I don't own My Hero Academia!
It was just suppose to be a Game! Thinks one thirteen year old Midoriya Izuku as he stares at his reflection, at the name hovering over his head. Gentleman Draven Ose, it isn't the name he put down as his Avatar, then again, he's Avatar's race or looks weren't want he picked out for himself either.
Skin is dark gray with leopard spots of dark brown with hints of light darker gray can be noted on his forehead plus the edge of his eyes and casting his eyes down a bit, Izuku notices upon his neck. Looking down, he's got them on his currently bare arms and shoulders. His Avatar's eyes are a dark purple that sport a gemstone shine to them and are slit like some predators with black sclera. Those eyes send shivers down his spine while he feels his heart race up.
It takes a while before he finds himself able to continue examining his hair, which is off white and noting the pointed ears on either side of his head. Opening his mouth, his teeth are all pointed and sharp looking and his tongue sports a tiny fork at the tip of it but that's it. His teeth are white and his tongue is its normal red. Sticking his tongue out, he curls it and it responses, pulling his tongue back in and closing his mouth, he notices his lips are now black and thin.
Then there's the age of the Avatar, which seems to be early to mid twenties in age. It was far too aged up then is allowed for Players, which is aging up by five years or down by the same. It's clear that some kind of glitch happened to cause him to end up as he is.
He's dimly aware that he should be reacting far more strongly then he is, but he's just emotionally numb. Logically, he should be suffering a panic attack, this is far beyond what he's able to handle. So it's clear that it's something going on with his helmet's interface and it's doing something to his brain chemistry.
Finally leaving the bathroom, he walks around the room and looking for clues before pausing to access his Menu and smiles bitterly at the lack of Log Out or a Feedback option. Then he brings up his Character Menu and the first page shows his Avatar in all his 'glory' which also includes what he's wearing, which is a simple tunic and cotton pants. Rotating it, Izuku notices the placement of the leopard spots on the body along with how long his hair is.
There's a Bio Tab that he ignores, he'll read it later, and then goes to his Basic Stats Tab. He's Level is 5 and he's stats are already done, there's no spare points to spend. His race is the NPC only one, a Devil and the Noble House he is belongs to is House Ose, which is listed among the Seventy-two Pillars of the Underworld and the House Noble Ranking is that of President. His personal Title is Gentleman and it's the lowest Noble Title that a Devil born among the Noble Houses can possess.
And yes, he can advance within House Ose's own ranks, trying for the coveted Title of President of House Ose. From what he recalls upon researching the game, the set up of the Devils of the game are based off of some old religious book called Ars Goetia and Devils aren't the only Faction within the game. A lot of things were borrowed from old books and mythology concepts, examples of which range from Asian Oni and European Goblins to Greek Minotaurs and Indian Rakshasa.
A chime rings out and his Character Menu closes as he was reading his Magic and Skills Tabs. He's suddenly teleporting away from the room and, as his vision clears, Draven's head is pounding and rubbing his forehead. There's a number of voice groaning and cursing. He... feels like he's forgetting something, but, well, for now, it's best he focus on the meeting. A glance around shows there's at least eight others to be summoned for this meeting, an Oni, Hobgoblin, Orc, Minotaur, Rakshasa, Werewolf, Tengu, and Ogre.
He doesn't see the point in learning their names as of yet as he focuses on Ultimate Doom with a crimson Crown. The almost skeleton looking Elf's smile is very wide, so very wide and it's clear the Elf is rather gleefully studying each of them. "Well, nine Quirkless Players, more then I thought I'd get." Remarks the Elf and something about the word 'Quirkless' makes him want to grind his teeth as he gives the Elf a glare.
"Fuck off!" Snaps the Werewolf with a snarl and there's growling. The Elf chuckles in delight at the reaction that remarked caused.
"Well, the game's begun and I now have you nine as my Boss Monsters." Continues the Elf and he's a touch confused by what the Elf is talking about. The insane Elf's eyes land on him and he does his best to keep a neutral expression along with a polite pose as he files this away, it could be of use later.
"Some more impressive then others." Comments the Elf after a few seconds and glancing away, he can feel a few stare at him, likely already not liking that statement or what it implies. He's a member of House Ose, of course he knows how to keep a mask of neutral interest and how to ignore the urge to fret needlessly. He knows his place in his House and this promises to be a way for him to advance his standing within his House, perhaps even earn him a chance for marriage if he can prove he can provide for said wife and any child they might be able to conceive in such a union, he's young by his Race's standards but it matters not if he manages to prove himself in this regard.
"Now then, your Quest Log will give you the details you need for your respective tasks and be sure to terrorize any Players you happen to encounter, Adventurers or Laborers both." The Elf says and a book forms before him, a simple tab with his index finger sees the book fading while he gets a mental note that it has been added to his Character Menu. "Now, off you go kill, maim or torture and be sure to recruit!"
With that, Draven finds himself teleported back to his rooms at his Great Grandparents' estate. "At least he's not going to micro manage my course of action." He remarks out loud in the privacy of his empty room.
