An Apostle's Fate

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Chapter 6: The Return

3 months later

Undead Burg

Claudia van Mondrecht

Looking over the structures and the great fall promised should one fall from the Undead Burg, Oscar comes from a nearby room to ask me, "Should we not focus on retrieving the lord Vessel? Why did we return here?"

I can't help but smirk as I say, "Because Oscar….there is one foe we have not yet killed here." pointing forward, his visor stares in the same direction and he sees what I meant: The drake that enjoyed burning everything that dared to move on the bridge in front of it.

"The Hellkite Drake? While I believe myself competent against most foes of these lands, do you not think the beast to be beyond our power?" He asks in response

I shake my head as I remove my gauntlets and turn my hand into claws, "I don't want to kill it…I want to cut off its tail."

Before he can ask further, I jump from the rooftop I was perched on and start sprinting towards the bridge in question. As the Drake notices my presence and rears up to burn me to a crisp, I rush to the side of the bridge and jump over the ledge while hooking my claws into the stone before using the momentum to swing myself to the platform below.

Multiple Hollows were down here as well, but I could simply kick them off the ledge into the abyss below…Not the actual Abyss, but you get the point.

It was especially satisfying to kick that one guy you had to fight on really narrow step where one sidestep meant falling to one's death. Simply kicking him to the side was just the best.

After making sure all the other Hollows were dead, I move towards the side opposite to the corridor leading further into the keep and inch towards the edge. And from there, I finally see my target.

The tail of the drake hanging oh so defenselessly.

I walk along the edge in order to gain some distance from the Drake so I would have a running start. After a while, I judge the path to be long enough before breaking into a sprint.

As I reach the edge, I jump with all of my strength, crushing some of the ground below me. With both hands turned into claws, I puncture the tail with ease as I slam into the Drake's tail.

The beast roars in pain as it begins thrashing about. I myself was deeply lodged upon its tail and tried my best in carving through the remaining tails as I wrapped my legs around it in order to avoid falling.

I am startled by a sudden shake as the Drake jumps from the fort and begins to fly skyward. As I continue slicing under the scales of its tail, it twists and turns in order to shake me off.

Before long, the flesh beneath the scales gives in to the G-forces and the remaining tissue rips apart as the tail…and myself start plummeting towards the ground…

IT COULD BE WORSE.

So, I am now falling…quite far and quite fast.

But I still have the Drake tail with me, it did not dissolve…So I might as well try to use it to save my life. 'Grip tight to the tail and wait for the ground to race closer', That is the plan for now.

Seconds pass as a mighty castle comes to view beneath the clouds…one with enough spikes and spires to really fuck up my day. Hello Anor Londo.

A moment passes and I crash through a tiled roof before the tail hits some marble floor.

-4586 HP

I can't help but wheeze as the impact travels into my body. My innards were definitely turned into mincemeat…Fucking hell.

I continue lying on the pulped Drake tail. It was also smashed to shit, but at least it wasn't disappearing. After a while, after I had decently healed up, I started lifting myself from the tail.

I stumble down and crash to the ground. My legs hurt…..

After just chilling on the floor, I eventually get up and dust myself off. I was wearing the Knight Armour set these days. Good and heavy plating which made one a bit heavy but that didn't bother me too much these days. I never found the corresponding helmet so I used the Elite Knight one instead. The issue was that the slit to see through didn't protect my face from sunlight, I incorporated a hood made from chainmail a while back. I also included my old cloak to the whole ensemble making it all look like a cleaner and well-kept version of the Fallen Knight set from the third game.

I would have stayed longer, but the sound of towering knights moving closer kinda ruined those plans.

I jump up to my feet and quickly equip my gauntlets once more. The Sentinels were already rearing back to attack, but I am quick to dodge away their halberds striking against the ground as I pull out the Mace+5.

A smirk forms beneath my helmet as I rush towards them and directly smash it into the enemy's knee. Blood splatters as I continue running around in order to hit the other one. The other Sentinel was quick on the uptake and his halberd raced towards me. I react in time to slam the halberd into the ground with the mace before kicking it down with my leg.

His arms were pulled forward and I quickly cross the gap by walking over the halbert and smashing my mace into the Sentinel's helmet. The metal caves in with whatever face beneath it faring no better.

Using Sekiro-strats is surprisingly effective sometimes.

Turning around, I see the other Sentinel crawling closer as it lifts its arm and…

-6874 HP

Throws his halbert right at me…

The blade sliced through half my neck but missed most of my body at least. I regenerate the damage in less than a second and rush towards the last sentinel. A quick Mace to the chest to knock him on his ass and another to his head as he lay prone.

[+3925XP]

You have advanced to Level 82 (1025/8200)

All HP and OD has been restored

Hell yeah, a level up as well.

Quickly looking around, I make sure that no other Sentinels were lurking around. I should have a moment of rest then. Might as well check my stats

X

Claudia von Mondrecht

Lv = 82 (1025/8200 XP)

Class = Rogue

Subclass =

Race = Nightkin (IV)

Title = none

Hp = 11200 HP (END x 100)

Hpr = 9184 HP/m (LV x END x 0.1 x 10 )

Body/Blood Coefficient= 82%

Damage Reduction = 211.2(END/10 + ARMOUR)

Stats:

Strength = 301 E

Endurance = 112

Agility = 343 E

Mind = 83

Charm = 164

Luck = 184

X

Yup, I was looking rather decent. I also admit that my class changes have been quite beneficial.

