An Apostle's Fate
Chapter 4: The Alchemist
Late Afternoon
Claudia von Mondrecht
I have a feeling this new life of mine is destined to make me a Shut-in. I had finished eating the corpses about 2 hours ago. The flesh tasted amazing, but after eating 24 of them, the flavour does become stale. The consistency wasn't nauseating, but my appetite was dwindling somewhat.
After gnawing on the last bone I finally took the time to inspect my body. I didn't know where all this meat was going, but I certainly wasn't getting all of it. My flesh was growing back and skin was covering most of my body. My right eye was really clear now and the other had regrown as well. My senses had become sharper and things like warmth could be perceived now. I still wasn't fully complete though.
The Body/Blood Coefficient was at 61% now and I grew quite happy at the fact that I could finally pass for a human. An old, underweight Leper of a human, but a human nevertheless. So yeah, I will probably be shunned for my appearance, but they might not be outright hostile now…
Though I am basically naked and just based on what I see, I really am not a pleasant sight. I didn't really want to be disgusted at my own body, especially as I know it was that of a total bombshell when in prime health.
I pulled out some clothes I had pilfered from the many homes I raided. Something I noticed early on is that most of them didn't fit me….or well they did as I was rather thin now. No, the real issue was that I was too tall for them. I didn't have anything to measure my size, but I think that Kiss-shot had a height of at least 1.84 Meters. I think that is at least 6 Feet 1.
It certainly wasn't something normal for the time. I was eventually able to cobble a few outfits together that actually fit and ended up wearing a rather simple blouse, bodice and skirt. It was a bit tight and didn't reach all the way to my feet, but it was better than nothing. Considering that I wanted to keep my features somewhat concealed and protected against the sun as much as possible, I also began to modify a cloak I had found. Among the various things I had taken, I had also gotten some basic sewing materials needed for the process. It would take a bit of time as I was definitely not the best with such work.
I needed to wait until sundown anyway, so working on this isn't an issue. I had taken the liberty to see the effects that direct sunlight had on my body by holding a hand out…..It was not pleasant. My skin started boiling in an instant, veins popping, a vile smell invading my nose and the pain that accompanied that was unbearable, as expected.
So the importance of me being in shelter during the day was an absolute necessity. Clothing did seem to make a difference though. Clothing did seem to make a difference though, thick enough fabrics would protect me from the sun, which also went into the design of the outfit I was putting together. So I saw no issue in ripping up old sheets of fabric and extending the cloak to go down to my feet. I also took the liberty to add a hood to conceal my face as well. When the thing was done, I could even hunch over to make my height less obvious….that is what I hoped at least…..
My Basic workmanship skill went up to Level 4 at least, so that's something.
I obviously did more than just that however. I also took the time to analyse every piece of fabric or equipment and try to level up my mystic eyes. When I finished with the work, I eventually achieved Level 6 for them and had used up about 60% of my Od in the process.
Now, the last rays of evening covered the landscape. With the shadows of the forest now lengthening, I decided to finally move from my makeshift lair. I peek out beneath the tarp and crawl out of my shelter. The sun hits my covered body and to my appreciation, only a mild sense of irritation came from it. The clothes did as intended and my skin wasn't melting. It also gives me an Armor value of 6, not much but still something.
I dare to smile once more and to my luck, the stretching of my face only gives a slight discomfort rather than ripping my face apart... I am very happy with the change.
I quickly take down my makeshift shelter and put the materials back into my inventory. With my things now put away, I consider my next steps. The village will have noticed the strange disappearances but will hopefully not have started any actions against me.
I can't be sure though. I ought to try and get them all tonight. I got a ninth of the population at most last night, so I might as well see if I can be faster with it this time.
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3 hours later
Claudia von Mondrecht
Waiting for nightfall didn't take too long and I shortly began working my way through the houses next to the area I had raided. I'm currently done with my 33rd house and was about to head to the next one. Unlike before, I was now leaving behind their belongings in order to cover more ground. It really did help as I was already at my 96th body. XP Gains were also quite decent if I was being honest.
[+28450XP]
You have advanced to Level 27 (1500/2700)
Claudia von Mondrecht
Lv= 27 (1500/2700)
Class = Rogue
Subclass = Urchin
Race = Dead Apostle (Ghoul)
Title = none
Hp = 5,700 HP (END x 100)
Hpr = 79.8 HP/m (LV x END x 0.1 )
Body/Blood Coefficient= 61%
Damage Reduction = 13.7 (END/10 + ARMOR)
Stats:
Strength = 87
Endurance = 57
Agility = 74
Mind = 28
Charm = 54
Luck = 74
You have advanced to the next class tier (Pickpocket)
Pickpocket class skill added:
(Raub Ohne Laut LV1) The Pickpocket's most valuable skill. To steal without notice. You have a 1% chance to steal something of another's person without notice. Success chance is increased by multiplication with the difference of your agility stat and your victims Mind Stat.
