Disclaimer: I do not own Overlord or any other intellectual property used in this story and would like it if none of you clamed I did.
Note: Fight scenes are hard to write.
(Sounds)
"Talking"
'Thinking'
-Messages
Special Item Name
"Special voice"
[Spoken Spell/Ability]
{Wordless Spell/Ability}
Run in [Defense up], [Attack up], run back and repeat.
Run in [Speed up], [Defense up], glare at Brita and run back. Repeat.
Run in…
"God this is dull." I told myself while adjusting my new gloves.
'Can't let what happened back in the infirmary happen again just because I was carless.' I reasoned.
"Well I'm not sure what you were expecting when you agreed to be back here Erdrick, but hey at least now you'll get at least a little payment for the goblins we kill." Joked Jeff.
"I know, it's just that the running back and forth is really tedious." I said as I watched for the previous buffs to wear off.
"Hey at least nobody can say that you can't keep up. What's that like the third time you've sprinted a quarter mile and back in less than five minutes? Hell you're not even breathing heavy. For a spell-caster that's pretty impressive and that's not even mentioning the amount of spells you've been casting." Praised the bow welder as he let loose an arrow into the chest of another goblin.
'That is true, ever since I got this new body I have yet to reach my physical limits and considering my past life, it is rather fun to do so much and not even feel it.' I smiled internally and without realizing I had made a mistake.
"Speaking of your spells it's rather incredible how many you know…" another arrow flew. "…but something is rather strange." Said a concerned Jeff.
"What's that?" I half mindedly asked.
"I've seen enough spell-casters to know that by this point they'd be running on empty and I'm not talking about all the actual running you've been doing." Pointed out Jeff.
"What are you getting at?" I questioned back.
"What I'm getting at is that you don't even seem a little concerned about running out of spells or steam for that matter. I'd normally be telling someone like you not so push yourself, but you don't seem even phased by it…" he let the statement hang.
"…" I gave no response, simply turned my attention towards the bow user with a raised eyebrow.
"What I'm getting at here Erdrick is there is no way you're the novice spell caster you say you are. So I'll ask you. Just how much are you hiding from us Erdrick?" Said Jeff now aiming his bow in my direction. In that instant it seemed as if Jeff's entire demeanor changed from what it had been a second earlier. Going from his normal carefree expression to a near dagger like stare in my direction.
This seem to set off a whole set of alarms in my head and forced me to directing myself towards Jeff. Out of caution I mentally prepared a spell in my head to defuse the situation should it escalate.
"Clearly your one of the most skilled spell casters I've ever seen given your age. You could probably be assigned to royal mage in a year or two if you really wanted to. Yet you join a group that amounts to city attack dogs… and for what?" Pulling back on string harder Jeff continued. "You can see why I'd be less than trusting when it comes to you being here." As he spoke the bow in his hand creaked in protest to not having been released. A sound which only helped to elevate the tension of the situation.
Tension which was mostly lost to me. 'Damnit, not again! How many times am I going to mess up this incognito shit!?'
Taking a second to calm down I got my mind back on track. 'He does have a point though. Back in the game people with my level would spam the shit out of low level spells like these no problem. Yet here someone of my supposed level probably could never do what I just did without risking exhaustion. Also if I do come off as high level as he says, it would be rather odd for me to join such a low ranking team.'
"I think your just overreacting Jeff. Mabey I'm just more physically fit then most spell casters you've seen. I do work out after all." I joked while pumping my fist in hopes of bluffing my way out.
Jeff only seemed to grin back. "And that just tells me that I was right. Nobody, but the most powerful spell casters could look down a bow at this range and talk back so calmly."
'Damnit!'
Realizing there was nothing I could do to salvage the situation I dropped any pretenses of lying. "Fine, fine, you got me. Now what?"
Tightening his grip, the man continued. "Now come the questions. Why are you part of this team?"
Deciding it best to answer I replied truthfully. "I did not lie when I said both Anima and I are not from around here. It was also truthfully when I explained that this a learning venture for both of us."
Jeff's eyes only narrowed at my answer. "Why hide your true abilities then? Why not join a more professional team with the guild and earn a high rank then use that to get what you want?"
For a second I was unable to respond. Having not really placed much thought on it. Giving it a second I realized I couldn't come to a quick conclusion. 'Why did I join this team specifically?'
I knew I had originally joined because it was convenient, but since then I figured I could have joined some of the higher grade teams if a really wanted to. So why didn't I?
I contemplated for a moment before I came to a rather embarrassing conclusion one that I realized was only exemplified by my acceptance of Brita's plan to put me in the backline where no one, but Jeff would pay attention to me. Looking away from the older man I mumble the answer under my breath in hopes he couldn't hear it. Unfortunately Jeff seemed unwilling to let that answer be and told me to speak up.
Clenching my fist I mustered up my confidence and replied back a little louder than I would have liked. "I'm shy okay!"
This seemed to throw off the man and all he could muster back was a "Huh?" in reply.
Ignoring the slight burning of my face I pressed on realizing this could be my chance to end this without bloodshed. "It may be easy for some, but I personally have a problem when it comes to getting attention. I have issues talking to people if it isn't in a sarcastic or serious tone. I don't particularly have an easy time around other people. I become agitated if surrounded and tend to make an ass out of myself when I'm exposed to too much pressure which I would be constantly under if I showed off like you said I should." I got out before I realized I might have let out a little more than I had expected to.
Once again Jeff seemed dumbfounded. "That's it?"
I nodded back.
"So let me get this straight. You hid the fact you were a Mythril-Class mage because you don't like attention?" He disbelievingly asked.
Once again I nodded back.
Within a second of my reply I could see Jeff's bow begin drop and the shaking of his shoulders as he attempted to stifle his laughter.
"Yea, yea laugh it up, but don't come crying to me next time you need a buff cus all you'll be getting is the same treatment. Asshole." I bit back.
"Fine by me, but don't blame me when everyone starts staring at you come lunch time. Geez, the rest of the teams going to love this." Jeff said through his own laughter.
