E book 4: Chapter 23: Good friend or Foe?

Frank grumbled because the final pack of the shambling useless was situated and destroyed. The beast that was creating them vanished an hour later, its bloated corpse leaving a stain on the panorama. He was grateful that no person was critically harmed, however one thing nonetheless bothered him. He knew about these monsters from the surface world. They have been one thing of a sensation the primary time certainly one of them attacked a participant space. The web known as it a world occasion, as gamers got here out like a military to place the primary ones down. Some speculated the guests created them on objective to see if people would work collectively. Others assumed it was a part of the world’s mechanics. Regardless of that, one factor he did know was they have been uncommon and by no means got here this far south.

He set this thought apart to deal with the uncomfortable new drawback. Skullman knew Heather was a selected utilizing the bonus class to hide the necromancer. If he wished to, he may expose her, stripping away the ruse that she was a flower singer. She would haven’t any technique to disguise from the gamers who got here subsequent, and life would take a really totally different flip. What Skullman would do with the key was up within the air. Moon already knew, however she was rigorously guarding the key lest Heather be stolen away. The 2 rangers additionally knew and had even made an try at Heather that fortunately failed. Nonetheless, with the checklist of individuals rising, she would discover her secret tougher to maintain. Eventually, any individual who knew would come wanting, after which they might have actual hassle.

He turned to see Heather, Skullman, and Breanne arguing about participant motives and their actions on this planet. Frank had been in right here lengthy sufficient to know loads of gamers agreed with Heather however simply as many did not. Many of the sympathetic gamers stored their heads down and went on with their lives. Each time one spoke out, the extra aggressive gamers would gang up on them and make their lives depressing. He had seen it himself the place some hero gamers decried the dangerous habits towards the monster ones. They have been handled no higher than the monster gamers themselves and pushed away. In fact, the opposite gamers mentioned nothing. If this was the world you needed to reside in, then making oneself a pariah was not enticing.

Heather was that uncommon particular person who did not care. She would stand towards them irrespective of how a lot hassle it induced. She would stand her floor till the world burned round her, by no means giving up on her concepts. Was that why she was chosen?

Frank, Quinny known as, disturbing him from his ideas. There are not any extra within the forest,

He seemed up and nodded, letting her know he heard. Quinny had retreated to her barrow mound to make use of the interface and search the woods for stragglers. They have been stunned by what number of packs have been nonetheless roving about however one after the other till they eradicated them.

This stuff are like military ants, Quinny added as she walked to his facet with Legeis following alongside.

There are a number of monsters that swarm like this, he replied.

Yeah, however they do not drag the useless again to their queen to eat and make extra, she laughed. On the plus facet, I acquired a ton of expertise. I nearly leveled twice.

I acquired degree and a half out of that, Legeis added.

I acquired a degree too, Frank mentioned and seemed again to Heather. I’m certain all of us did.

Humorous, we did not degree within the swamp, Quinny added. We did loads of combating.

He thought again to it and realized she was proper. Almost each step of the swamp was a battle, and it solely acquired worse once they reached the caves. The lizard wolf issues alone ought to have leveled them, but they hadnt managed it. Defeating the monster within the water, then all these golems, the rogue and the wizard, why hadnt they leveled?

Quinny turned to take a look at the three folks arguing within the distance. So one other individual is aware of Heathers secret.

We should always have stored it and run, Frank mentioned. We’re serious about leaving this place anyway.

Yeah, however it was all speak, Quinny mentioned. We aren’t able to go but, and I acquired stuff I wish to transfer.

Heather has a bunch of stuff, Frank mentioned. However I dont like her plan of taking it again via that tunnel.

It could take a heck of quite a bit longer to go over the roads, Legeis mentioned.

Quinny nodded and commenced to wipe her sword on the grass to wash the pink ooze.

He is proper. It is the shortest method again, she insisted. We will flip a visit that takes days into hours that method.

Frank understood the logistics of it, however there was one thing off-putting about that place. It felt like a world that did not exist outdoors the sunshine of these magic totems. The darkness round them felt alive and extra actual than the mud beneath their ft. Umtha was afraid of the place, and when Heather advised transferring her village via the tunnel, she mentioned they might stroll as a substitute.

You realize the tunnel is the best choice, Quinny pressed. In addition to, have been undead, what’s there to be afraid of?

What occurred to her bone champion? Frank requested. It by no means leaves her facet except she orders it too, and even then, it generally disobeys and involves her facet anyway. It would not simply get lost by itself.

Who is aware of, Quinny mentioned with a shrug. It most likely walked too near the darkness and acquired swallowed up.

And that doesnt trouble you? Frank requested. What occurs if it swallows certainly one of us?

She tossed her head and held out the sword to look it over. We respawn.