After Pickpocket, I was actually introduced to branching choices. A close-ranged Rogue, a ranged one and even a magic focused one was available to me. Me being the basic bitch I am, chose the close-ranged one, mainly because I really like fighting with my claws and melee weapons.

So I've gone through the Scoundrel class and am now at the Criminal one. Later on, I will be able to branch out again with a focus on combat and assassination, espionage and also theft. I could technically already choose the next one as the class level up is every 20 levels and I had made it to 80.

I could also go into one of the other class trees, but I wanted to wait and see how things were going first. I had played quite a few games to my recollection so I do remember that investing too much in a class, weapon or skill is something one can easily regret.

But for now, I'm somewhat ok with the perks I got from the two-class upgrades.

Sticky Fingers: You're a natural thief, with a light touch and a disarming smile you could pick a man clean and he'd be none the wiser.

Money Launderer: You've established yourself within the underworld and are now more easily able to find and establish contact with launderers to off-load your ill-gotten gains.

The perks do as promised essentially and….well, the second one isn't as useful so I have been considering branching out into the Ranged or Magic trees.

For now, I want to get back to the Firelink Shrine. I'm more or less done with my language lessons with the young blacksmith Rickert and I've been preparing on going back to the real world soon enough.

As I begin surveying the structures of Anor Londo, I also consider the other things I have been up to. I've generally been improving all of my skills and also added Blunt weapon proficiency. Basic workmanship also turned into Artisanship. This had a few subgroups that improved individually.

Might as well take a look to see what has improved.

X

[Presence concealment D]

[Territory creation D-]

[Artisanship C-]

-Blacksmithing C

-Carpentry D

-Craftmanship D

-Animal Husbandry E

-Farming E-

(Raub Ohne Laut E+)

[Apostle's claws C]

[Slash Weapon proficiency C]

[Blunt Weapon proficiency D+]

x

Yeah, I'm pretty happy with this. Carpentry and Blacksmithing were the skills I cultivated the most mainly because I want to be able to make my own gear and items when I return to the fate universe. Farming and Animal Husbandry were….those are skills that I have gotten for a surprise that will ensure my prolonged prosperity when I'm back there.

For now, I turn back to the smashed Drake tail and begin clawing around it until finally finding the Drakesword. It's a good weapon in the beginning, but not too good later on…But in Fate, it might have some Bullshit advantage due to Mystery and all that.

After pulling free the blade, the remaining tail quickly dropped into my inventory. There is always a use for Dragon Parts…. Drake parts…whatever.

With that all done, I make sure that my armour was hanging comfortably on my body before making my way outside of this building and to one of the many walkways outside.

Less than a second later, a giant arrow punctures the wall right next to me. I quickly step back into the building and slowly peek out of the doorway.

Yup. Two Silver Knights deciding to fuck up my day. Right.

I break out into a sprint and pull out my mace once more. With a series of jumps and lunges, I make my way across the walkways and rooftops until I'm able to pounce on the first knight just as he was readying the next arrow. I slam into him and the two of us crash through the window behind. It was one of those nice and colourful windows you would find in churches. Stained glass I think it was called…

The two of us crash into the ground, with the knight taking most of the damage. I need to stop falling so much today.

The impact had startled me in a bad way and just as the mace fell from my grip, I was able to have it fall in my inventory. With both of my hands free, I grip onto the Silver Knight's helmet and twist with all my strength. His neck snaps with a satisfying squelch.

After that, I get up and dust myself off as I dump the body and his gear in my inventory. I was in the proper castle of Anor Londo now…and I really didn't want to be here.

I could already hear many other knights move closer…Guess this will take a while.


2 hours later

Firelink Shrine

Claudia van Mondrecht

So….I was level 84 now…I had that going for me. As the elevators reach the bottom and I step off, the discomfort of being hit by true sun rays returns once more. Even with all the armour and cloth concealing my skin. The sun in Anor Londo was a construct made by Gwyndolin, so it didn't really bother me up there, but here?

I needed to be careful. It wasn't too painful, but due to my current racial stage, it wasn't very nice.

Stage IV: NightkinAn undead who acts as a fledgling vampire while maintaining its original personality. A half-human vampire whose inhuman physical abilities come at the cost of experiencing extreme coldness and thirst. A low-ranking knight, so to speak. When those of Rank Ⅵ and above carefully drink the blood of their prey, their victim starts out as a vampire of this rank. They become anaemic under the sunlight, though it doesn't burn them yet. In the world of magic, one is considered "a person" up to this rank. A vampire who has reached Rank Ⅳ can now survive away from its parent. From their point of view, it has changed from an "object" to a "living thing", in a sense. Only one in a thousand people are able to reach this rank.