I paled a little at this. "Oh no you're not. I've worked too hard to let you ruin my secret just like that." I pulled out my staff in hopes of adding a bit of emphasis to my words.
He just waved off the threat. "A bit late for that Erdrick. If you were into silencing people through force you would have pulled that out long ago."
Clicking my tongue I lowered my staff. 'Damn his perception. Damn it to hell.'
With a huff of air I let my temper drop. "Fine, but you have to make sure the rest of them don't say anything about my dilemma. Got it?"
Cupping his hand around his chin in a thinking pose before response. He said "Not sure about the rest of them, but if that's the only rule then I guess Ivan and Brita are the only ones I can really tell."
I groaned a bit at the second name.
"Now, now, don't go giving me that. I know you two aren't on the best of terms, but if you confine in her a secret like this I have no doubt she'll keep it the best she can." By the look on his face I could tell he wasn't lying.
"Think of it as a way to mend old bridges if you want to rationalize it to yourself." Under the scrutiny of reason I couldn't help cave to the man's logic.
"Fine, but don't expect me to like it." I threw back a weak retort.
"Oh trust me I don't expect you too." At that I just grumbled again.
'I hope Anima is having a better time than I am at this whole team thing.'
/Anima POV/
"You insolent worm, how dare you even place yourself within the same realm as Momon-san. I should-"
"-Flay you alive right now, blah, blah blah, do you ever stop threatening people or going on about how amazing your precious Momon is?" I mocked.
At the comment Nabe's face seemed to only grow redder in anger. "I wouldn't have to if you would simply recognize Momon-san's abilities." Ground out the frustrated Nabe.
"Well sorry princess, but from where I'm standing both Momon and I killed the exact same number of enemies when we got attacked." I retorted while pointing towards the stacks of dead bodies dotted around the field.
This only seemed to agitate Nabe further. "As if someone such as you could ever hope to match Ainz-sama." The girl attempted to hide under her rising breath, but her anger seemed to have waned on her control because I could just barely make it out.
'There's that name again. Ainz…'
Before I could continue the argument the man in question stepped between the two of us to end the dispute before it could escalate. "I've heard enough out of both of you." Chastised Momon.
Turning to Nabe first. "Nabe you should know by now that arguing with Anima will lead nowhere." The girl seemed ready to retort, but what seemed like a stern stare down from Momon and not a word escaped her lips. Having dealt with his partner Momon turned to me, but said nothing.
"What? Don't have anything to say?" I said.
"…"
"Hey, don't go blaming this on me. All I said is that I should get an equal split to you considering we both killed the exact same amount." I tried to defend.
"…"
"You can't just stand there and pretend like this is all my fault, she had just as much to do with this as me." I pointed to the still seething Nabe.
"…"
"Ugh, fine! I'm sorry, just don't go expecting me to let those insect comments slide from now on." I huffed out before leaving to go cool off.
/Momonga POV /
Watching, the now agitated, Anima leave I let out what felt like a breath from the lungs I no longer had. 'Glad to see that Erdrick-sans tip to simply "stare her down until she caves" worked out. Although I must say that girl can be rather scary when she wants to.'
I turned back to Nabe. "Is there a reason for your constant need to disobey my orders?"
She seemed to squirm under my gaze, but forced out a response nonetheless. "You heard what she said Momon-sama. How could I possibly let such a transgression pass without retribution?"
"It is neither your place, nor your right to decide whether or not someone is of adequate skill to me. That being said Anima-san has shown equal if not a greater proficiency for physical combat than either you or I." this seemed to shake Nabe a little at the prospect.
'Even through I'm just a spell caster the sheer fact that a regular looking person like her could surpass a level 100 in any form, regardless of class or stat allocation, is rather worrying. That's not even to talk about her clear proficiency in fighting. If she is truly holding back then it would be best to eliminate or turn her over before she becomes a possible problem.'
"Nabe, I request you keep a close eye on Anima-san. Should she ever pose a direct threat to Nazirack I give you permission to eliminate her. If you do so I recommend it done in silence and without her knowledge. I fear you would not fare well in a straight up brawl." I commanded the maid.
"As you command lord Ainz." She knelt.
Although after her previous outbursts I was a bit skeptical so I added a small bit to the order. "Also, don't just do so next time you just get angry at her." I stipulated.
I that I noticed there was a miniscule twitch in her kneeling posture." A-as you command."
'Anima is right, she is really easy to read at times.' Shaking my head of those thoughts we headed back to the rest of the party who were talking about something called a wise king. 'Interesting.'
/Anima POV/
'Damn that Momon and his helmet. I can't tell what that guys thinking through that thing.' I seethed to myself.
"Don't be so angry Anima. I still think you were pretty cool out there." Said a voice behind me.
"Sigh, sorry Nina. I don't know what it is about that girl, but something about her just pisses me off to no end." I said while clenching the nearby tree, which strained under the grip.
The young boy only seemed to be slightly perturbed by this and seemed contempt to continue talking. "Are you perhaps jealous of her?"
"Jealous? Of her? Why would you think that?" I questioned back.
"Well she is rather beautiful and you seem rather protective of your brother. I was just thinking you might have found her to be some kind of… Uh, Anima are you still their?" asked Nina, but the words did little to register in my mind at the moment.
'Erdrick-sama wouldn't pick that bitch over me… would he?' I thought to myself having realized Nina's concern. It was only after a quick shake from the boy that I came out of my stupor. "What, sorry: I blanked out for a second there. What else were you saying Nina?"
"I was saying we should probably head back soon if we want to set up camp before night fall." The boy said clearly smart enough to not continue the previous conversation less Anima get too angry. "Oh, also before I forget. I should warn you to be careful around the village." Warned Nina.
"What, why?" I asked back.
"Well you see Carne village is under the protection of the wise king of the forest and if you stand out too much it might take it as a challenge to its territory and attack." He explained.
"Ah, so I should be less badass than normal."
"Uh, yea sure." Said the boy a little unsure.
"Should I also keep low as well?" Turning around to the new voice I noticed Momon had been standing right behind us.