Pickpocket class Perk added:
(Gilded Tongue) You've got enough experience talking to people that you subconsciously change the manner in which you talk to someone in order to better convince them of your point.
The first skill there was rather interesting actually. While its initial properties aren't that good, they hold a lot of potential when I increase my stats.
The way things were calculated was with a racial modifier and the level of the person I killed. The Human modifier seemed to be at 50 which was then multiplied by the level. This made it so that killing a large amount of lower level enemies, like the peasants in the village, was still worthwhile, but higher level enemies like the knight would give a lot more. They'd also probably be less boring. I hope.
40 houses were now emptied out with about 40 to go. I was saving the market and church for last as anyone would probably rush there for an emergency.
I was about to head towards the next house when something strange happened. My senses had been growing sharper and my sense of smell was able to distinguish between most beings now, however it also told me that whatever was approaching me wasn't human. They moved like a human but I was certain they weren't. They felt magical in nature, but also...stale. Either way, I needed to prepare.
I don't know if I was any good in a fight and a rogue should rely on such things anyway. Stealth and speed are the game, so that will be how I win this.
I could sense two beings approach the house from opposite ends. They were definitely armed, the metallic smell of steel gave that away quickly. I go through my inventory and also take in the room I was in. Before long, I have a loose plan in mind. It isn't anything decent, but I might have a chance if I stick to it.
I head towards one of the windows and quickly open it before rushing towards the main room, towards the chimney to be precise. Considering that these things might be magical, I also make sure not to use any Od of my own. I can't know if they might trace it after all.
I force my body through the chimney and quickly grip onto the blackened bricks in order to climb out. My fingers were sharper than I had imagined and I was actually able to pierce the bricks themselves. Climbing out of the chimney takes less than two seconds and I quickly go prone on the roof of the building. I activate my meagre presence concealment and cover my face with my hood. The moon may have been out, but I'm confident that I won't be spotted…..Mainly cause I was assuming that my pursuers wouldn't be smart enough to "Look up". It works for Batman, so I really do hope it'll work for me.
I waited for a few seconds, grateful for my lack of breath as I was certain I would be breathing a bit too hard otherwise. I can feel the two beings close in on the house. One person approached from the back and the other from the front. My own body was lying on the side, completely still and trying to blend in with the rust-coloured roof.
But my luck was sadly not with me. I sense a sudden movement from the being approaching from the back. Before I could even react, I felt two sharp pangs of pain in my back. Something small had pierced my flesh. The pain is rather negligible, but my HP still went down by 16.3 HP.
I practically punch the tile below me to push myself off the roof, launching myself into the air. I twirled myself in the process and finally got a view of the enemy who had attacked. It was a maid of sorts. She had snow-white hair and blue eyes. A beautiful being, however considering the situation at hand, that being her giving me yet another wound on my body, which I had been working so hard to repair and grow back, that beauty had been lessened somewhat.
She held throwing knives between her knuckles and quickly threw another volley at me. I rip my cloak off and throw it towards the knives, catching them before I could be hit.
I finally land on the cold ground and bolt away into the forest. Not even hesitating, the maid is quick to pursue me. Another one rushes to her back, her features seemingly identical to the other's. Sadly, I had no time to ponder this as I was once again punctured by knives penetrating my back.
-22.3 HP
The damage was greater than before. My cloak no longer gave me its minimal protection and my remaining clothes did little to nothing. I rush to the side and try to zigzag through the forest, using the trees as cover.
Too bad that this idea wasn't that effective as the two maids quickly caught up to me. Rather than being stabbed in the back, I feel punctures throughout my leg and even through my foot.
-82.3 HP
The pain is once again negligible, but that wasn't the issue. My body and its HP mechanic would allow me to function without issue but that didn't mean I wouldn't lose my balance from having my tendons cut. My run came to a halt as I tumbled over the ground, eventually crashing into a tree.
-42.3 HP
The impact knocks the (figurative) wind out of my lungs. I quickly try to get up from my shitty position, ripping up without issue even though my foot should have been useless. I still wasn't fast enough to avoid a new volley of knives piercing my body.
-82.4 HP
My arms are punctured, my tendons slashed and my bones shattered under the weight of the blow. Nearly every limb I had was damaged and should've been crippled, but something was letting me keep moving. If I could move then I could fight back, though with the sudden sense of panic flooding my being I felt like that would be close to impossible.