Definitely proud of this change, even if the sun's effects are worse. It also upped the quality of my Magic circuits by a whole rank. I wouldn't be complaining about that.

x

Magic Parameters:

Od = 325

Circuit Quality = D

Circuit Quantity = 13

Origin = Unknown

Element = Unknown

x

Would be nice if I actually knew some magic….I do plan on taking down that old wizard and his Homunculi so I will definitely be getting his stuff. I've been learning German so I should be able to read his own works and writings…It won't be the best, as a lot of his knowledge will probably be lost, but I could cope with that.

Reaching the bonfire in the middle of the shrine, I turn towards the dilapidated church and move towards the back. There, I find 12 crystal lizards who all react to my presence and scuttle forward as I approach them. Quickly pulling out some scraps of iron, gravel and concentrated souls from my inventory, I started feeding them.

This was one of the few things I had been planning on taking along. These lizards produced twinkling and normal titanite on their backs. That is an invaluable resource here, but it would be even better elsewhere. I also collected the spores of the mushroom people found in the forests below, but that is for another purpose.

As I slowly finish feeding the lizards, I sense Oscar moving past the ruined church to approach me. I eventually turn towards him and smile as he comes into view. "Good news! I was able to fix the elevator to the undead parish…You know…after I kinda broke it when we were running away."

He lets off a small sigh as he eventually questions, "So, I'm guessing your preparations are done now?"

For my answer, I give him a small nod.

"I guess I can't really change your mind…though, I don't blame you. You are not undead…This is not your fight after all…If anything I should thank you for all you have done for me." He says with a solemn tone.

I couldn't tell what expression he was hiding under his visor…and I would be happier if I could see it now.

I wanted Oscar to fight most things on his own as he wouldn't really improve much without my help…This was his world and it was kinda his wish to save it.

I won't do it for him but I also won't offer him an out by leaving this world. He will probably live with regret in his life forever if I did that to him…even if it spares him an eternity of immolation.

Getting out of my crouched position, I slowly approach him before pulling him into a big hug. He is clearly startled by the sudden movement, but after a moment, he returns the hug.

"I'll miss you Oskar….Do your family proud ok?" I say as I slowly break the hug. He gives me a solemn nod and I want to imagine a determined expression to be hiding behind his helmet.

With that, I turn back to the crystal lizards who had finished their meals and whistled out. They all reacted and begin crawling towards me. With a smile on my face, I give Oskar one last wave as I head towards the elevator to the Undead Parish along with the lizards.

The little ones bundle next to me and I cannot help but find them adorable. They all stay in place and are not in danger of falling off the ledge, they were intelligent enough for that. As the elevator reaches the top, I gesture for them to stay here in order for myself to kill all the hollows between us and Andre the blacksmith.

After that was done, I becking the little Lizards along before we all finally reach the old blacksmith.

"Well, hello again. You seem to be doing all right. And you brought the little critters as well. Want me to use one to forge something?" The elderly man asks me as he continues to hammer away at some sheet of metal.

I shake my head as I pull out two silver Knight Longswords and a whole load of Titanite shards, chunks and even two slabs. As if knowing what I wanted, he quickly gets to work on improving the two blades to his maximum ability. It was fascinating seeing him work and I'm glad he had no issue when I helped him here and there. I say I helped, but really I just handed him the tools he needed and maintained the temperature of the forge as needed.

He had been kind enough to teach me here and there, Rickert did the same, But No one comes close to Andre's Skill level. When he was done with the two blades I pulled out white and green Titanite chunks from my inventory.

He picks up on the purpose of this before asking, "A blade for the divine and a blade for the unholy. Quite the powerful combination you want there…It would be my honour to make them." He says as he begins to forge once more.

I was glad he held no loyalties to any faction as he might question as to why I wanted these weapons…Though even then, I would tell him the truth and I doubt he would mind.

You see, I was only partially done with Dark Souls really. And I couldn't really make Bossweapons on the account that I cannot harvest their souls…I left that to Oskar and he needed it more than I do.

But these weapons I was getting? Fully upgraded Silver Knight Swords were forces to be reckoned with on their own, but with these enchantments? I would have some proper firepower for myself. And I was technically still a rogue. I didn't want some giant weapon to swing around. With these blades in both hands, I would be agile yet lethal….I couldn't wait.

When the blades finally finished, I wanted to gawk at the fact that their appearances were somewhat different. The divine blade was such a clear and light silver that it may as well be white. The occult blade had grown darker as if a thin layer of soot was still clinging to it.

I tried picking them up but quickly realised the discomfort I felt when picking up the divine one. I guess it made sense that I, a dead apostle, would probably be weak to the weapon now….Though, that would mean that other Apostles wouldn't fare any better. Now that has potential.

I take the two blades and before I can bid the old man farewell, he orders me to help as he creates two sheaths for the blades. "I know these ones are special for you, so I want to go the extra mile. It is the least I can do in return for all the things you and Oskar have brought me."

More time passes before finely engraved sheathes of black and silver metal are made to suit their corresponding blades. Rather than deposit them in my inventory, I strap the sheaths to my waist and insert the blades into them…This felt...Special. I would make something with these swords…I will not replace them anytime soon.