"Oh hey Momon. Sorry about what happened earlier. I didn't mean to get so hot headed with you." I apologized.
"Apology accepted. Now, what was this about a wise king?" he asked seemingly not caring too much about our earlier squabble.
I shrugged and let it slide, didn't affect me if he didn't care. Placing attention back to Nina I listened on to his words of caution. "Oh right, sorry Momon-san I should have included you in this. Must have slipped my mind." Momon just waved off the apology in favor of listening.
"Anyway as I was saying, I think you two should keep a low profile when we arrive to the village and when we're out looking for the herbs or you might agitate the Wise king of the forest." He re-warned.
"Would you mind explaining what this wise King is?" Momon asked.
"Well, the thing is that not much is known about the Wise king. The only things I really know is that some say it's a four-legged monster with silver fur and a snake-like tail. Not only that, but it's also said to be capable of using magic and possesses incredible power. Supposedly it's lived in these woods for several hundred years. As strong as you are Momon-san I wouldn't recommend fighting it." Explained the mage.
"I see…" said the large man in consideration.
'I wonder if I should tell Erdrick-sama about this so called Wise King. Mabey I should confirm its strength before I involve him in this. Wouldn't want him getting worked up over something miniscule after all.' Having made up my mind I followed the other two back to the carriage were everyone was setting up the tents. 'I hope Erdrick-sama doesn't have to deal with something dangerous like this Wise King.'
/Erdrick POV/
'Alright, what the hell is this damn itching feeling I've been getting all day!" I internally yelled to myself as I stood peering towards the distant cave where our supposed targets were located.
I was frustrated because ever since the sun had set I couldn't shake this damn feeling of unease I had been having and it was driving me crazy.
It also seemed like my dilemma had left me with more than just internal signs of distress if the look Jeff was giving me was anything to go by.
"Hey, you alright Erdrick? You've seemed tense for a while now. Do you need to take a break?" he asked while inspecting his arrows for defects.
The question pulled me out of my thoughts and I realized I had been griping my staff to point it was beginning to creak from the pressure.
Releasing a sigh I apologized. "Sorry, but I've just felt on edge for a while now and I'm not sure why."
"Hey no problem man. It's probably just that this is your first real mission and you're nervous." He reasoned.
"No I don't think so. And trust me when I say I know what nervous feels like and this isn't that. It's something else… it's like uh… oh, I know. It's a lot like yesterday."
"Yesterday?"
"Yeah, after you pulled your bow on me I got like alarm bells in my head and a hard tension in my shoulders. It's a lot like that, but minus the bells, also this is much stronger than that for sure." I said even though the first thing that came to mind for the feeling was as if someone was constantly holding a rubber band at full tension to my head, but decided this would be a better descriptor and less mundane.
"Bells? I think that's your instincts Erdrick." He said with an odd look on his face.
"My instincts? I suppose that makes sense considering the context." I said while contemplating to myself.
'But if that's true then why are they going crazy now?'
"Do you have any idea on why they're so active?" I asked the archer.
He just shrugged. "Can't rightly say. I should be asking you that. Most people know what their instincts are telling them after all." Jeff took a second to think before his eyes shot open and he looked over to me.
"Erdrick, have you never used your instincts?" he asked. A bit of disbelief evident in his voice.
'Huh, I suppose I haven't. I mean less than two weeks ago I lived in a society that didn't really have much need for battel instincts. So of course I wouldn't know what they mean… still doesn't explain them acting up.'
"Hm, thinking about it. No, I don't think I've ever really put them to use." I admitted not putting much stock in what I had said.
Undenounced to me Jeff was having a mini breakdown next to me before finally bursting forward. "What!? How have you even survived this long if you don't even know what your own instincts are telling you?" He yelled before clamping his hand over his mouth having realized we were still supposed to be the stealthy half of the group.
"Seriously Erdrick I understand you're new to the whole city thing, but what did you do before now? Did you just overpower any enemies you faced up until now?" he whispered.
Rubbing the back of my head I realized another downside to being from a time of low civilian conflict. "Would you believe me if I said this has actually been the closest I've actually ever been to real combat." I said sheepishly.
"…"
"…" Not wanting to continue this particular conversation for fear of embarrassing myself further I grew quiet In hopes of having the conversation die.
"WHAT!?"
Unfortunately as I had learned Jeff was not someone to let go easy. "Does Ivan know you have zero combat experience?!" He half whispered half shouted.
"Not technically. I did tell him don't know a lot about being an adventurer." I attempted to defend.
"Erdrick, there's a difference between not knowing how to be an adventurer and never having set foot on a battleground! One says you've never done a hunting job the other says you're near useless in a battle! Heck the second one makes you a liability!" By this point Jeff seemed just about ready to call over Ivan and have me sent back.
At the same time I was busy berating myself for such a huge oversight.
'Damnit he's right. Even in real life I've never been in anything that could count as a brawl. I don't typically consider myself a short tempered person, abrasive sure, but not hot headed so I never instigated anyone enough to fight me. Doesn't seem like I'm going to be able to cruse like that in this world though… Hopefully my abilities should be able to compensate for that huge error.'
Surprisingly it was Jeff who came up with an excuse for me. "Heh, Oh well. At least you're pretty good with those spells of yours. To tell the truth if it weren't for those I'd be sending you back to the city as soon as morning broke." He said while scratching his head in clear frustration.
"Thanks for giving me a chance Jeff."
"Yea whatever, just don't go picking a fight with Brita cus she's just going to crush you in a straight up fight."
"I'll be sure to take that into consideration next time she goes too Brita on me." I joked.
At that he simply gave an audible chuckle. "Either way, I'm sure that feeling is just you overacting to your first real battle so don't take it too seriously. Can't have you shitting yourself in fear half way through a raid." He teased.
I gave a half smile clearly still unsure about the feeling. Jeff paid it little mind.
"Anyway get ready because the shows about to start." He said while pointing in the direction of the clearing.
