Standing there, before my lord and my assembled fellow monsters, whom I swore to protect, I feel strange. And not just for the unfamiliarity with my own body, though that certainly is part of it. It feels so light, and my range of movements is far better than with the previously wooden body.
No, what I feel most heavily is the elation gained from being granted this power, this chance to do good, and most importantly, this trust. There is quite a bit to go over still, so instead of running off and testing my new body, I wait patiently as my lord begins to go over screens and windows. One thing that stands out to me is how much improved my connection to them is. Their presence is like a warm blanket draped over my shoulders, encouraging and comforting.
They open up my status to review it, and note some changes. I pay close attention too, since it concerns me, after all.
First Floor Boss Status
Name: Siegfried, Grand Drape of the Curtain Knights
Class: Knight of the Curtain
Level: 20 (Locked)
Creature Type: Animated Armor
Creature Skills:
Active:
Passive:
Summon Shield - Level 10
Iron Skin - Level 15
Vow of Protection - Level 10
A Knight’s Spirit - Level 5
Boss Skills:
A Knight’s Mercy
Always active
A Knight’s Valor
Active against challengers of Tier 2 or higher
A Knight’s Glory
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Active against challengers of Tier 3 or higher
A Knight’s Oath
Active against challengers of Tier 4 or higher
A Knight’s Determination
Active against challengers of Tier 5
Boss Room Effects:
No Room assigned (Boss Room construction available)
Well, that is a lot.
The boss skills are additional abilities granted by my status as a Boss of the dungeon, my liege reasons, and I am inclined to agree with their assessment.
As for what they do, I know about [A Knight’s Mercy]. It ensures that no one participating in my Bossfight, neither me nor challengers or even other monsters, is wounded fatally. This can be suspended for particularly bad apples like the cultists prior, but I should hope I don’t need to do so a lot.
The other skills do not bare their secrets to us, but I am sure I will be aware of their effects and how to use them should the time arrive that they become active.
Additionally, the Boss Room Effects tab is very interesting, but that is something for my lord to ruminate and plan about while I get used to my new form. They agree to that much, as well, so It is time I wander off, collecting my three squires, and all of us get to sparring.
Finally properly moving around this new body of mine is a joy. It is so much more… responsive, than the previous one. The strange hollowness I feel, probably due to the fact that my body IS hollow now, I will get used to.
My senses are roughly the same as they were when I was my previous self.
As I wander down the stage hall, my siblings fall into formation around me, but before we exit there is another of my siblings waiting for me. Juliette, the eldest of us looks at me with a warm smile.
I nod my head towards her and stand before her proudly, as she takes in my new form.
“You look good, Siegfried. This role, this body, they suit you.” she says, using her voice, not her emotions, but her approval radiates from her as well.
“Thank you.” I whisper, briefly shocking us both. I could not talk as a mannequin, lacking the organs to do so or a skill to replicate that ability, but apparently something about my current existence grants me that ability… and much better than the doppelgangers who are still practicing, it seems.
I speak up again, louder this time, and fix her with my hollow gaze.
“I was worried you would be upset that our lord did not consider you. I am glad to see you are not angry.”
She chuckles, her doll-like face contorting into a smirk.
“No, my sibling. I could never fulfill such a role with as much focus and dedication as you. I am an actress, not a fighter. I will fight if I must to protect our family, but you are much better at it than I am. Allouette and I will gladly stand by the sidelines to cheer you on. Sebastian is of the same mind, as well, lest you worry.”
Nodding my assent, I am thankful, and make sure she can feel as much.
“Now get to training, Grand Drape!” she says, a hint of playful mockery in her voice as she makes way for my entourage.
With a newfound excitement in my steps and resolve in my heart, I make for the new space, my squires following in my wake.
It’s time to get used to this new form!