He wasn’t so certain that was true. The our bodies of the paladins actually appeared to point it wasn’t. No matter that place was, it felt disconnected from this world, and maybe the respawn system. For all he knew, dying in that place left you trapped inside it, or worse.

You might be worrying about it an excessive amount of, Quinny mentioned. Heather was meant to make use of these tunnels, so it should be secure.

Why do you say that?

Due to the letter, she replied. It was hidden so solely the useless may see it, and contained the code to open the door. She was clearly meant to know how one can open and use it.

Frank hadn’t thought of that time, however then it made issues much more unusual. Why did Hathlisora assume Heather wanted to make use of the tunnels, and why did it come right here? Certainly it wasn’t a coincidence that the tunnel led proper to their properties. It was extra proof that there was a sport being performed, and now it concerned all of them.

What your suggesting is an countless civil warfare, Skullman shouted, drawing his consideration to the three arguing folks.

I’m suggesting hero gamers say one thing and cease hiding from the reality, Heather argued.

You possibly can’t flip half the gamers on the opposite half, Skullman sighed. It could result in countless combating and chaos in each metropolis. Even when one facet or the opposite received a battle, it might solely final till the respawn. Then the combating would begin once more. Ultimately, they might begin destroying properties to attempt to drive a reset to realize a bonus.

Hmm, Heather mentioned with an odd smile. In a method, that is poetic.

How is countless battle and destruction poetic? Skullman demanded.

Heather leaned on her scythe with a smile. It could drive gamers to understand they cant remedy their issues with violence. They might haven’t any peace till they began speaking and agreed on an answer.

That is overly optimistic, he countered. Some gamers will relish the chaos. With no technique to implement lasting repercussions, it can spiral uncontrolled. Then the gamers who wish to benefit from the world will probably be dragged into an ever-expanding battle.

So how do you handle to regulate it now? she requested. Actually dangerous apples are killing at random only for the lols.

Skullman sighed, wanting away.

Go forward, inform her the way you management it, Breanne insisted, her sharp elvish options in a position to painting disapproval with alarming readability.

Skullman did not look again as he defined how looking monster gamers helped unite them. It gave the dangerous gamers an outlet for his or her violence. The higher gamers turned a blind eye to it as a result of it allowed them to play free from harassment.

So that you put aside one group of gamers to be persecuted to sate the blood lust of one other, Heather mentioned in disdain.

I did not do it, Skullman mentioned. After I got here in, there was loads of infighting. Participant preyed on each other as a result of it was simple, and gamers usually carried higher loot. The brand new gamers would journey within the monster dungeons and are available out with the loot solely to be killed by different gamers who would steal it. It was just like the wild west for a short while.

However then you definately discovered a technique to flip that aggression on the monster gamers, Breanne mentioned in a flat tone. Gamers started to prepare competitions with rewards primarily based on what number of monster gamers they may drag again. Then the monster gamers have been used for gladiator fight till they died and reset.

Skullman seemed ashamed as he nodded his head. Once more, I had nothing to do with it, however I additionally did nothing to cease it. I used to be completely happy that the cities have been united in a single trigger, and never lethal warfare zones.

The monster gamers grew to become a sacrifice for peace, Breanne mentioned. And naturally, gamers who managed cities found they acquired huge dumps of expertise when monster gamers have been killed inside their borders. As soon as that little gem was found, each city participant within the land inspired its inhabitants to tug monster gamers again.

I kinda blame the guests for that, Heather mentioned. They’re rewarding dangerous habits. I assume I see the logic of it although, you gave the gamers a goal they may unify behind. It is a win-win for the hero gamers, however what occurs when the monster gamers reset and change into heroes or depart?

New monster gamers are available on a regular basis, Skullman mentioned. A few of them attempt to struggle again, and the heroes stomp them.

So that they flee solely to get replaced by new ones to endure the identical destiny, Heather surmised.

Skullman nodded and seemed again, his eyes intense as she spoke. I want monster gamers would not reset for being outdoors their lairs. It could remedy so many issues.

Hmm, Heather replied and paced just a few steps. I suppose that may, however there are methods to keep away from it.

There are? Skullman requested.

Heather nodded and turned in her pacing. I can put a spell on them that enables them to respawn correctly even when they die miles from their lair. It solely works as soon as, after which I’ve to recast it, however its quite simple.

Wait, you possibly can shield them from being reset? he requested in shock.

I can, Heather mentioned. However solely as a result of I’m a necromancer, which is outlawed due to previous occasions.

Now it was Skullmans flip to tempo as he seemed misplaced in thought. Is the necromancer the one class that forged this spell?

Frank listened as Heather defined she wasn’t certain. Breanne appeared to assume the necromancers have been the one ones who may, however she wasn’t certain both. Skullman appeared genuinely stunned at this information and advised she preserve that to herself. