Maria’s FOV
Now it is my chance! His back is turned! With another flaming spear in my hand I rushed towards him, stabbing someone in the back is a little nonchalant; but effective all the same.
As I raised it up he was finally free from the boy’s impressive display! He turned around in a moment, parrying my weapon with another, a new one. A great sword! But this is one isn’t solid steel… A spectre! Like a ghost… I had read about spectral magic! And he had it! A spectral sword.
I had never really had any training with martial weapons aside from the basics that are taught here in the order, so I couldn’t really pull out really anything, but I managed a flurry of well placed strikes with the flaming spear.
He parried them, but with effort. The boy has managed to weaken him, I have a chance to end this devil here!
Fire rang against ghost, against ghostly steel. He was now slow and I could keep up with him, my offensive now peerless.
I was pushing him back.
Ruth had already cast a second wind spell, I noticed. She had a plan, I just have to keep him busy. And I would do just that.
Even as weak as he now is due to the sprain of electricity; he is a fearsome foe. He is so slow now and yet, still he manages to parry blow after blow. Time to stop playing around I decided. I urged the magic from my pact forward and empowered my spear; with a mighty lunge I surged forward!
Adam’s FOV
Silly girl.
I feign weakness and she believes it! Even knowing who I am. The foolishness of mortals never ceases to amaze me.
She makes her move, silly pose and all. Nyraxis is Nyraxis, even as a shadow of the original sword it is still my permanent companion.
Our skill unmatched.
With a upwards slash I manage a perfect parry, sending her spear reeling to the side and with a slash down; the tip of Nyraxis cuts her down. Just enough to make her fall leaving no real lasting injuries.
She fell on her knees, bleeding with a shocked expression, her spear turning into embers and disappearing into the air.
I looked into her eyes with a mocking grin. You are never going to make it fool.
She then just smiled! “Checkmate.” She laughed as she fell down on the ground.
I looked back. Ruth was holding a dagger against my back, this girl… by some reason I never been able to detect her… and she managed to sneak up on me! While I was otherwise preoccupied of course.
She was smiling. She got me…
ANGER
Very angry- This for some reason reminded me of my daughter’s betrayal… It hurt a bit I must confess. I should accept defeat and tell her how well she performed… Be humbled.
But I can’t. Defeat is not a part of me, not since a very long time…
Ruth’s FOV
Got him. How the hells did he become so strong? He almost beat down four of us hardly with any effort; never seen such a thing. Still, numbers are powerful; i managed to sneak on him. There is nothing he can do. Any sudden moves and I go for the heart.
Time to surrender, I said with my eyes as he looked back. The only way I could express it.
He understood. Adam always understood what I wanted to say, he is my twin after all.
Something is wrong. His eyes… His face. He is angry, I have never seen such a expression in his face! Adam always been a coward but also kind, I admired that so much about him. A world of cruelty where everyone spat on him, he kept that silly side of him and his good nature.
I flinched back. He scared me.
He turned at me.
Looking intently at me, he dispersed his sword.
And stepped into my direction.
I flinched and fell back in fear, pointing my dagger at him. Surrender, we won! I wanted to say.
“Are you afraid? Little Ruth? Are you? Are you?” He shouted as he crouched before me.
He grabbed my head by both sides and squeezed with all of his might, face to face to me. What have I done!? Was victory so important to him? You are scaring me! You are hurting me! Stop!
I struggled thrusting the point of my dagger at his hearth- Meekly enough to not to hurt him, I won’t hurt him. He is everything to me! I refuse. Please stop.
“You fought well.” He said- “But you aren’t good enough… good enough to carry things through the end are you?” He asked.
End? What end? We are siblings we are just playing. Stop… He was now squeezing my head harder. How is he so strong? I can feel blood running down my eyes and nose… My consciousness fading…
He lifted me up, my knees barely holding my weight. The injuries from before and now this torture!? What is happening…!?
“Do it.” He demanded with a shout. “Do it or I will kill you. Do it now!”
My survival instincts kicked in. The dagger… Yes I still had it. I stabbed and stabbed. My hands became soaked with blood… Black blood.
He let go of my head, and went limp falling on me; we went to the ground. Together we fell; right now I feel… nothing like myself, I intuitive crawled off from under him and got on top of him and… kept stabbing. His hearth… His guts…
Stab.
Stab…
STAB!!!
Tears mixed to the blood that ran down my face. What… What am I doing!? I shouted with all I could…
Adam’s FOV
Ruth screech woke me up. An unsightly screech, a mix a of panic, fear, confusion and despair. What am I doing!? She is not… her. She doesn't deserve this, neither does Nev! What devil got hold of me…?
Am I finally mad!? “HeHehehe” I chuckled lightly-
She finally stopped stabbing and fell on me, Crying.