"I'll be seeing you then Claudia…Be careful out there." The old man says before getting back to working on whatever project I had interrupted when I arrived.

As I step away from the forge, the Crystal Lizards swarm around me once more and seem to be prodding at the Sheaths of the two new blades I had gained. I pat a few of them on the head before heading upstairs with them in tow.

Now, standing on that spacious platform above Andre, I prepare to leave this realm. It was still technically a dungeon, but it certainly didn't feel like it…

I cast the [Reality Crasher LV1] and a crack in reality reverberates in the air around me. The space in front of me unfolds itself to reveal the exact same cell I had escaped so many months ago.

I step through the rift and am once again back in the world I had left. The lizards all follow me into the cell before I let the rift in reality close itself.

[Reality Crasher LV1] has improved to [Reality Crasher LV8]

[Mundo Ludum LV1] has improved to [Mundo Ludum LV17]

.

Processing new Data…

I guess the massive level up was due to the fact that I had spent so long in that dungeon. Though I do wonder that else the System was picking up now.

New Parameter [Mystery] Has been created.

'I'm sorry what?' I can't help but think of the sudden popup. I quickly go through my Status screen and find the new addition.

Mystery [ Village Myth ] (All Stats have been increased by .4%. Further effects will be achieved with higher values.)

This was….This came as quite a surprise honestly. I had quite forgotten that the Belief of Humankind had such power in Fate, but if one considers certain aspects of it, it becomes very clear. Vlad the Impaler was no vampire in life, but the Mythos of Dracula twisted his legend to such a degree that if he is summoned as a servant, he could display abilities he never possessed in his life…While this can certainly be detrimental to me, it can also be something very…exploitable….

But manipulation of Mystery was a bit above my league right now. I should be focusing on this dungeon instead.

Quickly looking around, I find myself in the same cell as before but with one select difference. The door was completely open. Once again, I ask the lizards to remain behind as I slowly step out of the cell to inspect the surrounding area.

Just as before, the workshop was filled with strange Homunculi, grotesque animals and human children. Unlike before, I now use my Mystic eyes of analysis to see what was going on and was…saddened by the results.

The Homunculi, while more or less the same as the maids that had taken me, had slight differences. Some had different coloured hair and eyes, while others had more considerable mutations such as multiple irises within a single eye or arms that extended into claws. Judging by another room nearby filled with corpses, Homunculi that had actual deformities such as malformed limbs or impairments, were just flat out killed…

The animals that were locked up were actually Chimera of sorts. Not the kinds made of phantasmal and rare creatures but more common ones instead. One was made of Dogs, cats and even a chicken while another was a cross between Deer, goat and donkey of all things. The second one actually looked ok, but that wasn't the biggest concern to me.

That were the children in chains and with gags covering their mouths. The Mystic eyes revealed…not a lot actually. They were defined by the GAME that at higher levels, they would allow me to analyse make-up, properties, personal information, and eventually history of any object. I was only at level 34 with them, so I would have to find out why they were here the old fashioned way.

I move closer to one of the cells and beckon one of the children towards me. They had all visibly reacted when I entered this underground hell, but none made sounds of any kind. The child in front of me hesitates at first but does eventually approach. It was a young boy, probably no older than 12 but heavily malnourished. The chains also seemed to be restraining him in…Oh.

I had wondered why the boy was crawling rather than walking but when I saw the metal nails lodged in his Achilles tendon, I realised what had been done to them. I reach through the metal grate of the cage and remove the leather gag on the boy's face.

He first takes a few gulps of fresh air before letting out a dry cough that did not paint any picture of health. As he finally seemed to calm down, I thought of the words I wanted to say. I had studied the language and while my enhanced intelligence from the gamer system helped to learn it, it didn't prevent the fact that I still thought in English and had to translate in my mind first.

"Boy…..Why are you here… Who did this to you?"

The boy's eyes widen in surprise. He probably expected me to be some knight investigating the Old Magus's property, so the revelation that I am a woman underneath all my armour was probably quite the surprise.

The surprise does eventually fade though and he coughs once more before answering with heavy breaths," Mama…and Papa…They…The duke came to visit our farm…we….His men killed them" Tears begin streaming down his face and more coughs interrupt his words before he continues.

He points to some of the other children as well," The duke…He-he-he offered schooling at his castle for the children of the village…He said it was so-so-so that the village could get craftsmen and smiths one day…but He...He sent them here."

He pauses again to get his sniffles under control. I on the other hand ponder what he has told me so far. It at least explained why some households and been missing children when I went on my murder spree the last time I was here.

"…My sister..and me. They took us to the old man…We knew him, Mr Arenthal..I thought he wasn't a bad person. He…My sister didn't….She didn't deserve what that monster did…" He couldn't help but cry as whatever memory just surfaced wracked his brain with grief.

Through his distraught words, I learned enough of the Magus living here. He was just the kind of scum I was expecting him to be from the moment I first met him…What concerned me was the fact that the local duke was supplying him with children to experiment on.

