"Workshop, closet, organ room? Nope, Not this one...." I whisper under my breath as I sneak from room to room inspecting the contents before moving further along. As I finally reach the end of the hall I find a staircase that goes both up and turns down, my eyes adjusting to the lower level as I nod before stepping towards the depths. Slinking down the stairs I try my best to stick to the shadows as I realize the staircase slowly turns into a spiral before ending in a dim corridor, a smaller bone elemental standing with its back to me as it stares ahead into the darkness. Focusing on the elementals body I begin to notice a small lump that seems to move just underneath the interlocked bones, almost like a bubble under tightly drawn skin. Watching the slowly moving thing in the elemental I rear back my scimitar and activate its ability before lunging into the moving bit and smiling as a shattering sound fills the staircase before the elemental collapses into a pile of bone dust and sand. Letting out a breath I notice a new pop up and read it before smiling in satisfaction.

{New skill learned! Sense Weakness level 1- When observing enemies you have a chance to uncover weak points or area's that lack defense. Cannot be used in combat.}

Moving back towards the shadows I notice small lanterns hanging from the ceilings, small flaming creatures within constantly providing dim light as several rooms line the walls with metal bars instead of doors. Glancing into one of the rooms I frown at the accommodations, a bare floor with nothing but a pile of rotted reeds and algae for a bed and a bucket. No water sources and focusing closely I see a small creature scuttle from the bucket, focusing on the creature I grimace before moving to the lock on cell door.

(Scrat Level 1)

Scrats are the vermin of the magical world, a fusion between the surliest of sewer rats and the orneriest of scorpions. These creatures boast six legs, a stinger and pincers attached to rancid fur, mottled flesh and a rats face but with chittering, disgusting maws of proboscis and such...ew.(PS I hate these creatures and will reward you for killing them all- Toma)

Reading the prompt I grimace before focusing on the small creature and using psychic jolt, the mental attack causing the scrat to curl in on itself as it lets out a death squeak followed by a small popping sound as the creatures head splits. Shaking my head I move towards the next cell and notice the same setup, inspecting the last two cells reveals much the same except one holds the bones of a small humanoid creature with wings. Frowning at the body I walk past the cell and turn the corner before stopping quickly, my eyes locking onto a cells at the end of the hall the holds some form of humanoid creature, its chest rising and falling as two water elementals guard its door. Keeping myself hidden I peek around the corner again and inspect the creature in the cell, its head lifting quickly as eyes filled with intelligence meet my own.

(Ghoul Necromancer Level 5)

Ghouls are one of the rare undead creatures that occur naturally by procreation vs the resurrection or enslavement of a soul into a corpse. These creatures although not well loved are mostly left to themselves as they usually aid in the cleaning of battel fields and plagued area. They consist on a diet of cadavers and rotted flesh, but can survive on cooked and fresh meats as well although this rarely happens. Ghouls are extremly intelligent and have had argument made that they should be considered as a civilized race but these arguments fall on deaf ears due to their inability to agree and solidify as a species. This ghoul is young but has already chosen its profession, raising the fallen to defend their master.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Putting a finger to my lips I watch as the ghoul nods its head weakly before I focus on the first elemental and use psychic jolt on the creature, afterwards wondering if they even have minds as the ability hits the creature and its core begins shaking violently in its chest. Watching the ability work I rush forward and thrust my scimitar forward, the blade sliding through the siezing core within its body before the water around it release with a whoosh and soaks the earthen floor beneath our feet. Jumping backwards I barely dodge the watery fists of the second elemental as it brings both fists slamming into my previous space, the water from its comrade slowly being drawn into its fists as the elemental begins to grow larger and bulkier, small metal epaulets growing from its shoulders as a club of ice materializes from its body.

(Lesser water Elemental has evolved into Greater Water Elemental)

Staring at the larger enemy I grimace before activating the scimitars ability as I lunge forward and graze the edge of the elementals core before its body freezes around my weapon, keeping it within its form as I swiftly pull back and pull out my cane while watching my blade completely immerse itself within the elemental. Watching the creatures body I notice its arm quiver slightly as I roll out of the way as its fist rushes forward and splashes across the wall where I once stood as I activate my cane and swing with all my might at the creatures core once again, this time making full contact as the crystal is flung from the watery body and shatters across the wall behind it as the body finally crashes across the floor and its epaulets fall to the ground. Picking up the gear I put them into my bag before walking towards the cell and look over the ghoul. Its body is beaten and bruised, several lacerations can be seen across its chest and legs as rags hang off its gaunt form. Its eyes search mine as its elongated maw filled with sharp teeth smile menacingly while its yellowed eyes remind me of a feline. Large bat like ears stretch behind its bald head as taloned fingers shake as they press against the ground and shake with effort to lift their owner to its feet.

"Didn't think anyone else was dumb enough to challenge Nefar. Thank you for the rescue but who exactly are you outsider?" Says the surprisingly light and gentle voice as the ghoul finally works itself to its feet and bows forward to me.

"Umm...no need for that dude, just happy I could help. Names Noor and I came from the cavern town, trying to free the caulk and yurian people here as well as weaken the enemy's in the swamp enslaving all the people. Real question is are you alright?" I say as the ghoul lets out a chuckle before sighing in relief as I open the cell, noticing that the door is only able to be opened from one side.

"Will be fine once I get a bite to eat, shame these elementals aren't flesh and blood but I'll live. Names Gorm. Nice to meet you and I would like to help you take out Nefar, guys a real winner in the asshole department if you catch my drift plus I want to add him to my ranks. Hopefully when I raise him he'll keep some of his summoning abilities." Gorm says as I nod towards him and we make our way out of the prison basement, the ghoul stopping before the cell with the skeletal remains before motioning for me to hold on.

"I have just enough mana, Rise and Serve!" Gorm croaks out, his gentle voice turning raspy as shadowy magic bolts from his outstretched fingers into the bones, the small pile shaking before it begins to rearrange itself and stands on skeletal feet and bows to its new master.

"That might be handy follow me." I whisper as I lead the necromancer to the corpse of the caulk from earlier, the prompt of the skeleton still in front of me.

(Skeletal Nixie Level 16-2 due to undeath)

A nixie, long dead, brought back as a skeletal minion. A loyal foot soldier of the necromancer that raised it, this being knows no fear, anger, or any other emotion.