I took her in my arms and embraced her.
“I’m sorry… It’s not your fault. Ghosts of the past haunt me. Come here, it’s alright, I’m alright and you are too, you did great” I caressed her cheek. “You bested me.”
Her crying stopped. I could feel her expression as she pressed her face on the thin fabric of my robe…
Daryle’s FOV
“Can you believe it!? Grand Master! He took down four in a fair fight! And two of them were even masters! Master Yaspin was one of our most esteemed melee sorcerers and he took him down first, with ease even!” Master Doghead exclaimed by my side.
Indeed. That little runt exceeded himself, it seems I finally have someone competent to shepard these lambs while I work on my project…
“Tend to their wounds. And send my son to my chambers… I will tend to him myself.” I ordered and removed myself from the presence of these dirt licking mongrels.
A few hours passed.
The boy laid on my dissection table, his guts open. He had indeed underwent the process of undeath, but still an imperfect being. Not what I am searching for… What a waste. I just wasted the last few precious hours in this foolishness…
I’m running out of time.
I took another syringe. It helped me with the pain… and the stress. And keep my head level enough to deal with daily with these fools, it’s running low again though… if it ends I swear. Heads will roll.
I need to get back to my research.
“Hmph.” The boy stirred.
“You are awake. Finally.” I remarked.
“I have such a fucking headache…” The boy sat up and looked around then towards me. Fun, he wasn’t afraid. Something I grew accustomed to in other creatures. “Why are my guts spilling all over the floor?” He asked with a smirk.
The fool. I wish I could spill mine all over it too.
I threw a box at him. “Sew yourself up. You are taking over.” I said as I turned around and started organizing my research. “Where did I left off…”
Adam’s FOV
I took the box and opened it. Inside was a useful tool kit. Happiness instruments, or torture for those who aren’t civilized. A sewing kit too, let’s fix this then.
Not my first time sewing my guts back in place. A needle and a little magic, nothing big.
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I looked around as I sewed my innards. So this is the grandmaster’s chambers… huh.
Dank and musty, quite a big place too. He is clearly obsessed with some necromancy experiment, evident due to all de mutilated body parts around. The room is filled with jars of noxious-looking liquids, books and scrolls detailing the rituals of death magic, and a thick tome inscribed with the name ‘The Doghead’s Guide to Abominations.’ propped on a wood engraved desk.
Curious! I have a read that one once. I wonder where he got it… Wait that someone’s else name on it, did it get counterfeited? Quaint. It’s actually called ‘Grimhild’s Guide to Animated Abomipets’ I think.
The air is filled with the sweet scent of of decay and rot, dust too; the silence is broken only by the occasional gurgle of something bubbling within one of the many jars.
A sickly sweat odour seems to cling to the man, He moves about the chamber with a strange, shambling gait, his head tilted to one side as if listening to a voice only he can hear. He mutters to himself incessantly, his word too faint to make out with a hind of madness to them.
His quarters are a cramped and cluttered place, filled with odd instruments and odd materials. The walls are covered in charts and diagrams, detailing all manner of occult knowledge and arcane lore. A small cot sits in one corner, covered in rumpled blankets and a tattered pillow. It doesn’t seem like he uses it too much, the man clearly hasn’t sleep for days, maybe weeks.
I lay in the center of the room in a long oak table, the side covered with vials and strange jars. Tomes of dark magic scattered about the ground, after he laid me here.
The center of attention, however, is a massive ritual circle lit by a scattering of flickering candles and torches. The light plays off the strange objects and instruments, casting ominous shadows on the walls and giving the space an otherworldly, sinister atmosphere.
Ho! And the dozen of massive flesh colossus guarding the room. Sitting in the corners; They are huge humanoid creatures, clearly created by him; their limbs are long and patched together by flesh of different creatures and humans. Blind and huge, mouths both in their head and torso with rows upon rows of sharp teeth.
Looks like he gave Abomipets a really good read!
I can see the priest injecting himself. Looks like I did found that opium addict that Ruth wrote about after all.
I finally finished my needlework. Everything in place, just left half of my guts on the floor. Not like I need them anyway- I got up and checked my balance. A little lighter, no worries.
I walk closer to the ritual circle and inspect it. Hmm…
A lich becoming ritual. Quite a poor one too, but it would work with the necessary arrangements.
I feel a heavy hand on my shoulder from behind.
“You are still here!? Don’t touch anything. You are free to leave. I gave you authority already, you are to be the acting grandmaster, while I’m busy with my research.” Father said with a half-crazy heavy voice.
It looks like he has been locked down here for a really long time. And he intends to keep it that way.
I pointed at the circle “This is wrong“. I pointed at another part too. ”That won’t work either.“
He moved to my side looking at where my finger was pointing. “I had a guess. Yes.” Then he looked at me with his dim purple eyes. “What could a fool like you know about greater necromancy I wonder.”
I pointed at some parts of the circle and took a while explaining the inner workings of lichdom, he had most of the thing figured out already, just some loops and useless scribbling that would only make the circle unstable. I explained those parts to him and how he would have to fix them. Then I went over the point and explained what he was failing to see and do.
Ritual magic could be compared to programming; in a world with machines like my original one. It can be messy and a pain in the ass. But with the right knowledge, anything within the concept could be possible. Maybe a few tables up; with magic.
“And the final thing is that real liches bind their souls to an object which becomes a phylactery, they can bury it in concrete in the annals of the world and as long it remains intact; or your link unsevered the lich is practically invincible.” I explained the final details.
“Genius! but for that I would need to delve into soul magic… I have a connection. I guess I could call him over, untrustworthy son of a bitch. But he will do.” The man talked to himself.
“Right… I had a book about that I guess you could borrow it too. I will hand it over to you when I find it…” I nodded to him. Now I really wanted to help the poor man.
He explained that he used necromantic magic to extend his lifespan and now he was over two-hundred, ten years ago the spell died off and he has been rotting from inside out ever since, keeping himself alive with profane spells that where more of a hassle than a boon. He also explained that the opium helped him out with the pain.
“Son… You have been a great help to me. Once the ritual is done and I become all powerful. I will be sure to richly reward you!” He crossed his arms staring at the circle. “Go and take care of the order. After I’m done, I will help you become a lich too. We will take over the whole fucking world together!” He laughed. Quite Crazily too.
What fun.
I walked to the door.
“You mean I get to be the boss? That was easy.” I commented.
“Do not disappoint.” He said as I stepped out and closed the door.
Hmm, guess we really ended up getting along quite quickly. How quaint, I was expecting that I had to beat him up into submission; turns outs that he didn’t need any motivation. He did it to himself.
He was just looking for some fool do dump all the unimportant crap; he is indeed quite desperate though. The way he was needling himself, he will overdose faster than he would rot at this rate.
What a fool. Still, I wonder what will happen. I had been truthful with my explanations and helped him out well enough so he could succeed. That will likely end up working against me, but… Well
I am a big fish in a small world, got to make things interesting, otherwise…
Stepping out of the great master’s chambers I find myself staring at something remarkable.
This fellow… He has a cane corso’s head stitched down his neck. A dog, he has a dog’s head for a head, literally! His body is a lithe thing it’s skin patched together by different types of pelts and his legs!? Are those horse legs?
I started pacing around him sizing him up and taking in the details. He is over two meters tall! And he smells of puppies!? Why am I sniffing a dog person?
Suddenly a sound came out of the creature.
“Are you done gawking?” It didn’t move its lips nor at all, the eyes were dark brown and dead things like a long gutted fish.
“Not yet.” I answered.
I took hold of its arm, it ended in an impressive assortment of high end claws. Sharp as knives, I felt the muscles of the arm… It was an impressive assortment of varied tissue. All patched up…
“This is butcher’s work at best.” I finally commented. “Why the dog!?”
“Perhaps I should set an entire pack of my pups on your ass, feel what real butchery is” The voice was a rough callous thing. “The dog is a loyal creature… fearsome and soft, their eyes shine with love and when I cut them so much can be learned… so many breeds truly a gifted…”
“Alright, I get it.” I cut him. This one is off the deep end. “Stay away from me, go cut your puppies and don’t annoy me.”
“Young master doesn’t get…” The dog man moved at a unnatural speed and leaned his head sideways in front of mine; staring deep into my eyes, with whatever that was.
“I am the master in charge of transfiguration… mutation and beast taming.” He placed his head upright again.
“And?” I asked in annoyance.
“I am also the appointed steward in charge of the order. Now that you have been appointed Acting Grandmaster, I must serve under you.” I walked and the dog walked alongside me, in these dank underground corridors.
“I have watched part of your fight just like every other master who comes out of their hole every now and then.” Its purple tongue waggled out. Excitement? Whatever it is. This fellow is making me uncomfortable. And I met my fair share of lunatics.
“I must say, most impressive. Truly, Grand Master Adam has a nice ring to it. Perhaps it sounds has a gentler notion in your mind? I wonder.” The dog conspired.
Now I used my most cold voice and expression. This feller… Not subtle at all.
“You are a dog. Dogs bark and watch, when I tell you roll; you roll. Now I tell you sit. Be a good boy and do what you do best. Obey. Otherwise I will carve out the love in your eyes.”
“WOOF” The dog barked in surprise. “You puffed up fool, still stinking of milk…” He bit his tongue; before he gave me a reason to react. “Master is wise… The Doghead will obey.” He moved the motionless head away.
Look like my reputation his doing wonders even down here.