It's not long for him to change out of his current attire and into more formal cloths, he's sure to pack up every personal belong into his Dimensional Pocket. He's in possession of one hundred gold, a four hundred silver, and eight hundred copper. He's confident that he'll be able to recruit Devils from the labor force, there should be plenty who'd join his venture for a silver a month or less. The money should also allow him to purchase armor for them along with supplies.
It's now a question of where does he want to start with this venture, after all, while he's likely higher in levels of power to the current wave of Heroes and their Supports, it shouldn't take them long for their power to grow.
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"Temper, temper, little Hero." Draven remarks with a smirk which only serves to cause the already fire based caster to snarls and try to pull away from the wall that he's chained to. "Fuck you pansy ass kitty cat!"
Attempts are casting quick spells cause the shackles about the wrist to glow, interrupting the casting of spells. "So this is your Dungeon." Draven mentally sighs as he turns to regard Ultimate Doom, who struts through the door to regard the current prisoner.
"If I had known you were interested in a tour of my abode and would be honored to ensure you receive a proper look." He informs the insane Elf in a polite and respectable tone. "Who the fuck is this skeleton nut job?"
"He's got quite the mouth on him." Remarks Ultimate Doom, it's clear that the Hero's foul and curse language just amuses the other as the Elf walks lazily to stand before the Hero. "I'll blast your skull to bits before shoving that fucking Devil's intestines down his shitty throat!"
He's so tempted to roll his eyes but instead he casts a paralyze spell at the prisoner, noting how the other is beginning to tense his legs. "Ruin my fun why don't you?" The Elf says in a sulking tone.
"Forgive me but he was getting ready to try something stupid in regards to yourself and thought it prudent to prevent from happening." He explains politely and the Elf takes a moment to study the prisoner before grinning in pleasure. "And this is why your my favorite Boss Monster, always eager to protect your Master."
I rather not have you throwing a temper tantrum at my base of operations. I rather not rebuild them. Draven is tempted to say but instead remarks, "Is there anything you wish for me to do in concerns of this prisoner, sir?"
"Hmm...? Oh, perhaps, why, are you offering him to me?" Inquires the insane Elf possessing insane amount of power.
"If you wish to claim him, then please tell me so that I can ensure he is properly packaged with his belongs." He had this one captured simply to see how long it would take for a Hero to die of starvation, he could always capture another, there are plenty of foul tempered Heroes and Supports to pick from after all. The Elf grins widely and glances towards the prisoner, speaking to the Hero, "Hear that? I can claim you as a private play thing right now."
The Elf reaches out with his left hand while the right index taps his chin. The prisoner's head moves right and then left before the insane Elf steps to the side just a second before the paralyze spell wears off. A leg kicks forward and then the prisoner turns and tries to kick the Elf once more, it does hit as Ultimate Doom is already a few steps to the side while the Hero hurls out a limited vocabulary of curses, generally repeating the same ones in an unimaginative way.
"Well, this is boring, why don't we head for the kitchen? I'm sure you have something good to drink, you are a member of a Pillar House after all." Remarks the Elf, glancing at him with a smirk.
"Is there a particular favorite you wish to sample?" He inquires as he falls into step behind the Elf, the feeling of the heated glare at his back seems... nauseatingly familiar. It's hardly the first time the feel wells up within him and there's also a smug feeling of turn about and feeling guilty.
It fades once the door of the cell is closed, locked, and they walk for the stairs. Listening politely as the insane Elf doesn't really answer his inquiry but begins chatting about how pleased he is with how this game is going and chatting about the exploits of the other eight 'Bosses'. Clearly happy with how much of a brute so and so had been at this settlement, it's always been clear that the Elf has a preference for violence, finding it anything they did as amusing and very self satisfied, like he personally had a hand in helping them achieve such course of action or planning.
It's rather unsettling and it makes him feel uneasy, along with a sense of something important that's just out of his reach, like it this a critical detail that will make everything fall into place. It'll be a year since I started working for him. Draven mentally notes in a matter of fact way.
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"You ever fucked a tiger before? Or is it you're the one who prefers to take it up the ass?" He ignores the prisoner, who's still very much alive even though it's been a month since Ultimate Doom's visit and after not receiving any drinks for the pass six days. Draven casually uses a paralyze spell and regards the Healer he brought.
Wordlessly, the Healer approaches with a certain glint in their eye and begins to examine the Hero. Then moves on to examine the space about the Hero. A questioning look and the he gives a slight nod, the other Devil of common lineage begins to unlock the shackles of the Hero once the Healer applies the knock out drug.
"Fascinating." Healer Bina remarks as the two guards enter now, carrying the Hero out of the cell to take the foul tempered Human Hero to the prepared examination area that the Healer will be using. "And no food at all, for the pass thirty-two days? Or water for the last six?"
"No waste what so ever about his space either. No stench of an unwashed body." The typical red skinned common Devil muses as the Healer walks before him once the guards have carried the Hero out.
There's no point in commenting as it was something he had already covered with the Healer, he rather speak more after the examination. Healer Bina will only be with him for a week as she's on loan to him from a Great Uncle of his for not just two favors but also having paid in gold. He's got two weedy common Devils assigned to her and hope that they'll pick up a few things about the profession, both know how to treat creature aliments and it would save him money if they can learn to do the same for beings, or at least pick up the basics of the Healer writings and self study the profession, it's not like he can't raid Order settlements or buy from wandering Merchants said scrolls and books.
Escorting the Healer to the prepared room, Draven takes a moment to regard the set up, the Hero's always worn attire is now gone leaving underwear covering the privates. Satisfied with leaving the trio of common Devils to their appointed task concerning the Hero, he walks away. He tours the smelters and the forges before checking on the work of the carpenters and the lumber yard.
His newest expansions are coming along well while the masons and quarry-men are still off on the mission of mining suitable stone from the previously abandoned quarry. Yes, he did need to clear out a nest of Kobolds and their tamed ridge crested monitor lizards. He's not happy that he's had to build an out post there and keep it manned with a score of his fighters and support staff at all times as if he leaves it unoccupied for a minimum of three days, Kobolds would once more have made themselves at home within the quarry, which is unacceptable in his mind, given he rooted them out already.
His coffers are still filled decently enough and with the smelters now turning what ore they mine along with the stone into ingots, they can now make better metal armors and weapons that weren't bronze or copper as copper and tin ore are far cheaper to buy then iron. Some of the uncut gems that also get found are being sold as he doesn't have any use for them at this point in time. With better armed and protected forces under his command, he'll be able to target stronger settlements and pursue Ultimate Doom's plans of terrorizing Heroes and Supports.
The thought of the insane Elf causes him to frown as he stares off at the distance. Given the power the Elf possesses, he finds it hard to believe that the Elf needs him or the others. Given the 'subtle' plays of power, which weren't subtle at all in regards to Horde Lord Wrath the Orc or Pack King Ruthless the Werewolf, it's clear that the Elf should have no problem destroying one of the cities of the Order and yet, the Elf seems more content to spur them into doing so instead, with giddy glee and cruel amusement in his eyes.
Draven is a Devil, born to House Ose of the Seventy-two Pillars and he does not like being regarded as the Elf's play thing, a tool meant to amuse its 'owner'. Like the other eight members, he has no love nor hold true loyalty to the Elf but unlike the others, he's yet to make an effort into working against the insane Elf as well. There was nothing to be gained as of yet to rebelling to the Elf's twisted requests or trying to defend himself from the sweeping moods, which seems to be reason why he's regarded as the 'favorite' as he 'knows' his 'place'. Not that Ultimate Doom hasn't attempted to push him pass his limits in hopes of causing him to react in such a way as to be in need of 'correction' and thus has suffered humiliation upon humiliation, most often when the others are presence as well.
Even with his training in manners and in self control, he should have snapped at the Elf at least once this past year, if only because of his pride in his Noble House. Nor is there this... festering negativity focused on the insane Elf or at the others for witnessing such things. Just this bizarre, passively focus emotion of self loathing and this continuous sense of him being useless... of him not being of any worth.
He's done a lot of self reflection and can't, for the life of him, pin point what experience he has that could cause such emotions and self image issues to crop up! Draven knows that his House's standing isn't that high among the Pillars but that doesn't mean he was not any less of a Noble as those born to Houses in stations above his own. Like all children born to House Ose, he'd been groomed and educated to pursue goals that would align with benefiting his House and his standing within it. He's still far too young to be considered an actual contender for advancement within the House as he's not yet a century old and thus is allowed to do as he pleases as long as he doesn't do it in the Underworld or provoke open conflict with another House of the same standing.
Draven isn't the only Devil who's active upon the core plane of The Expanse nor is he the only one leading an army or in the process of laying claim to portions of land. The common Devils tend towards mercenary work of any kind while a greater of his fellow Noble Devils tend towards leading plundering armies or mercenary companies. And then there are a few others seek to secure resources for their future projects among the Underworld or set up profitable operations that could generate money, which is kind of what building this wooden fort which is slowly turning into a stone keep generally means. Yes, he's not above using the fort as a launching pad for raiding the Order settlements or for hunting down the odd Hero bounty, but his ultimate aim is for generating income so that he will have money to pursue a mastery or two in magical subjects once back in the Underworld, which can be expensive given the need for spell components and paying a teacher for lessons.
Yes, within a week of having met Ultimate Doom, he realized that it's doubtful that the insane Elf could help him cheat in climbing the social ladder of his House and feeling a touch foolish plus annoyed, he revisited his options. Sadly, he can't seem to cut ties with the insane Elf or he would have done so a long time ago. It's seems far too late for him to escape the Elf's clutches and this 'game' he is playing with the current generation of Order Chosen Heroes and Support.
He's done his best to escape his death multiple times and is highly motivated plus interested in continuing to do so as there has to be a price for the Resurrection that Ultimate Doom uses to bring the others back from their final rest. Which means he's in need of homing his skills and seeing to improving his forces. After all, while he may be able to win against a single Hero in single combat, the odd increase against him the more Heroes he faces as a couple of his common Devil recruits can kill a Support they would not hold long against a Hero.