Close to the cave I could see the rest of the team was in position to enter the cave. Once they gave the all clear from the entrance I would make my way in with them to continue supporting them while Jeff stayed outside in case something happened and we needed someone to report back to the city. It was a bit of a breach in the plan I had goaded Brita into making, but after seeing how effective my spells had been Ivan decided it best to remove a few restrictions for this half of the mission. Either way it was no skin off my back.
It was only a moment after confirming that the team was moving in that I was struck by a feeling akin to having an icicle replaced my spine. From within the cavern a figure sped out and became illuminated by the towering moon. The moment it did I was assaulted once again by the bells I had experienced the other day, but this time they were going absolutely ballistic. So much so that I didn't even register the hideous leech faced monster had moved until the first splashes of blood began to rain down.
But rather than my brain, it was the instincts I had been trying to ignore up until now that took over. They knew I needed something fast and I needed it now.
The bow that appeared in my hand was not given a second thought as I mindlessly pulled the string back and the arrow was set loose. The thunderous TWACK of the string didn't even make me flinch as I was entirely focused on the arrow I had just sent across the clearing.
Even as fast as the projectile was the monster was faster as it had somehow already slaughtered most of its prey. A truly frightening accomplishment considering the arrow had cleared the distance in less than five seconds.
The arrow was now mere milliseconds from the monster who was now unknowingly standing between a speeding arrow and the few team members still remaining.
It was when the arrow was within striking range that the monster seemed to sense itself in danger and proceeded to twist its body in an inhuman fashion, just narrowly avoiding the arrow. An arrow that was now in a direct course towards the remaining humans.
A part of me wanted to curse at the development, but another part took control of my mouth and activated one of my skills.
[Summon Swap]
In an instant my vison was replaced from the open clearing I was looking at to that of the shocked faces of the two remaining members of the team. I gave the two no time to act before I tackled them and sent all three of us to the ground. Behind us the sound of metal penetrating flesh could be heard before the sound of fluttering clothes passed overhead. Looking up I caught a glimpse of the arrow, I had swapped places with, had struck true and sent the monster flying deep into the cave.
Not even waiting for the arrow to find its final resting place I stood up and hoisted the two shell-shocked humans up by the back of their armor. Again my body began acted on its own and I was forced to empty one of them onto the floor in order to deflect a strike aimed to skewer them.
Not a moment later the hand unconsciously re-grabbed the person before they could fully reach the floor and pulled them further away from the attacker.
In a similar fashion as to my hand so too did my legs force me to jump backwards away from my new offenders.
With a few more feet between myself and the assailants I was given full view of what I was up against and in doing so a single word crossed my mind.
'Vampires'
The looks of the two women before me might be what one would consider beautiful. What with their long black hair, ample bosom and attractive outfit it would be a no brainer to use such a word, but a second look would discourage that notion. Things like how their eyes were bloodshot red or how their skin was a few shades too pale to be natural. It was enough for me to see why my team had been so easily done in. Vampires were after all some of the strongest enemies one could face back in Yggdrasill. Unfortunately as I was I was unable to discern how powerful such creatures were and didn't want to chance it, much less while holding on to two carry-ons.
As I was thinking an ear piercing screech resonated from within the cave. It seemed like that arrow hadn't been enough to deal with that first nuisance. Making up my mind I readied a retreat, but to do that I needed time, time that I'm sure these two were not going to give me.
Letting out a breath I Pulling from my stores of magic and cast my spell.
[Summon Rank Three: Silver Knights]
With a crackle of thunder; two bolts of lightning descended from the havens and blinded the area with a flash of yellow light. Quick as they came the two bolts vanished and were they had struck now stood two figures, the air still crackling with yellow lightning.
The figures stood in full plated armor, hissing with lighting from their entrance, each towering over any of the other combatants. They were adorned in silver like armor and equipment. Every inch of the giants was covered in armor, but this did little to slow their movements because before even I could finish analyzing the summons they both dashed forward and cleaved through their respective opponents.
The action had been so swift I was almost unsure it had happened until I saw the vampires collapsed unto their knees and begin to be burned away by the effects of the silver armaments.
I blinked once, not sure how to process the situation. Considering how quickly their attack dog had carved through the team I had half expected to lose at least one.
Blinking again, I processed the situation before a smile grew across my face. I gave the two knights a silent thanks and chastised myself for overacting to what had essentially been low level vampires.
Like that I set myself back to recasting my ability. With its cooldown now reset and the vampires dead I fearlessly began to activate it.
(Summon Sw-ACK
The ability was forcedly shut off as a pasty white hand clutched its way around my neck, cutting the incantation short and nearly collapsing my wind pipe in the process. Even still the attack did not stop there and began to push me back. In a fit of panic my legs pushed down and dug themselves into the ground. Still the force would not stop as the ground beneath us was plowed through regardless.
'You can't be fucking serious! I killed your masters you damn dog!' I internally yelled as I gazed into the glowing red orbs that looked eerily similar to Anima's when she's in berserker mode.
'You should have vanished with your masters!' In that moment of rage I swore I could see the slightest hint of satisfaction on the anglerfish like face of the beast.
At that my blood began to boil. 'Don't you fucking dare look down on me, monster!'
Even through my rage I could feel it, the hand around my neck was tightening and although my new body was tough it was still unmistakably human. I doubted it would survive long with a crushed trachea.
And as much as I hated to admit it I didn't have many options. I couldn't cast close range magic or I'd risk killing my two companions. I also seriously doubted I could outfight anyone with comparable stats to me, I did after all have zero combat experience so buffing my stats also seemed half baked, but it was all I had.
'Might was well go all out with it then.' I told myself as my magic pooled together.
{Over Magic: Peerless warr-
Before I could finish my spell something small jumped in-between me and the vampire. In seeing what it was I almost completely stalled in my thoughts. It was a small bottle filled with a blood red liquid.
A red potion.
I had spent many hours of the time I had off on researching common facts about this world and one that had continuously struck me as odd had been the absence of red potions. Having been the primary means for restoring health back in the game it was jarring to see that they were such a rarity in this world. Only in legend were such objects to be found and always as an accent to the most distressing moments of heroism ever recorded. In this world they were legendary items and one was now just staring me in the face.
The sudden appearance of such a unique item seemed to have caught my opponent off guard as well because the moment it saw it I could feel the grip around my neck grow slack.
Realizing this was my opportunity I dug my feet in further and pushed back with all the strength my new body could muster. It was a split-second decision so I pushed on and did the only thing I could think of. I head-butted the potion.
With all the force I could bring forth I slammed my head forward and smashed the bottle in-between our two skulls. Like expected the glass holding the red liquid gave way and exploded in a shower of red particles. As it did so I felt the remaining force of the hand on my neck give way as it went to wipe away the now burning red fluid from its owners face.
Not feeling safe in waiting longer I silently activated my skill once again.
{Summon Swap}
Unlike before the spell took a second to transport, but in that moment I caught sight of the burning rage the vampire harbored before it was replaced with that of the forest canopy. With the realization that I had gained a second to think I collapsed to one knee in a coughing fit. I had held out well, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel like I was about to die back there.
(Twang)
With the internal sound of cord being cut I felt my heart sink a little. One of my knights had just been killed. In all the commotion I had forgotten they were still there. They must have been just as surprised by that attack and are only just now engaging that monster.
(Twang)
With another snap I realized we didn't have much time. I had to get everyone out of here if I wanted to fight properly. I doubted I would survive another fight if I didn't take this seriously. Forcibly stopping my cough I stood up onto both feet and resolved myself.
'But how am I going to get everyone else out of here. I could summon something to carry them out, but I'd rather not waste any more mana than I already have. Mabey I could-'
(Pat)
I was drawn from my thoughts at the sound of something impacting my back. It didn't hurt, but the sound was enough to bring me back to reality. Turning around I was met by a very angry, yet weary looking Jeff. He was holding up an empty bow and by the looks of the broken arrow laying before me I could piece out the rest, but that was far from what my brain registered from the situation.
'That's right, Jeff could take them. It gets everyone out of the danger zone and I don't have to waste any more MP. '
I tried to voice the idea. "Jekk, yooo kan t-take…" But with each word my voice grew more horse and haggard. Each syllable felt like I was forced to swallow a pound of glass. It seemed like talking was out of the question.
"Erdrick, what that hell is going on?" having finally broken his silence Jeff was seeming shaken by what he had just witnessed. Unfortunately I was in no position to explain the situation nor did I have time to if I was.
Without warning I threw the two people I had in hand towards the archer. Out of shock he dropped his bow and went to catch the two. As he did so I reached into my inventory and pulled out three blood red glass balls and crushed them in my hand.
{Greater strength}
{Perilous Speed}
{Perfect Body}
With each one I could hear the effects of the spells they had stored in them take effect. Feeling the effects settle I activated one of my support skills.
[Transfer]
With a wave of blue threads, the power boost effect I had just felt vanished and flew towards Jeff who was straining under the combined weight of his two companions. As the blue wave touched Jeff his straining muscles and buckling legs seemed to relax as the force on them seemed to nearly vanish. He gave the two he was holding, who I had only just now realized were Brita and Ivan, a once over in confusion. I would have liked to give Jeff more time to adjust to the buffs, but neither of us had that kind of time.
"Trust me… go… Now…" My voice was gravelly and I was forced to take breaks in-between words, but the message was clear.
He seemed ready to argue, but one more glare stopped him. Hefting the two over his shoulders he said one final thing. "I expect an explanation from you when this is done. So don't you dare die on me." With a moment of hesitation he was off into the canopy, the spells granting him the inhuman speed to do so.
Once I was sure he was out of both ear shot and sightline I felt as if both my legs turned to jelly and gave out from under me again. My breathing was forced and my heart felt as if it might jump right out of my chest.
'What the hell was that? There's no way I should have been that calm during that…' Clenching the armor around my chest I felt my heart ring in my ears. '…and yet it all felt so natural…' Chugging down more air I felt my senses begin to return.
'Either way I've set myself up for this so looks like I'm set on finishing this.' With that began my preparations for my upcoming battle. With a final chug of air I pulled my hood up and got ready.
Sprinting off in the opposite direction as Jeff I hoped to lead the vampire away from them and into an open area where my summons wouldn't be hindered by the trees. With a quick cast of [Regeneration] I began to heal my near busted throat.
Soon after doing so I did I was assaulted by a pitch black silhouette of what seemed like a wolf. Casually sidestepping the attack I was once again reminded that this body was nothing like my old one.
The things speed was pitiful compared to mine, but persistent if nothing else. It continued to lash out at me after each miss and soon enough a second one appeared out of nowhere.
I tried destroying the first with a quick ball of fire, but the damn thing seemed to vanish just as the ball reached it. The only thing it gained me was a now scorched tree were the thing had been.
With a few more failed attempts it became clear that I either wasn't fast enough to kill these things or they were literally vanishing before the spell hit. Neither of which boded well for extended combat considering their numbers had risen to three.
Soon enough the number of the things had reached half a dozen and I decided it was pointless to stay and fight so I continued running.
As I retreated I spotted a clearing up ahead. Doubling my efforts I charged forward and a quick cast of [Dash] had me in the center of it in an instant. Hearing the sound of multiple feet bounding towards me I decided to try a different approach.
'Fire was too slow, but with open sky like this how's about we try something a little faster?'
[Lightning strike]
One thunderclap later and the sound of running paws was silenced. Turning around I could see the singed ground were the bolt had struck, but the lack of corpses made me wonder if they had possibly vanished like before. Waiting a moment I was rewarded by a shortage of attacks that made me feel as if they had simply been ethereal and thus didn't leave corpses.
'Were those things native to this forest or is there another vampire summoning them? Regardless I need to prepare for the worst.' Gathering my MP I began casting my spell.
'Big will be too slow and too destructive for such an area, but too small and it'll make me the main target. Human plus size it is then.'
[Summon Rank Four-
"Who goes there?"
'OH YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!' Sure enough, turning my head cemented my fears.
Standing behind me were thirteen individuals I could only categories as 'colorful'. Each of them was wearing equipment that not only stood out, but seemed to outshine any other I had seen up to now, perhaps even Momon's.
The one who had spoken seemed to have been the one standing in front of the rest. The man held a thin looking spear and sported an outfit that seemed like a mix between a priest's robes and a crusaders armor. He had a head full of flowing black hair and eyes like rubies. At the color of the eyes I tensed as I remembered the eyes the vampires I had just fought.
Once again the man's words crossed the clearing. "I shall not ask again. Who are you?"
Unfortunately for both of us my thoughts were too preoccupied to register the man's question. 'Alright Erdrick calm down. They might just be adventurers passing though. Yeah that sounds right, all we have to do is tell them to leave and they won't also die needlessly.' With that mental pep-talk I collected myself.
"I recommend you and your friends leave this area at once or you may not be leaving it at all." I told them.
Although it seemed my words were taken as less as that and more as something else. "Is that a threat stranger?"
"It's a warning, one I recommend you heed. I'd rather not have anyone else die today." As I said this my eyes caught movement just outside the clearing. Those beasts were preparing another attack.
"A warning from what?" I heard him say, but most of my thoughts were on the multiplying number of shadows strafing around our position.
With a crack of a branch behind us I spun around.
[Dash]
In an instant I was standing behind the group, hand held tightly around a shadow's throat. One quick application of force later and was rewarded by the thing vanishing into nothing.
'So they do turn to nothing when they die.'
Turning back around I was greeted by several of the individuals holding their weapons up in readied positions. Giving the forest a quick glance I realized we were surrounded. There was no way I could get them away from here without leaving myself.
I didn't want to do this, but they had forced my hand. "I warned you to leave, but having not done so has sealed your fate. Prepare yourselves for you shall now be my assistants in dealing with these monsters."
As if on command dozens of shadow bounded out of the clearing and charged our position.
[Twin Magic: Chain Lighting]
Out of my hands flew two arcs of lightning that hit and bounced around several of the shadows. Nearly half of them were reduced to nothing as they were struck. Unfortunately it seemed their numbers had only multiplied since last time because plenty still remained.
'Damnit, should have gone with whirlwind.'
Before I was able to cast another spell I was pulled back by my collar, an action that caught me off guard and had me fall backwards. The motion was accompanied by two of the members I had seen earlier running past me and into the crowed of shadows.
"Now that we have a moment stranger. Why don't you explain what you're doing out here fighting these creatures." Looking up it was clear the question had come from the red eyed leader.
For a moment I wanted to scream at the man for interrupting my attempts to save them, but one look at the way the group seemed to decimate the shadows and I was forced to stay my mouth on the subject. 'Perhaps they could be helpful.'
With a glare I answered. "My team and I were sent to deal with a bandit camp not too far from here, but when we arrived we were ambushed by two vampires and their lapdog. Most of my team was killed before we could escape." Before I could explain further another voice cut me off.
"Typical foolish adventurer team, always biting off more than they can chew." The voice was clearly from an old woman, but that did little to reduce my ire.
Shooting up to my feet I turned to the aggravator. As predicted the person was indeed an old woman, one who might have even of had a few years up on . "What was that you old bag of bones?" I seethed at the older woman.
"What? You think your situation is special kid? Bah, I've seen dozens of groups of those so called adventures wiped out because they thought just swinging around a stick was good enough to do what we do. Good riddance I say." She said.
I wasn't sure what pushed me to do so, but without thinking my hand shot forward at the woman. Before it could reach the woman it was caught by the leader. "Lady Kaire would you please refrain from being so brazen." With a frown the old woman nodded.
Looking back to me. "And would you refrain from attacking those under my protection?" Even though it was phrased as a question I could tell it was anything but. Shaking my hand free of the man's grip I gave a leer to the older woman and returned my gaze to the leader.
"Good, now would you mind explaining why you're out here? You did say three of your team members escaped the grasp of that vampire. If so, were are they and why are you here?" he asked.
"I decided to stay back while they fled back to the city." I crisply answered.
He frowned at that. "Do you intend to die for your team?"
"No, I intend to kill that dog for what it did." I shot back.
"Dog? Not the vampires who wield it?"
"Already killed them. The real issue was their attack dog, it's the one who tore through my team and for some reason it refused to vanish with its masters." I said with no hidden amount of resentment.
At that he turned over to one of the women standing off to the side. She was what one would call petite and sported an outfit I could only trace back to my own world, a Japanese schoolgirl outfit. Even stranger than that was that it wasn't one seen in real life, but one you'd only see in anime. The upper body was covered with a duel buttoned maroon blouse, while the lower half was using a short skirt and black thigh high socks. Alongside that was a pink purse bag that she held in her left hand and a face fitted pair of glasses over her eyes. She seemed like the spitting image of some sort of school president in an anime, it was odd to say the least.
The woman in question gave a nod to the leader and stepped forward with a small booklet and quill in hand. "What did this 'Attack Dog' look like stranger?" She said while pushing her glasses up in a way far too reminiscent of anime back in my old world.
'Wow that looks way less cool in real life… fake life?'
"It had a face much like that of a leech and moved around on all four limbs like a beast." I explained.
"I see… and what rank were the adventures it killed?" she asked as if it were the most normal thing in the world while writing something into her book.
My tone spiked at her words, but was controlled enough to answer. "Six iron class were killed, two iron survived alongside a gold. One of the iron and the Gold were no longer capable of combat after the engagement. The last of them is currently carrying the other two back to our last camp and hopefully back to the city soon enough."
"How did the vampire fight?"
"Like a mad dog. It tore through people with its bare hands. After each kill it would move over to the next target as if it was cutting through paper." I said while clenching my hands at the memory.
"Hm… how long before they were killed?" she asked.
"Twenty two seconds…"
Her hand stopped writing for a second and looked up to me. "Between kills?"
"…No…"
That seemed to catch her attention for a second before she readjusted her glasses, scratched out something in her book, and turned back to her leader.
"I believe we may be dealing with something more than your average vampire Aden." She said to the man now known as Aden.
"What do you propose we do Evelyn?"