“Go back to your duties… and make arrangements to gather every master and acolyte in the main church. I have words to say.” I paused and looked at the creature’s dead eyes. “My father is not to be disturbed in any way; his research has reached a critical standpoint, set guards in his quarter’s door. Not even a whisper is to go trough there.” I commanded as we walked.
We are reaching the exit, many eyes upon us. I cant tell this one is some of the most important ‘masters’ down here.
Indeed, just a little show off- It can go a long way.
After what seemed an eternity of walking I have reached the outside, I looked around and found that nothing had changed. Where are those sisters of mine…
The dog already left my side a while ago.
I went over to their dormitory.
Reached Ruth’s room and knocked. The door was locked.
“Open up it’s me.” I called out.
No answer.
Is she mad at me? I guess I gave her reason to. Maybe… she is still healing.
I went over to another room, Maria’s and knocked.
“Who dares!” A familiar voice came out trough the door. “Interrupting my studies! I will have you flayed!”.
She opened a door holding a thick book.
She looked at me, and I looked at her.
“Hoo, How!?” She shouted.
“Surprised? Let me in.” I pushed the door.
She resisted a little at first but then she walked away and took a seat on a book pile. Her usual spot, I sat nearby looking at her.
“You stink.” She commented.
“Yes… I do. Listen about the fight, I confess that I went a little overboard. Some things happened and, well how long have I been out?” I asked.
“Three days.” She answered expressionless as she read her book.
As I suspected. That father of mine really did something to my body- Took his while too. I need to investigate it in the future…
For now I need to deal with the raid. Being acting-grandmaster and all… There must be some way to turn it to my advantage. I thought for a while.
I roamed about the room. Thinking… And noticed the mirror.
White as a wight… The hair Is starting to fall, my hands and feet turned black. There isn’t a pulse. I can keep feeding this body magic to keep it moving, but this is a problem; soon I won’t be able to interact with normal humans. I am rotting visibly, the electricity from that boy’s spell and the stabs did their damage.
And it won’t heal. The skin is cracked and my stomach is a sewed up mess; also have a few holes in my thorax that stopped leaking a while ago.
This body won’t last…
“I see you healed quite nicely.” I noted.
She threw me a sideways glance. A really cold one.
“Our master healers spared no effort In setting us right again. Not you though, you look like shit. More than usual.” She said.
“Listen… How is Ruth doing? She didn’t open the door when I went over to her room. We have work to do.” I got close to her and asked.
“How do you think? You almost killed her; even tortured her. Her wounds are fixed but I’m afraid you hurt her in a different way. Nothing like someone you love to break you… She hasn’t come out of her room for the whole three days, also I’m quite sure she hasn’t ate anything.” She explained.
“I see.”
“No you don’t… You are what you are. But if you wish for people to follow you, you can’t act the way you do.”
“Spare me the lecture.” I took her book from her hands and threw it on a pile.
“Get off your ass. Get dressed and come with me, we are going to town.” I commanded.
She tsked and did has she was told; we walked side by side in silence for a while soon exiting the monastery. We were going back to town.
I decided to break the silence halfway there.
“Tell me Maria, why do you do the things you do?” I asked.
She looked at me and spoke as we walked. “I already told you.”
“This path— it is not for you… You are weak. Soon you will be broken, it has it’s ways to do that.” I said.
“What-… Listen! You don’t know the first thing about me. This is what I want, and what I know. That’s it.” She answered angrily.
“You should find yourself a sweetheart and lead a peaceful life somewhere nice, picking mushrooms with the wind on your hair. With your skills you won’t lack comfort.”
“I already had one once… I killed her. This was my sacrifice, I chose this path do you understand?” Her voice now solemn.
“I have led a long life.” I whispered.
“Later on I found that the path of power… You don’t chose it. It chooses you, You will be broken soon, and if you won’t break you will burn. That will be your punishment for overreaching.”
“Take my advice. Run for the hills, while you can.”
She frowned and didn’t speak.
She doesn’t understand, neither did I back then. And honestly… If I could choose again I would make the same choice. For all the misery the small moments that mattered made it worth it.
I burnt and broke by choice, the path of power didn’t chose me; I chose it instead and in the end reaped the bloody rewards from it. Even through all the sacrifices I had to go through in the end I found that walking it was it’s own reward.
As for this girl? Who knows. It’s her choice.
“Take my advice girl, from someone who existed for thousands of years went through more despair than anyone would bear considerable.”
“What…?” She asked.
“Never regret a thing. That will be your victory.”
She nodded. She didn’t understand that either. But she will, if she lives long enough.
We entered town; now I must find out where those prats are hiding and… Well find an apology for Ruth; I will have uses for her now that I’m the boss.
And well… it would make me feel just a tad bit bad.