His thoughts are interrupted by his Quest Log appearing before him and then flipping to a page, signalling that this Quest is new and that Ultimate Doom wish it to be completed as soon as possible. "White-Out, hmmm?" It's just as strange a name as all the other Heroes and Support that he schools his expression as he reads the details instead of skimming them once again.
Tapping the portrait of this White-Out, he can't help but wonder to himself, Why would he not retrieve you himself? After all, there have been other Quests of this nature had them creating distractions so that Ultimate Doom could collect some Hero or Support, even steal something from some Guild's vaults. The image is another Elf who sports spiky dark grey hair, gemstone blue eyes, and who's cloths are made out of leather. There is a simple long dagger on the belt and then there's a special belt that goes from left to right that possesses more knives, likely off of which are mean for throwing. Everything leading him to conclude that this White-Out is a range fighter and might be more into being a stealthy kind of Hero.
The type of Hero that is going to be hard to flush out.
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Ok, so maybe not so hard to flush out. Draven mentally amends as White-Out glares at the trio who just tossed the Hero down before him upon him dismounting from the Strider, a breed of horse that magic was used to alter their stamina to be hardier then a normal one. Taking out a pouch, he puts twelve thousand gold into it from his Dimensional Pocket and flings it to the feet of the leader of the three.
The Dwarf member of the trio walks over and picks up the leather pouch, without even counting it, the pouch vanishes with a nod from said Dwarf. "Pleasure doing business with you." The leader states and the trio are quick to use Teleportation Stones to leave the area.
Looking down, he notices a stick in the mouth with leather straps ensuring White-Out couldn't spit it out. A quick sleep sleep and the Hero is out, with that, he bends down and easily lifts the Hero onto the back of his Strider before getting back into it. With that, he and his escort of four leave, heading back the way they came.
It's only been a week since he crafted those flyers concerning a bounty on White-Out and how to contact him, Gentleman Draven Ose, in order to collect it. He decided not to really put much effort into the Quest after thinking about it for a day. Oh, Draven knew that the Heroes and Support have been having trouble managing their funds but didn't think they'd actually betray one of their own for a mere twelve thousand gold coins. After all, Support can build things and sell said things to the Temples or even to the Order merchants while Heroes gain money from 'mob' bounties never mind the money gained from raiding abandon ruins or non-Order settlements. It was a simple matter of fiances and knowing how to barter in the end yet, it seems that it's something that this generation of Heroes and Support lack.
He follows behind his two guards as they carry White-Out down the stairs into his prison cells. There's half a dozen dug out and out of them, only one is in use. The foul mouth and tempered Hero curses at them as they pass his cell, although there's beginning to be a lack of real heat in those words, then again, it seems that the Hero is starting to become effected by his surroundings and the lack of rescue attempts. After all, it's for that very reason he decided to capture him to begin with as the Human hadn't endured himself to his fellow party members and he figured that if that were true, then it's likely that the Hero hadn't endured himself at all among his fellow Heroes or among the Support.
It could also be the change in cloths as well. Draven muses thoughtfully as well as one of the guards holds White-Out while the other shackles the wrists and ankles. In the end, it matters not, Healer Bina could only suggest that it's some kind of Gods' Blessing upon the Hero, she had been unsure if all the Heroes and Support have it or if it's only granted when they are captured. Either way, it means that he doesn't have to order that the cell is to be added to the cleaning duty nor does he have to order the 'washing' of the Hero.
"There should be a special collar in my office, fetch it for me please." He state upon opening his Quest Log and checking the Quest for an update. Soon enough, it's just the single guard alone with the prisoner and himself.
Yes, he wants that stick gone from the mouth but he isn't going to chance anything just yet, given that the Quest did warn against allowing White-Out the use of his voice. Plus, the latest prisoner stirs and then jerks wide awake, then begins to glance around the cell. Teeth bite down more forcefully at the sight of him and those gemstone blue eyes glare at him.
White-Out tests his shackles and then glances down at his legs. The other guard returns and he, personally, clamps the collar about White-Out's check, even thought the Hero tries to fight against him by trying to sway to the sides. With it on, he takes one of the throwing knives and slices the leather. The stick gets spat at him but falls harmlessly to the ground as he puts the knife back.
"Let me go." He raises a simple eyebrow at the Hero. "Damn, it wasn't even fair! You just made those flyers and didn't even have the guts to track me down! Or even engage me in a fight! How's that not the actions of a coward?!"
"Who the fucking hell is that, you shitty excuse for a leopard?!" Bellows the other and with that, he decides to leave as the two Heroes are now yelling at each other. It seems his original prisoner's fire is back and one of the guards shuts and locks the door, then with a guard ahead of him and behind, they leave the prison area, heading up the stairs.
Closing the door and the yelling from below fades into nothingness. They part company as he heads for his office and the two head to the kitchen area to grab something to eat and drink. As he sits at his desk, Draven wonders when he can expect a visit from the insane Elf.
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It takes him a second to realize where to find the insane Elf and lets out a sigh as he gets out of his nice, warm, and comfortable bed. Draven manages to put something on, it was a quick pick really, and does a little to tame his hair before being forcefully Summoned to his own prison area. The Elf takes a moment to study him with what could only be, for Ultimate Doom at least, look in his eyes before turning back to said captured Elf Hero. "He is one of mine." There's a smug tone in announcing that.
Yea, the first prisoner is cursing and sniping, it seems that neither are really paying attention. It seems that the first prisoner isn't aware that he's here now. So, he turns a deaf ear to the ravings of the other Hero, being sure to focus on the two in the cell with him.
White-Out's expression darkens and regards him with a bit more interest their previous interactions. "So that makes nine then?" Inquires the Hero and there isn't a reply from the insane Elf, just a smirk.
"Some how, I find myself rather disappointed with this one." Remarks White-Out and he mentally sighs as Ultimate Doom's all defensive and offended over that causal remark. "Come now, he didn't capture me, he didn't do any of the hard work, just played off of the greed of the Players."
"I find it rather bemusing that your... Players would even consider twelve thousand gold to be a good amount to betray one of their own." He comments before Ultimate Doom could fall for the ploy the Hero is aiming for in a rather smooth tone. "In my mind, it's a rather insulting amount but then, I guess what I've heard about the current generation of Walking Legends and Wonder Makers concerning their mismanaging of their own funds and seemingly lacking the skills to barter are very true."
Ultimate Doom chuckles, clearly pleased with how he defused the Hero's comment. "That's one of the reasons why he's my favorite." States Ultimate Doom and White-Out is eyeing the two of them with a surprisingly good blank look.
"Give our previous discussion, I would have thought your... preferences would be towards the more... volatile temperament, particularly towards that Werewolf Boss of yours." White-Out comments in a dry and matter of fact tone. He doesn't need to glance at Ultimate Doom to know that the other Elf's mood has swiftly altered.
"Oh, I do just so love the others but at the same time, there's just something to be said for someone who knows their proper place in my organization and prove themselves capable of long term planning." Ultimate Doom remarks and he doesn't like how true that comment was as he keeps his thoughts from showing. The insane Elf approaches near White-Out and taps the collar. "We won't be having that... conversation again, I can't have you or your Quirk around to spoil my plans."
"And just what are you so afraid of? Don't think I didn't notice how quick your anger turned to concern or would the better term be fright?" Oh?
Withdrawing the hand, Ultimate Doom turns sharply. "Bring him." The insane Elf states.
"Might I inquire as to his fate?" He asks as he casually uses a paralyze spell upon the Elf Hero. Already moving to unlock the shackles, curious if he'll get an answer while his mind races in how to keep the insane Elf from making off with the Hero.
"Hmm..." It's clear that Ultimate Doom isn't sure himself. He easily swings the now unshackled Hero over his shoulder and politely waits for the insane Elf to figure something out.
"Shackle him back up, I have something to research." And with that, the insane Elf vanishes in a whirl of shadows. He casts a spell of silence upon the cell and then gently puts the Elf Hero down, being sure the back is near the wall and moves to stand by the door, waiting for the Hero to recover as he mentally works on how to get some trust out of the Elf so that he can get a measure of the truth.
White-Out scowls and moves to get up, but there's interest there, in those eyes. "What is it that you want, Devil?" The Hero finally asks but makes no move to pull out a weapon.
"I'm a Devil, what do you think I want?" He muses with a hint of amusement. The Hero scowls and tugs on the collar but he can see through the mask of neutral blankness.
"To be betray him, I think." Finally White-Out states. "I want free of him, yes, but I'm more interested in what power your... Quirk is and whether it can help me get pass a mental block that I seem to possess."
"You see, there are... inconsistencies concerning between what life I know I lived and the emotions I seem to possess." Draven finally admits after taking a second to consider how to explain it. Eyes widen slightly but the other clamps down on the emotion.
"And how do I know that once I helped you that I won't find myself... Well, tossed aside." Remarks White-out. Both studying each other in a wary kind of way.
"You don't." He agrees before adding, "But, for some reason, I think you'll want to take me up on this offer."
"And how, do you plan to go about winning my trust?" White-Out inquires and he gives the Hero a thin smile. "Why, not being shackled to the wall."
"Which means you expect me to not try and leave this cell then." The Elf muses. "Well, trust has to be given in order to be earned." He informs the Hero.
"Devils are two face." Remarks the Elf Hero with a frown. "Hardly our fault that the Order don't like employing magically binding contracts or teaches how to properly use and read Fae Runic Language." Draven states with a simple shrug.
"... You mean those things are actual things?" White-Out asks in a tone of disbelief and he moves quickly and moves the Hero's wrist, feeding a bit of magic into the skin before White-Out pulls away, but he activates the Gods' Marking. Within seconds, the layers of the Seal, a total of twenty-four, is on display. "Why yes, they do exist." He says in a dry tone, White-Out doesn't really look away form the slowly rotating Seal that makes up the Gods' Marking which is a magical contract between the Hero or Support to the Pantheon of Gods that Order worship.
The Gods' Marking slowly withdraw back into the wrist and he waits for White-Out to speak. It's clear that none of the priesthood have done much to teach the current generation of Heroes and Support, which really should be surprising yet, it doesn't. He's reviewed the previous generations of Walking Legends and Wonder Makers and it's clear that something more is going on among the Order's ranks, perhaps it's due to such a large gap of time between the previous and current generation, but there seems to be corruption among the Order, one that reaches into the priesthood it seems.
White-Out manages to spark the Gods' Marking and once more, the magical Seal appears but not in its total layers. "These markings are Fae Runes?" Asks White-Out as the Hero finally look up at him, there's excitement in those blue eyes.
"Yes, the Runes the Gods of Order use are called the Light set. The ones Orcs and the goblin breeds are the Blood set." He answers, not sure if he really should be sharing this but, being a source of likely needful information... Yes, White-Out won't be leaving, not now, the price of keeping him here is rather cheap all things considered.
"How many sets are there?" White-Out asks and he replies, "Hard to say, really, there's the Pure sets and then there's the Patchwork sets. It's hard to say what which sets are which, only the Gentry likely know and they left ages ago, heading into the black expanse instead of crafting a dimensional world of their own."
"Fine, I won't try to leave." White-Out states after frowning and running a hand through his hair. Now to figure out how to prevent Ultimate Doom from entering right into the cell without any warning. He thinks to himself as he gives a nod of acknowledgement.
He leaves and locks the door behind him, content that things were looking up.
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Hitoshi allows himself to relax now that Gentleman Draven Ose is gone for a few minutes, the silence spell also fade and he can hear Lord_Murder|Exploder shouting out abuse. Yea, nobody really cared that the Adventurer Player had vanished and nobody has heard from him for almost two months. He accesses his Inventory and pulls out his sleeping bag plus something to eat.
Calling up his Friend List, he selects ErasingError and begins to type out a report, namely how he got turned in, the names of those Players who let their greed overcome their common sense, and then mentioning about Gentleman Draven Ose, his relationship as serving under Ultimate Doom and it seems that the shackles of the cells interfere with use of his Character Menu. His gaze strays towards his wrist and sports that Gods' Marking, suddenly wondering if it the just something that's typical when it comes to any shackles, after all, the metal does cover the spot rather easily.
He puts that into the message along with the information the Devil mentioned concerning the Runic language along with mentioning that there is such a thing as a magical contract and it sounds like the Order doesn't employ them. Then he explains how to bring up the Gods' Marking, questioning why none of the NPCs of the Order bothered to demonstrate how to call up the magical Seal that makes up the Gods' Marking. He also mentions that it seems that the Devil is going to try and win his trust, as he's not shackled to the wall but he's been asked not to try and leave his cell.
Hitoshi mentions that his Quirk is being canceled due to a collar and that, there's hope that he could get the Devil to remove it. He doesn't trust this Devil but, well, he doesn't have to trust the Devil, just trust that he'll uphold his bargain. He does mention Lord_Murder|Exploder being held here, it's more of an after thought.
He sends the message and then eats some jerky to get rid of his hunger condition, along with the phantom pangs of hunger. With that, he moves into the sleeping bag and for the first time since his capture, he actually gets a restful sleep.
! = - ^ o ^ - = !
Sitting on the chair and across from Draven, the leopard themed Devil is studying the game board upon the table. It's been two weeks going on three since that visit from Ultimate Doom and the Devil has visited him four days after, their discussion had been short but he get a few questions answered and put in a request for a book, due to him being bored. A guard delivered a book in the afternoon, it was different then the books he's usually found within the Order's Libraries, for one, the author was a Minotaur and for another, the tale's tone was different, likely due to the influence of what culture the Minotaur race came from if he were forced to guess.
It also somehow was suitable for his mood, even if sported too much drama for his taste and the tragedies within could be avoided if they just talked with one another or by employing common sense, well, what he thinks is common sense. Still, the next day, Draven arrives and inquires if he wished for another book or if he's still not done reading the first. Which led to him criticizing the book and it's clear that the Devil finds his thoughts of the book to be amusing.
Returning the book, the Devil left and that afternoon, he gets another book, this time, it's a collection of short stories. The collector being a Hobgoblin. Each story was clearly from different races, including a few from Order belonging races. There's at least two stories from each race, some are what you'd expect and others... not so much. Which might be why the Hobgoblin put which story came from what race at the back of the book.
And now, he's out of the cell for the second time, the previous time had been so he could use the bathing pool. That had been two days previously and now, since he is following ErasingError's order concerning learning the basics of the Fae Runic Language, he's being taught a game that's not unlike scramble only with a more magical bend. The game is that of a child's and he's not sure about which race created it, after all, the Devil doesn't fully know the rules that well himself, he's only got an edge due to being more familiar with the Runic language.
"Devil made?" He finally asks curiously. "Rakshasa." His foe states while focus totally on his titles with a look of concentration.
Huh. He kind of felt that Draven is telling the truth. "You... look different then your... underlings." He notes and the Devil sitting across from him snorts.