Even though I have no need to breathe, I started hyperventilating. I knew I couldn't escape them and my class was made for stealth. They had the upper hand, but I still might be able to do something myself. I rushed towards the closest maid and pulled out the knight's sword from my inventory. I gripped the sword with both hands and made a wide swing to cleave the maid in half. To my dismay, she easily parries the blow with a set of knives and I am unable to do anything as I see a mace rushing towards my face. The other one had come from the side and used the opportunity made to strike me.
-142.4 HP
My skull shatters from the impact. The pain was truly noticeable this time and if I was human, I was certain I would have gotten a concussion at the least and straight-up death in any other case. My body wasn't built that way though. It's why my HP wasn't even half gone from all the injuries I had. Dead apostles don't have vital organs.
I recoiled heavily from the blow but still held on to my blade. Blood covered my eyes, yet I could still see just fine. Enough to rush forward to the maid and ram the blade straight through her chest. She gets startled for a good second but quickly tries to bash me with her mace once more. I let go of the sword and pull out a meat cleaver I had stolen from the villager. I swing the blade from below, slicing through half of her arm before it gets stuck. The damage was enough to make her drop the weapon, leaving her defenceless as I let go of the cleaver and grab her neck. With a quick movement, I bite into her neck, making sure to rip up enough flesh to ensure that she at least bleeds out.
The sweet aroma of this unique maid flooded my mouth and I nearly moaned in ecstasy as I drank her blood. It was wonderful at the moment, but I really should have been more cautious. The other maid stabbed me into the side, leaving even more blades in my body.
I let go of the other maid in order to face this one, but a strange magical scent started emanating from the daggers inside and around me.
Their grips started glowing suddenly, small lines of blue light started growing out and suddenly raced towards each other in direct lines. They were materialising something akin to razor-sharp wires which went through my body as well. They pierced my flesh and bone until all the blades were connected with one another.
-1582.4 HP
I fell to the ground due to the razor-sharp wire constraining my movement. Trying to get out of the trap did nothing as the wires would simply slice through my flesh at the slightest movement.
I was helpless however I didn't bother screaming just yet. It took me a while to figure it out, but I knew that these maids were. Homunculi, High-grade ones I would imagine. Their abilities were beyond human and beyond that of a mass-produced homunculus. I could only wonder where their stats were, but I was certain they were higher than myself.
Another issue for me was that I didn't recognize the magecraft. I knew my fate lore, but this was… similar to what I know, but not quite it. My guess was that due to me being in an age where magecraft was stronger, knowledge of the modern variants might not be so helpful. Especially as a lot of magic will have been lost by the information age. Pondering this wouldn't help now though.
I bring my attention back to my pursuers. The maid ignores me for a good second as she approaches her….sister? They are the same model after all. But back to what she was doing, She was giving medical treatment for the other one. They spoke in the same language as the people here, making it impossible for me to understand it of course.
I hear rustling from the bushes nearby. Another pair of maids approach, armed with a crossbow and a Halberd…..I never had a chance did I? Either way, things might get complicated now.
The maids soon approached and said something in their language. I simply ignored them to consider what was going on. High-grade Homunculi hunted me down but didn't kill me. Judging by this situation I find myself in, it would seem that I was to be captured instead. To be the subject of some magus here then…..How lovely.
The maids unveil three objects that I could only describe as meathooks. In time, I was being hoisted up by my back, carried by the hooks within my shoulders and one around my spine. While two of the maids made the effort to carry me, the other began to carry the injured maid in a bridal carry. the pair rushed away, towards what I would imagine the workshop of their master or masters.
I didn't bother keeping my eyes on them. I could have focused on my own fate, but I just blanked out instead. Any words they spoke had no meaning to me and my injuries didn't even hurt that much after all. I would only pay attention here and there when something significant happened concerning our surroundings.
The maids went around the village, using the forest for cover as they transported me. About 20 minutes after my capture, I received a popup, a grin spreading over my face as I read it.
[+7500XP]
You have advanced to Level 29 (2000/2900)
All HP and OD has been restored
It was a welcome surprise. The one homunculus had died due to her injuries. The fact that I was healed of all injuries worried the two maids, prompting them to stop. My regeneration didn't do anything against my predicament though, the restraints were still there and the maids soon continued.
The trek through the forest continued on.
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30 minutes later
Claudia von Mondrecht
The Magus in question was...influential, or at least good at hypnosis. I was taken to a house on the other end of the town. I was then brought to a basement which I initially assumed to be the Workshop of the man in question, but it wasn't quite that. Sure a few books and tools were strewn about, but it didn't hold much. I was instead carried through a secret corridor behind one of the walls. This was where the "Magic" happens, if I had to guess.
Around me, there were a few cells as well. They held strange homunculi, weird grotesque animals….and some human children as well. I was brought to the main room, an operating table in the centre being the most unique thing.