I guess then that I should do something about this. My vampiric senses have been hard at work since I arrived in this basement and it was enough for me to realise that the magus wasn't in this underground area. He was probably working in the apothecary above…

That left me ample opportunity to take down the remaining Homunculi down here. I move away from the cells and approach the door that led to the operating chamber. I considered pulling out one of my newly improved swords but decided against it. Depending on their equipment, I wanted to see if the swords were even the ideal weapon for this. They were extremely long and that could become quite a problem if I have to fight in a tight room.

So I once again remove my gauntlets and place them in my inventory. I definitely need some kind of hand gear that could accommodate them turning into claws. I place my now bare hand on the door handle and creak the wooden panel forward.

I peek into the room and see the same operating table as before, but seemingly even more bloody than last time. That was also probably the reason for two homunculi dressed as maids to be currently scrubbing the floors in order to remove all the blood and tissue left there.

As I step into the room, the sound of my metal boots hitting the ground is noticed by both and their eyes widen with shock as they see my armoured form. All three of us stand frozen as a standoff of sorts is created.

I was the first to break the silence as I stated, "I am here to kill your master and all who are loyal to him…So decide what you want to do."

The first maid stood frozen, her face clearly showing her internal conflict. She was actually considering it. The other one had a hand go beneath her dress to pull out a set of throwing knives…Right.

Considering my hands were free, I saw no issue in turning them into claws as I rush forwards to the Homunculus. She throws the blades at me, but they all delightfully ping of my armour. She had been aiming for the joints, but the chainmail was more than up to the task of defending me. I was so much faster and stronger than last time, so she didn't really have time to dodge as my clawed hand cleaves straight through her ribs. Her body falls to the floor in pieces.

The other Maid was now looking on with fear in her eyes. She hadn't moved from her spot yet, so I wasn't going to indicate if I was going to harm her…After a few seconds of her hesitation, I do eventually say, "I want a clear answer Homunculus! If you even try to attack me when I turn my back to you, I will make you SUFFER!"

I would not show them mercy. Hell, this alone was already mercy. I thought they deserved leniency as they are essentially bred to be slaves, but they also shoved meathooks around my spine. That isn't something I will forgive anytime soon.

"What is your answer?!" I practically yell out as I approach with my other hand at the ready to slice through her body.

She starts trembling as her face goes through unfamiliar expressions that she probably never made until this moment. I could hear her teeth clenching as she finally raises her hands with open palms, "P-P-Please! Master Xefus is…He is a monster…You are the dead apostle he wanted right?... After my sister's failure…He…He butchered them and made the new ones…I'm the only one who remembers you….Please…I'm the only one who will remember them…I can't die…." At this point, she had fallen to her knees and was letting out childlike sobbing.

Makes sense as she was technically younger than a pre-schooler. As she continues to sob on the floor, I turn my claws back into hands before slowly, but carefully, patting her head. "What is your name?" I ask tentatively.

She shivers from the touch but does eventually relax as I stroke her hair. Physical affection for a homunculus is probably the most foreign sensation imaginable. "My…The master never gave us names, but when I was in town with him, I was referred to as Sabine…" She says. After a short while later, I consider her sufficiently calmed down. "Where is the old Magus?", I ask her.

She stills under my touch but does give me an answer, "He…He should be either upstairs, working in the apothecary, but he could also be at the Duke's castle…I have been kept out of the loop for some time in order to focus on cleaning duties…I-I-I do not know where he is."

She grows alarmed as my hand leaves her scalp, but as I begin moving back to the cell block, I can hear her breathing calm.

I consider heading upstairs to take out the old man, but I am aware of the little bell that alarmed him when any doors were opened. There was also a chance of a Bounded field, but I guess that won't affect me until I go upstairs or leave the whole building.

Also..there was another thing I had to do first. Looking back to the cell block, I consider all the prisoners here…I make my way to the children and pull out the upgraded mace from my inventory. I proceed to smash through the locks of every cell.

The noise was definitely an issue and could alert the old man…But fuck him right now, this had priority. I step closer to the closest child and see that he had similar injuries as the other one. The Nails in their feet, Infected wounds and general anorexia…These were not things one could recover from in this day and age..and I could not take care of them.

I hesitate for a second before letting out an annoyed sigh. I am not a good person, and while some would consider this cruel, I do consider it somewhat kind. These kids are bound for death. I may as well make it quick. With the mace in hand, steel myself and do the work.

Quick strikes to their heads are all it takes. I was a dead apostle, I am disconnected from humanity…Even if I felt no shame or regret as I killed these children…I knew that whatever humanity remained with me was pretty much gone. Unlike before, when I felt a certain sense of accomplishment as I snuck into the houses of the unknowing and killed everyone within, this…This had nothing to be proud of.

The children didn't scream when I started this. Some tried getting away, but in all honesty, they struggled to even move…Something I did at least promise to myself was that I wouldn't be eating their bodies to sustain myself…I still put their bodies in my inventory, but that was because I wanted…I wanted to bury them later on.

[+2540 XP]

I did not want to see that…I shake my head and clean off some of the blood that had gotten onto my armour but quickly stop as soon as I realise how futile that was….

With all the children taken care of, I move back to the other cells. I wouldn't be touching the chimeras but the homunculi were another issue.

Looking to the closest girl, I see that her eye was completely white and her hair had streaks of black in it.