"Of course I do, I'm born to the House Ose." The leopard themed Devil states as if it explained everything, but, it kind of doesn't, to him. Draven turns a few tiles before sighing, taking a blue gem, he places it on the board, signaling he's passing his turn.
"So all members of House Ose look similar to you?" He asks curious as he lays out two of his tiles, completing a Seal, which earns him all the gems that's on the board. The Devil discards all four of his tiles and draws from the blank pile, they light up with a bit of magic on the side the gray skinned Devil holds up at himself.
"No, there are some who's other House parentage shine through a touch more strongly then the House they are born in." Explains the Devil. "And if they prove they have more in common with that other House, then the Head of House, in the case of my own, it will be the President of House Ose, either approaches or is approached by either the other Head of House or, if the House is of higher standing, by a representative of that House concerning the transference of said Devil to the other House."
"These Houses are Nobility for Devils." He muses. Which explains the differences in appearances.
"We Devils have Seventy-two Pillar Houses, President tier is the lowest among the Nobility with King tier being the highest." Draven informs him, taking a moment to study him. "And yes, all the Devils I have hired are what we term common Devils."
"Can't afford to hire another Noble or is it more due to fear of being over thrown?" Draven chuckles and he blinks, kind of taken back by the sudden expression of emotion. "While old enough to be out on our own, to survive by out own devices, we are not yet considered adults by our Races standards. The life span of a Pillar Devil are far greater then that of a non-Pillar Devil."
"Simply put, we each get some funds and are allowed to leave the Underworld in pursuit of our personal desires or indulging in baser instincts." He blinks while the Devil continues. "As long as we do so outside of the Underworld, we are allowed a great deal of freedom until we either die before our times due to our ill thought out choice of life style or we manage to live to be a century of age, returning to our respective House much wiser and ready to settle into productive roles within our House, all the while seeking opportunities to advance ourselves within our Houses social ladder."
"So... your pretty much a teenager in your race's eyes." Hitoshi summarizes and Draven clearly doesn't see the point in commenting for or against that assumption. He finds it kind of interesting and on some level making him a touch more confident in regards to dealing with the Devil, after all, it's clear that the Devil is young and still starting out concerning this stage of life as an independent teenager. Then again, it's clear that, as a Noble, the other has received training in social skills meant to allow him to command over those lower then his own social standing, both the positive and negative.
And yet he makes better company then most that I can name off the top of my head. He mentally admits with a touch of sourness. It's tiring dealing with the swears and empty threats of his fellow captive.
A few rounds and he finally asks, "Why haven't you killed him?" The Devil raises a slight eyebrow and he expands, "Lord_Murder|Exploder."
There's a slight look of confusion in those purple eyes before the other gets it. "Ah, that one. There's no point in killing him, he'll just revive at an Order Graveyard or Temple and given his character, likely try hunting me down after recruiting others." Ok, point to you. "After all, he can't escape nor cause harm beyond that to ones ears from the volume of his voice these days. His cussing isn't very creative nor does he seem to thrive very well without an audience who is overly responsive, in either regard of positivity or negativity."
Huh. That's something to think about. He mentally admits. It's times like this that he feels like he's talking to an actual person and not some well crafted AI meant to act out a NPC.
"And until I arrived, you and your underlings can easily just avoid the cells, so there wasn't any point in investing in a permanent silencing spell on his cell." He remarks and Draven hums in agreement. "So, why did you capture him in the first place?"
"I was curious if I could hold one of you indefinitely without needing to feed him or provide drink." Remarks the Devil. "It has been... an interesting endeavor and rather enlightening."
He's not sure how he feels about that, then again, it's true that it's not like they actually need to eat or drink, it's just simple phantom sensations that can be ignored. "You haven't been... You know, doing anything else?" He asks.
"Brought in a Healer to ensure that he wasn't suffering any harm from lack of food and drink." The other finally admits after studying him for a minute. "What we found most interesting as to do with the lack of waste and ill body odor. It was rather puzzling, I thought I'd at least have to move him from cell to cell in order to clean up any messes."
It's clear that it baffles the Devil every so slightly and he guesses he could maybe see where the NPC is coming from. "No torturing him?" And Draven sighs softly, "No point, he's not someone who possess much in the way of empathy and is rather self centered. We're all 'data' trash this one day, the next fucking bits of shitty 'coding' mob that, etc, etc."
"And if your not careful, he'd die from said torture." He notes and Draven's lips turn up every so slightly but doesn't reply. Then again, that's telling enough and, well, yea, it seems that until somebody decides to rally a large enough raiding party of Players to storm this fort, Lord_Murder|Exploder is safe and not bullying anyone verbally or otherwise.
Looking down at his tiles, he does his best to remind himself that this Devil will be turning him over to Ultimate Doom, after all said and done. And yet, he can't help but find himself growing rather fond of the Devil simply due to the fact that the guy hasn't gone back on his word.
! = - ^ o ^ - = !
A guard knocks on the door, waking him. "Put the stuff away, we're about to get a visit from that Elf. Gentleman Ose says to tell you if you put the shackles on yourself, you'll be able to get out of them as well." With that, the Devil heads off and it takes him a few seconds to mutter a curse.