It also stuck out as a body was lying on it. That of the Homunculus I had killed.
Various instruments were bloodied and an elderly man was hunched over the body. He had a light tremble going through his body. The maids bringing me in said something to him, prompting him to turn around.
His eyes fell to me, the anger in them very clear. I couldn't help but show a small smirk as I thought of this predicament. I might even have made a little chuckle as I saw the bloodied body.
The old man grew furious and was upon me in seconds, smashing a cane into my jaw.
-62.4 HP
I hadn't seen it, but it must have been with him. To be fair, I didn't pay attention to his features. He says something in his strange language once more, but I remain silent.
He says something to the maids and they begin carrying me around once more, heading to another corridor. We reach another cell, this one being something akin to a cell for solitary confinement. No windows, bars, just brick and iron.
I am thrown inside, the door is quickly closed behind me. I sit in complete silence for a good minute or two before the strings suddenly dissolved. I stand up and inspect my surroundings. Mystic eyes didn't help much, but it gave me this at least.
[Iron wall, Enchanted]
I was guessing that I was not going to be escaping any time soon.
Only because you are an idiot.
I'm startled at hearing Cypher's voice, especially as I hadn't heard it in quite some time. It still didn't keep me from being furious with the bastard.'And who are you to judge! you kept silent throughout this entire thing!'
I didn't see the need to give input, but now I have to. Before you become disfigured as a lab experiment.
Use the instant dungeon you Numpty.
'...Wait...I can use that right now? I assumed-'
Don't assume. ID can be created at any point except for combat encounters. Is this a combat encounter?
'I….I didn't even consider that.'
Well then, get to it.
Cypher goes silent after that once more, leaving me to do as he recommended.
Focusing on what I wish to do, I activate the reality marble in my mind and begin
"Mundo Ludum"
[Creating ID lv1…...Error
Zombie Dungeon not available….New solution found.]
A crack in reality erases the silence of the cell. Light shines through the shattered space and without warning or delay, I am pulledthrough the tear.
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Claudia von Mondrecht
I fall through the crack in reality and fall upon a cold and hard floor. I quickly jump to my feet in order to make sure I'm not ambushed or attacked….to my surprise and disappointment, however, I find myself in yet another cell.
A bit of light was coming in from an open hatch in the ceiling, showing me a clear sky. A body lies in the corner, decrepit and rotten. The cell itself was filthy, full of mold, dried blood and rat shit.
A single gate led out of the cell. While it was rusted and old, it did seem to be quite robust. I walked over to find it locked. Peering through it, I saw a hand reach out from another cell. It was decrepit and old, looking like something that belonged to a corpse. The being in question also made hollow groans, indicating that this is in fact a zombie dungeon of sorts.
I tried prying and pulling at the gate for a good minute or two before eventually giving up.
Walking over to a wall, I propped myself against the rough stone and considered my options. "I couldn't return to the real world as I would just end up back in the clutches of that magus but I'm also incapable of doing something here. The only thing I could do right now was sit and wait for a few hours, hopefully when I popped out the Magus will have dropped his guard and I'd just stroll on ou-"
A sudden and loud thump startles me out of my thoughts. Another body had fallen through the gap in the ceiling and landed in my cell, the only feature making it different from the other one resting in the corner was the key dangling from it's waist. I look up towards the ceiling to see a figure peeking down at me from the open hatch. It was a fully armoured knight, he didn't say a word as he matched my gaze.
After a pause, he rose up from his kneeling position and wandered away from the hatch and left my sight.
I moved over to the corpse and removed the key, quickly moving towards the gate. The key fit and I was able to unlock the gate. Peering down the corridor beyond my cell I saw two more "Zombies" on my path. I take out two simple blades from my inventory and slowly approach the two beings. They clearly see me, but don't move to attack. The first was just holding his head as if it was in pain. The next was holding his face against a wall, unmoving from his position.
I was able to move around them without issue and eventually come across another chamber that was partially underwater. Wading through the dirty water wasn't an issue and I eventually came across a cistern with a ladder leading out of it. I climb up the shoddy ladder and find myself exiting the building to see a familiar sight.
In the centre of a courtyard lay a coiled sword, buried within the dying embers of a fire and its tip entombed in ash yet still giving off a clear sense of... Warmth.
"Fuck"
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AN: Yeah, this story was taken down for a while. It was due to a group of flamers that were targeting me over story unrelated issue by using Guest reviews. This was beginning to negatively affect me and I temporarily deleted the story to stop the tirade. As you can tell, the story isn't gone and I won't be dropping it anytime soon.
And for those who don't know, the current section of the dungeon is the Undead Asylum from the original Dark Souls.