"Do you have any loyalty to the Magus who created you?" The question was meant for all of them. Most of them shook their head and based on the grimaces shown on their faces, this was more than just a dislike to them…perhaps I can make this work for myself.

"Well then….I plan on killing him. And I certainly would enjoy your help….I will not become your new master. You can do whatever you want when he is dead…So I ask, would you be opposed to getting revenge on a creator that has shown you nothing but hatred for your entire lives?"

Most of them nodded to my luck. Some more than others and I also heard audible cheer's among them. I guess most couldn't actually speak but were capable of understanding me at least.

"Sabine!" I yell towards the previous room. The Maid in question quickly rushes out and views me with wide eyes,"Y-Y-Yes?"

"Get all these girls out of their cells and clothe them. Also, The lizards in the enchanted cell are to be left alone. Harm a single one and I won't hesitate in tearing through your throat. Am I understood?" I command her.

"Y-Yes my Lady…I mean…Sorry" She stammers out.

I shrug in response and finally head towards the stairs. I replace my mace with the crest shield and open the door. The bells attached to it start toiling and I begin sprinting up the stairs, as I sense movement up there.

Just as I reach the door, it opens on its own to reveal another of the Homunculi maids. She cannot react in time as I crash into her with the Shield and knock her to the ground. Before she can get up again, I ram the spike of the shield straight into her throat and sever her spine with the impact. The shield is covered in blood and viscera, something I will have to clean some other time.

x

[All Hostile Homunculi of Ahrental creation have been eliminated.]

[+15550 XP]

You have advanced to Level 85 (7150/8500)

All HP and OD has been restored

Perk added:

[Natural cessation] You've singlehandedly killed the Ahrental line of Homunculi. You've seen enough Artificial guts to know a thing or two about them. Might be interesting if you try your own hand at that. (Increased Experience gain for Homunculi creation by 300%)

x

Well then…I guess I know what I will be doing once this is all over and done with.

Moving around the body, I also notice the threshold of a bounded field here but it didn't seem to be harming me. I came from within after all, so it stands to reason that it wouldn't try to harm me.

This was the main basement of the Magus, filled with a few more books and tools. Most were still downstairs but I will be collecting them after the old magus is dead.

With this floor clear, I proceed to the actual set of stairs leading up the house proper. I was rather silent in reaching the top. Even if I was wearing heavy armour, I was still a rogue. I had trained my skills by trying to move silently with this armour and unless I was just a few meters away from someone they would not notice me.

I reach the top of the stairs and slowly realise that my target was no longer here…The old man was gone, the shop was closed and…Fucking Hell...

This means he was in the duke's castle. A place made for sieges and survival. Killing him there will be considerably…actually, it wouldn't be difficult. I am fairly certain that all his battle-ready homunculi are now dead…The only thing capable of defending him are the men guarding the Duke…And that should be a piece of cake…

x

Quest Added
Objective: Defeat Zefus Arenthal and Duke Ulrich II

Side objective: Secure all magical manuscripts and items.

Rewards: 100,000 XP, Optional Reward: "Consecration" (Origin and Element revealed)

x

Fuck yeah! Time to storm the castle!... On another note, this also leaves me a choice to use the homunculi downstairs…It would be interesting to see what so-called "Failures" are actually capable of.

I quickly make my way through the underground area again. On the way, I already begin taking everything that isn't nailed down and dump all books, notes and tools in my inventory. I continue this until I reach the cellblock.

To my amusement, I see most of the Girls petting and playing with the crystal lizards. Not what I was expecting, but it was a bit adorable to see.

Sabine quickly noticed my presence and panicked because she was clearly trying to get the lizards back into their cell.

I raise my hand to cut off whatever she meant to say and lower my hood before having my helmet vanish in my inventory. My appearance definitely startles the women present and before any of them can say or ask anything, I bellow out," Listen up! The old man is with the Duke. Considering that he is complacent with everything the Magus is doing and has gone out of his way to help him, I say he dies as well!..." I pause to give them all a short look. Most of them gained a hateful glimmer in their eyes. One of hatred, not directed at me, but the one I am speaking off.

"I won't be going at this on my own. You will all aid me in this battle. Even if you are weak, inexperienced, or crippled. You will earn your freedom from the one who created you. Take back your lives and end that of the man who dared enslave it!... Once he is dead, Your life will be your own…"

Some were motivated, some were afraid. It didn't matter. I needed bodies for this mission and they would provide them. I meant what I said to them. if they help and survive this ordeal?...then they get to leave.

I didn't need them. I wanted the notes and resources of the old man in order to make my own brand of homunculi…these ones are…Inconsequential really. Their lifespan is a few years at best….

So they may as well make something of it. Because right now? They are mine to command…


12 Hours later

Castle Barknor

Xefus Ahrental

Looking over the newest child stolen from the lands of this duchy, Xefus couldn't help but scoff. The child had trace amounts of Od being produced but it was completely negligible. It would be more suitable to be harvested for its organs, but other than that, the child was useless.

It angered him to no end and seeing the frightened eyes of the count and his knights stare back at him did not improve his mood, "This child…I expect better next time Henry…Or else I might have you help me with some of my…bigger creations."