"It would be prudent in that we at least confirm this creature's strength before we make any more assumptions." Said the woman I now knew as Evelyn.
He gave a nod. "I understand. Looks like we will be staying to assist after all stranger, though I do recommend you be the one to leave. Tier three magic, while impressive, can be rather taxing on someone of your… level." Aden said while eyeing my equipment.
'I do suppose I don't cut the most imposing figure with equipment like mine. Hm, been a long time since I regretted changing my equipment to look like starter gear, guess you can't win them all.' I reasoned.
I wanted to speak up and tell him I was fine to continue, but something in his eyes told me he wouldn't listen too well to the comment. And there was no way I wasn't going to be a part of that monsters death. So I decided showing was better than to telling in this situation.
[Storm Disaster]
In an instant the remaining dozen or so shadows still fighting were turned to nothing by the lightning based tier four spell. I was mildly amused by the widened eyes of both Evelyn and Kaire, but was off put by the expression shown by the leader. On the outside he showed no signs of surprise, but I could see it in his eyes. His eyes were similar to an alchemist who had just found a rare herb, it was disturbing being looked at in such a way.
"Tier four Storm Disaster, most impressive stranger. Mind if I ask were you learned it?" he asked.
"Not if you don't mind answering why you know what it is? As far as I know, tier four spells aren't too well known. So how exactly were you able to not only gage its level, but the name itself?" I asked back.
With a growing smile he responded back. "How's about this stranger, I'll answer any question you ask and in return you'll do the same. How's that sound?"
"I suppose that's acceptable. To start us off I'll answer your last question. I'm self-taught." I said while gesturing him to answer mine.
His smile dropped a little at that, but answered anyway. "I saw my associate Zetsumei cast that spell before. Now, what is your name stranger?"
The man did not hesitate or miss a beat at his response, but his two compatriots seemed to flinch at his use of that name.
'Perhaps they have a bad relationship with this Zetsumei. Either way a person who can use tier four magic is something worth researching later.' I told myself.
"Erdrick. Why are you suddenly so interested in this vampire?" I replied.
"The vampire may be directly linked to our current mission. What rank are you?"
"Don't have one. What your mission?"
At the answer his eyes dropped back to neutral. "Now that's not fair Erdrick. You didn't even answer my last question properly."
"What do you want me to say? I wasn't an adventure before I joined my current team so I don't have a rank. We were a city sponsored team so I didn't need one. Good enough answer for you?" I asked back plainly.
"I suppose it is. We were here on our way to deal with a pest. What enchantment do you use for that hood of yours?" A sly smile crept up his lips.
'Half answers I see, fine two can play that game.'
"I don't know, it came with it when I got it. What rank is your team?"
"We don't have one. Where'd you get it?"
"Off a kill. Where is your team from?" At this point it was clear both he and I weren't going to be giving any real answers anymore. Now it was a game to see who gave up first.
"South. How did you plan to kill the vampire?"
"Magic. What do you plan to do to the vampire once you've killed it?"
"Make sure it's dead. Where are you from?"
"Far away. What's the name of your team?" At that he gave me a smile and seemed prepared to answer, but before he could a familiar cry from the forest cut it short.
"Looks like our game is over Erdrick perhaps we shall continue it later." He said.
"Likewise, now prepare yourselves. Aside from its strength, one of its greatest attributes was speed. If any of you have something that can slow it down I recommend you utilize it first." I said while looking back to the rest of the party members. They gave me an odd look before turning over to the leader who gave a nod. With that they all began to ready themselves.
'Damn, right, not my team. Why the hell am I giving orders to complete strangers.' Shaking my thoughts away I readied my spells as well.
For what felt like an hour we stood in silence waiting for it to break the tree line so we could guarantee our hits. With each sound of the snarls and yells from the forest we tensed, each of us ready to unleash hell at a moment's notice.
Then it broke through and set its first foot on the open grass. We fired.
[Ethereal Grab]
[Chains of Heaven]
[Temporal Slow]
[Eternal Hold]
[Tethering Grab]
[Solar Rend]
I heard each spell cast and realized all of them were tier four. 'Who the actual fuck are these people!?' I yelled to no one, but myself before adding my own tier four into the mix.
[Extend Magic: Soul Bind]
An assortment of spells speed toward the vampire. Golden chains, ghastly hands, distortions in space and a host of other effects made their way forward. The myriad of spells took hold and seemed to completely stop the monster. Each spell wrapping itself around a different body part and ceasing its motion completely.
'Alright, easier than I thought. For a second there I was worried it wasn't going-'
Without warning all of the holding spells seemed to fail simultaneously and scatter into dust. With another cry the beast continued its charge forward unimpeded.
'I just had to say it didn't I!'
Without missing a beat Aden charged ahead ready to meet the monster in a head on battle of strength. What the monster did next solidified my fears that this creature was far more than just a simple dog.
With a cry of rage the dog materialized an intricate, near mechanical looking spear from out of nowhere. Spear met lance in a clash for dominance. A struggle that lasted all of one second before Aden was promptly shoved aside as the monster yelled out. "Get out of my way!"
With the leader out of the way the vampire's eyes zipped across its targets before locking onto me. "YOU!" It yelled out while charging at me.
Having watched the leader of the team pushed aside as if he were nothing I began to have flashbacks to how this had gone not even an hour earlier. Not content to watch that happen again I decided playing weak was no longer an option. I charged ahead and began casting.
[Summoner's Semblance: Artorias]
My vison of the vampire heading towards me was enveloped by darkness for a moment before it was replaced by a similar image, but rather than being on the ground I was now midair. The sword in my left hand already halfway through its arc as I flew through the air. Not a moment later the tip came down on the head of the monster and sent a wave of dust and rubble outward as it impacted the ground beneath.
Instinctually I pulling up the shield in my right hand as I was pushed back into the air by the attack, but even as I sailed upwards I felt my body react and right itself midair.
Safely landing on my feet I was quickly met with a similar scene as earlier when I had nearly been choked to death, hand poised to clench my throat to dust, fortunately this time my body was ready. A moment before the hand could reach my neck it was severed from its arm by a spin of my sword. Seemingly having not noticed, the vampire gave no cry of pain of shock, simply went on to launch its lance at my chest which was promptly blocked by my shield.
Looking into the monsters eyes as we both struggled to overpower the other I could see a bloodlust I had never experienced in my last life. I could almost feel like it was trying to burn a hole into me with just its stare. Yet the feeling of fear was lacking. I knew I should have been scared witless by that look, I knew old me would never had stood in the face of such a monster, but right now, I felt nothing. I couldn't even feel my heart racing in excursion.
With a show of force I ended our standoff and sent the monster sailing backwards. In an odd role reversal, now it was the beast digging itself in an attempt to stop its momentum. Not that I was going to give it that chance.
With a quick hoist, lifted my sword up and threw it like a javelin at where I knew the monster would be, not even waiting for it to land I sprinted after it. The sword caught the creature in the left foot, pining it to the ground, halting its momentum entirely.
Cocking my shield arm back I let it loose and drove it forward. The tip of the shield struck the beast in the temple and sent it wrenching in the same direction. Reaching for the planted sword I swung it upward through the dirt and bone of the beast in hopes of decapitating the beast right then and there. Unfortunately it seemed the monster had greater reflexes than I had anticipated because the moment its foot was loose it jumped and flipped itself over the arc of the blade, clearing most of it, only losing a leg in the process.
Landing a few feet away from me we were set back to how we had started, minus one hand and leg on its part, which it still showed not sign of care for.
I didn't allow the display faze me, even as its limbs began to release some form of black liquid I felt nothing.
Still, I watched as the stumps I had created began to ooze out a dark blood looking tar, the ooze seemed to droop for a second before tightening and forming the shape of the missing limb.
Realizing this could quickly turn into a war of attrition, one I wasn't sure I could win, I decided it best to end this battle sooner rather than later and got ready to pull out my trump card. Unfortunately didn't seem the universe was content with that idea.
'That is enough.'
Once again the black vortex enveloped me, but unlike before once it vanished I wasn't filled with the feeling of confidence or power as before, but rather one of weakness. Falling to onto all four limbs I began to let out ragged breaths in a desperate attempt to fill my lungs.
'What tha- why do I feel so weak? And what was that voice!? Shit it feels like my hearts about to pop right out of my chest. I don't remember the effects of Summoner's semblance being so harsh. Probably I shouldn't have just believed everything about this world would be the same as in the game.' I stopped as I felt my heart shudder for a second.
'Damnit, this just had to be where I made a mistake didn't it?' I bereted myself.
Looking up at the vampire I could tell it had finished healing its limbs. 'Shit, I really shouldn't have used that ability so haphazardly. Now I feel like I'm running on fumes and it looks like it's ready for round two.'
I needed a distraction because as things stood I was seconds away from being torn to bits. Thankfully it seemed the universe hadn't entirely forsaken me just yet.
"Lady Karie, do it!" As soon as the call came the focus of the vampire was immediately on something behind me. Not given the time to look back I was shoved aside by the vampire as it charged towards its new target. The push was enough to send me skidding across the grass, but did give me a good view at what was happening.
With an insanely quick chant, old lady Karie began casting a spell I didn't recognize. Her dress began to glow before a shining golden dragon grew from it.
The vampire charged forward in what I could only call desperation. It seemed that whatever spell she was using was considered powerful enough to scare the beast.
Thankfully Karie was not left defenseless as one of the other team members placed himself between the two. The man was built like a tank, he had broad shoulders, tan skin and was carrying two massive tower shields. Both of which he put up in defense just as the spell flew over him and toward the monster.
The spell stuck the center of the vampire, but rather than explode or attack as I had expected of the dragon, it instead dissipated into the chest of the beast. For a second I questioned if it too had failed like the holding spells, but sure enough the monster began to falter in its step.
The missed step lasted for a moment before the thing began to go absolutely wild and materialized a large glowing blue lance in its other hand.
'It can use magic too! What the fuck is this thing!?'
With a thrust of its arm the lance flew forward towards the two combatants. The two tower shields doing nothing to stop the incoming projectile. Skewered by the attack both the shielder and lady Karie fell to the ground, gaping holes clean through both.
As I watched the two fall a single thought passed my mind. 'Not again!'
Through the protest of my body I conjured up all the mana I could muster. 'I will not fail again!'
[Tether]
My chest tightened as several blue energy lines shot from my hand and latched themselves to each of the twelve members of the group, even those lying dead. I could hear the sounds of confusion from each member, but paid it no mind.
[Bloodfort Dracula]
A bloody bird cage materialized around the vampire as the spell activated.
My body lurched forward under the strain, but I persisted and pulled a small object out of my inventory. The small wooden doll I had grabbed activated as its effect took hold and everyone directly attached to me via the tether began to shine in unison. The last thing I saw was the utter blank look present in the vampire's eyes as we were transported elsewhere.
A/N: I'm still not done folks. For those of you who are reading this in the future that won't make sense. For those of you who know how long it's been since the last chapter, I apologize for the wait. Now on to the discussions.
So that's what qualifies as a fight scene from me. Not entirely sure about its quality, but too late to turn back now, it's out there. Would really appreciate some feedback on it considering I can't really tell how others perceive it.
That aside I feel the rest of the story has completely written itself out of my control. What do I mean by that? Well I had a simple story plotted out and even partially written, but the characters of certain people simply won't allow it. If you're interested in what I mean by that PM me because I'd rather not fill this page up with more banter than already in it.
Oh, and if anyone is wondering. The names I've given the members of the black scriptures are personally given by me considering I was unable to find what their real names where. So if something comes up in the future about that just know that's the reason.
On to the future chapter talk. Not going to lie, I don't know what to put here. As stated above the characters are just writing themselves at this point so I don't really know how this is all going to go anymore. I can at least tell you that we should be seeing clementine next chapter. Emphasis on should. (Future Me: She isn't…)
P.S. If you know their real names of the black scriptures PM me them. I'd rather have that fixed sooner rather than later if I have messed that up.
Till next time readers.