought they’d unplug the thing by now. I’m glad they didn’t, though. At that point, Jacob could hear the radio announcer talking.
“To top it off, there will be heavy rain in the Demotol Forest. I’d suggest you bring your wet weather gear or stay inside because it’s going to be pouring buckets.”
With that, a ding! sounded in Jacob’s ear, and a box popped up in front of him.
Secondary Quest Complete! [The (Air)Waves of Hope]
Inhabitants of the Southern Borderlands have once more tuned into Station 150.8! Now, people living in this area once more have something to bring news, music, and weather forecasts to them.
Rewards:
10 XP.
Talk to the Radio Automaton for more rewards.
Automaton? Is that the name for AI here? I’ve got bigger problems to worry about, though.
Stepping into the building, Jacob closed and secured the door behind him as the automaton put on what sounded like smooth jazz. “Well, it seems like somebody’s finished a Quest. And for you, I’ve got just the reward. There’s a chest in the back over there. Open it up, and you’ll find your reward, Jacob.” Trepidatiously, Jacob walked over to the back, finding a heavy-looking wooden pallet crate. To Jacobs’s shock, the writing on the top of the crate wasn’t in English – the only language he’d ever known – but somehow he could still read it.
SOUTHERN BORDERLANDS RADIO NETWORK SURVIVAL CRATE
Below that came a few more words in smaller type.
FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY
This is definitely an emergency, Jacob thought, prying open the crate with minimal difficulty thanks to his increased Strength. Inside the crate were neatly ordered packages, each marked with words like BACKPACKor BINOCULARS. The Forsaken grinned with glee when he saw SURVIVAL CLOTHING. Looking down at his current, ruined duds, he sighed. Let’s hope these ones last longer than my first set.
It took him almost thirty minutes, but Jacob managed to get everything sorted into a comprehensive but bulky backpack containing everything he needed to survive in the wilderness… except for a weapon. How the hell am I going to survive without something to defend myself? Jacob continued to rummage around in the packaging. He was about to give up when the Forsakens grip closed on something hard and metal. Pulling it out, Jacob revealed… a crowbar. It was rusty and covered in flaking red paint, though it still looked sturdy enough to pry the lid off of a crate – or break a skull. As Jacob raised it upwards, a second ding sounded and yet another blue box appeared.
Secondary Quest Complete! [Gear Up]
You have finally gained enough Gear to survive in the wilderness and hopefully escape the werewolves hunting for you.
Rewards:
+1 Class Rank
Starting Class
Automaton upgrade to Interface.
Sweet, he thought as a larger box appeared filled with what looked almost like hyperlinks. Jacob was about to start pouring through them when the Radio Automaton made a throat-clearing sound. “I’d hate to hurry you Jacob, but the werewolves are likely tracking you down right now, and I’m sure they still have dynamite charges from the mine.” It paused for a second before adding, “I’d like to not be demolished.”
The Forsaken gulped and started reading through the Classes as quickly as possible.