He says as he moves past the duke. The knights make way for him as he moves out of the tower and across the courtyard. He stopped at one of the window sills to view the region and village below. The castle sat atop of a mountain with a single bridge giving access to the structure. It was perfectly secure and nearly impossible to besiege

The castle sat atop of a mountain with a single bridge giving access to the structure

"I will be having my supper now…Have your servants prepare it immediately" He orders them. The nearby attendants move at the order. They had all been enchanted by his homunculi and had been forced to see him above the duke via Geis. He had the entire castle practically under his thumb…why would he not use it to enjoy some luxuries.

He was about to enter the dining hall when a scream echoed throughout the courtyard. It had come from the castle gates. He had vaguely heard the drawbridge be lowered moments before but was now unsure of what had happened after that.

Screams increase at the entrance of the courtyard as an armoured figure comes into view. It was a knight with…more armour than he had ever seen. He visibly begins to panic, not because of the sheer amount of blood and viscera covering the Knight, but the fact that they were without a doubt a magus or even more.

And that was not all. He had been on his own without one of his homunculi as he always did. The Duke's guards were all he needed really. No one who could harm him knew who he was. And after that fiasco with the Dead Apostle 3 months ago, he made sure that the church had as little influence here as possible.

The nearby village had gained quite a bad reputation after all. Half of the town disappearing in a single night and the church burning down the night after did that. The church part was him though. He couldn't risk them calling for an official investigation by the Vatican.

He had to count himself lucky that the Apostle didn't bother spawning any dead. That would have been far too large an issue to handle. His Homunculi were effective at getting her at least.

And when he sees all the failed Homunculi pouring in with knives, clubs and pot lid shields, he realizes that he can't count on the others to come to his aid…That knight, the mage, whoever the hell they were! They took his creations, raided his workshop!

It was time to show them that he was not someone one could simply rob.


Castle Barknor

Claudia van Mondrecht

After fighting Hollows, Demons, Monsters and Knights that served gods…Fighting normal humans was…ridiculously easy. Currently, I was using the Occult Sword in one hand and the mace in the other.

Sword for people with no armour, mace for those with, and the sword again to give the killing blow. That's how it went.

The Homunculi behind me weren't that bad either. I raided the workshop properly, but I didn't really have a use for everything there. So I armed them with what I could spare. Some old Hollow weapons and equipment did the trick.

And damn. My speech was garbage, but some of them were really motivated. They didn't have any technique or skill, but most of them were above human in terms of power. So, this would be a cakewalk…

Or that was my train of thought until a fiery explosion took out 3 of the girls and 2 guards. Guess the old man is nowhere as well.

I activate my presence concealment, it makes me more or less 35% less noticeable. Not enough to flank me, but enough to not be noticed as I fling myself over the castle walls and use my claws to quickly lodge myself in the walls before climbing along the side and reaching one of the towers.

As I finally catch sight of the old magus, I see him casting another spell of sorts at a group of Homunculi. They were promptly set on fire as they were storming towards him.

Might as well help them a bit. I may have quite a few bows in my inventory. A weapon I promised to myself I would train to use, but never got around to doing that.

So I shall use a crossbow instead. The Sniper variant I got from Sen's Fortress is right up my alley. I load a bolt and take aim…I don't have to hold my breath as I steady myself. My eyes focus on a single spot and I pull the trigger.

The wind was stronger than expected…But it didn't cause the bolt to miss its mark. Instead of a headshot, I got a shoulder shot.

He screams in pain, clutching his shoulder as he desperately tries to stop the blood from flowing. After a while, he begins casting some kind of Spell on his wounds. He is distracted by a sudden shadow nearing his feet.

That was me, jumping down from the roof above with my claws outstretched. He raises his arm in defence and to my surprise, it actually doesn't slice clean through. The glowing lines on his flesh make the reason for this obvious.

"Reinforcement" I breathe out with rage in my voice. He shoves me back a few steps. The fighting around us has already calmed down, the Homunculi being the only ones left.

"You wretched abomination! It's you, isn't it! The harlot from back then! You now dare come after me!...You raid my workshop and you free these pieces of garbage, These failures so you can mock at me!" He yells out in anger as he holds his arm limply.

Before he could cast another thing, I pull out my Crest shield and raise it just in time as a wave of flames crashes against me. The shield defends against inherently magic attacks. The Drake Shield would have been better as I feel the cook me inside my own armour, but it wasn't too bad really.

[-3000 HP]

Wait, that was actually pretty bad.

The Shield held up decently and I quickly proceed to throw it as hard as I can towards the old man. The shield gets a bit redirected from the high winds, ending with the flat side of the shield hitting his arms he put up to block the impact.

The best part was the fact that it hid myself from his view as I close the gap between us and go for a punch as the shield falls to the ground. My fist collides against his arms and breaks them without issue.

He yells out in pain once more but that is quickly stopped as two of my claws pierce through his lower jaw so I can grip onto it. I considered ripping it all off, right then end there in order to kill him…But why do that when he can still be of some use to me?