Hitoshi does put the sleeping bag away and frowns as he studies the shackles, not sure if he should trust whatever it is that Draven had planned. In the end, he moves and testing the shackles around his feet, he can close and open them, he bites his lower lip but does shackle himself to the wall, wondering just what the Devil's plan is concerning Ultimate Doom. Being nervous, it feels like time is passing by far too slowly.
Then the door opens, slamming slightly against the wall, which wakes the other prisoner, who does what he typically does and spews repeating insults and curse words. Then he jerks at the sight of the insane Elf looking at him through the barred window of the door. "Still haven't relieved him of his weapons or armor?"
"The Human's manners might improve if he was wearing the appropriate attire." Response Draven in a rather neutral tone. There's more cursing coming from Lord_Murder|Exploder.
"And you didn't see fit to do the same for this one?" Even he knows that's a trap and yet, it seems that the Devil seems to know how to disarm it. "I apology for not thinking to dress your prisoner up as my own prisoner."
Oh... Good one. He couldn't help but think. "He is mine." Muses Ultimate Doom and the Elf moves back, he watches as Draven stands before the door, then opens it, moving to the side like a well mannered butler, allowing the unstable Player into the cell. "It's good to see you once again, aren't you happy to see me? I'm sure your stay here isn't what it could have been."
"I've been well enough and are you who I file complaints with concerning my stay? I mean, I kind of have this major one but your pet Devil didn't see fit to fulfill it." He remarks drily.
"Oh, and what request was that?" And the guy just walks right into that one. "My freedom." Is the easy reply and emotions flicker about before the insane Player choices to laugh.
He keeps his eyes on Ultimate Doom given that he's pretty sure that Draven is exercising his social training in this little encounter. "Well, yes, that issue. Oh, don't worry, you'll have your freedom... from this cell." He does his best to not flinch at the reminder of why the Elf is here.
"Oh yes, I have something planned for you." There's a wide, predatory smirk with eyes glinting with dark amusement. "I'm sure it wouldn't hurt... much."
"So, time spent behind another set of bars and still no room service? I think I'll pass as I have enough of that here." He remarks. "I might not have visited your establishment as of yet, but I think I know I have a better thing going on here, with your pet." He kind of expects a glare but a lazy look sent the Devil's way shows very little in the way of emotion nor does the pose seem to give anything away.
"Maybe after I'm done with you, I'll return you to my favorite's possession." Remarks the Player. "Unshackle him, I'll be taking him."
"Of course." And he's hit with a paralyzing spell before Draven approaches, and like before, the Devil asks the all important question, "I hope your previous testing went well in preparation for this one's fate."
"Testing! Who needs... I mean, it should..." He's on the Devil's shoulder now as Ultimate Doom muddles with worry and personal pride.
"Perhaps we should take my other prisoner along to ensure that your course of action will result in what it is you aim for." Suggests the Devil, he'd relax if he could when it looks like the Player considers the suggestion. "You know, this is the second time you've offered that one to me." Muses the most likely real life Villain.
"If he is not to your liking then perhaps I should fetch you another? After all, if he dies then all this work in retrieving him goes to waste." Like you actually worked to get me in the first place. He thinks sourly at the Devil.
"Damn it, you're right! And I really wanted to turn him into a huge, blood thirsty monster!" Whines Ultimate Doom like a child and he's not sure if he should be thrilled at the stalling tactic or guilty because it could lead to other Players getting targeted. Then again, this is Lord_Murder|Exploder that's being offered and that guy... nobody likes him.
"We can take both and if everything works out, then you will have two huge, blood thirsty monsters." Reasons Draven. He's amazed at how much like a spoiled brat the Player is that the suggestion seems to brighten up Ultimate Doom's face, like it didn't occur to him before that he could have two in rapid succession.
Wouldn't take much for the blood thirsty part with that one. He mentally muses as said prisoner continues to hurl curses and threats about without even realizing he's subject of a discussion, that his fate is being decided. The irony is, if the other would shut up for a few seconds, he might have been able to realize the danger he's in.
"Well, if he's unneeded..." Ultimate Doom remarks. "He's served his purpose some time ago." Assures Draven. "Then I accept."
The Devil waits for the other Elf Player to exit out of the door. "We will be entering negotiations after this, Hero." Murmurs the Devil before following after the Player.
He would have stiffen if he could, jerk his head and looked at the Devil. After all, nobody ever called any of the Players that, although they mention them being heroic, but that could be switched out with brave. In fact, there's no linkage between an Adventurer or Laborer sporting the title of Hero. In fact, most NPCs act like the word doesn't even exist nor do they seem to register the word if one asked them for a random tale concerning a local Hero, you'd just be asked about 'what kind of story are you interested in again?'
So, how can he know of that word? Never mind think to call me one?
To be continued . . .
Author's Note: Taking FireHedgeHog's advice and creating an actual story for this. Yea, I reached three chapters now, will be posting the second come September 3, 2018. Also doing some minor edits to the first chapter.