With my grip stable on his mouth, I rip off his shirt before folding up my visor with a quick movement. With a quick movement, I plunge my teeth into his neck. I taste his old and stale blood but do not drink it. Instead, I inject my own blood into him via the bite. He begins writhing in pain as the blood moves through his veins to begin the transformation process.

Whatever state he will be in, depending on whether or not his mind is intact, I will not kill him. I have no trouble learning magecraft on my own, but it would always be better with a teacher…

I let go of the old man and smile with glee as I see him convulsing on the ground. I now take in the courtyard around me and also spy two homunculi carry out who I believe to the Count by his arms.

They approach me after Sabine joins them and all the other Homunculi gather around. They quickly throw the Count at my feet and I suddenly get a notification.

x

Quest Completed
Objective: Defeat Zefus Arenthal and Duke Ulrich II [X]

Side objective: Secure all magical manuscripts and items. [X]

Rewards: 100,000 XP, Optional Reward: "Consecration" (Origin and Element revealed)

[+16,650 XP]

[+100,000 XP]

You have advanced to Level 98 (1025/8200)

All HP and OD has been restored

[Launching "Consecration" executable ];

.

It comes as a neat little program…what fun

Processing…..;

Results found;

Element: Average one

Origin: Adaptation

x

Can't complain about Average one as an elemental affinity. That basically means that I'm decently good with all five elements. It does also mean that I don't really have an affinity with any of the more esoteric concepts…Like Sword or something.

The Origin…is a bit more unique. I was expecting "Evolution" or "Growth" due to the nature of the Gamer system I had….But this is also connected to that. How it will affect my magic and my future…well, that remains to be seen.

For now, I want a good look at my Stats.

x

Claudia von Mondrecht

Lv = 98 (8050/9800 XP)

Class = Rogue

Subclass = Criminal

Race = Nightkin (IV)

Title = none

Hp = 12800 HP (END x 100)

Hpr = 12544 HP/m (LV x END x 0.1 x 10 )

Body/Blood Coefficient= 80%

Damage Reduction = 212.8 (END/10 + ARMOR)

Stats:

Strength = 365 E

Endurance = 128

Agility = 423 D

Mind = 99

Charm = 196

Luck = 216 E

x

Fuck yeah! D-Rank Speed and even E-Ranked Luck! I find it funny how people like Emiya complain about their supposed E-Ranked luck but conveniently forget that that still means they are 10 times luckier than the average person. Funny how that works…

"M-M-Ma'm…What about the Duke?" I am startled from my thoughts by Sabine appearing by my side to ask me that question.

I quickly assess the Duke with my Mystic eyes and find no reason as to why I should keep him alive…I walk towards him with steady steps and grab hold of his throat. Once again, I consider killing him….But even turning him would be bad for what I have planned. I want to take over…The Duchy of his? It will be mine and unless I can properly guarantee it to end in my control, I will need him alive.

Deals can be made and I'm certain the Old Alchemist has some magic that would help in making sure the Duke's subservience is binding. I choke the Duke until he falls into unconsciousness.

I ask two of the homunculi to bring him along with any survivors into the dungeon for the time being. I myself had taken the time to remove my armour and wrap myself up in a black cloak and dress to still protect me from the sun. All the Homunculi finally gather around me.

With that now finally done, I give the last loose ends a look. "Homunculi…All of you! You have fought bravely and have aided me in killing your former master…What you do now is up to you. You can leave and travel the world to find your fortune on your own…But you can also stay with me." Most of their eyes widened with surprise but also suspicion at that.

It was their right really, "It takes no genius to know that I used you all today to further my own goals. A goal we shared at that…That alliance has now ended...But I am in the need of servants of my own…Should you serve me, know that I will treat you fairly and with respect. The luxuries reserved for others will be available to you…And should you find yourself unsatisfied under me then I will not forbid your departure….

That is my offer. Those that take it, shall follow me inside. This will be my home for the foreseeable future" With that, I leave the girls outside and head into the castle interior. It doesn't take long to find the "Throne room" of the place. With a tired sigh, I let myself fall into the chair and stare into the grand chamber it was located in.

I was finally done with all my immediate threats…Sure, I will have to see if the magus had any friends who would notice his "death" or if the church might catch wind of the whole affair…These were things I wanted to avoid...

To my luck though, I probably wouldn't be doing it alone.

Around me, many of the homunculi had gathered and began bowing in unison. One after the other, the girls entered the room and did as the others. Once the door closed for the last time, I ended up with about 70% of the original group.

Sabine was also among the. I didn't have any specific preference for her, other than the fact that she was rather decent at fighting and has some experience of being a maid. She can teach the others then….

So…A vampire, about 30 artificial humans, a traumatized duke and his family and at least 3 dozen corpses in a castle with a ghost town attached to it…

Don't forget the Crystal Lizards.

Right, almost did…Wait

Where the fuck have you been Cypher?

Eh, Bugtesting mostly.
I don't really care much about what is going on as long as you aren't dying

Ah, got it…

I also have an absolute dick of a System lurking in my head.

What a wonderful start.


To celebrate the release of Elden Ring. New chapter.

Have a wonderful week! Please review!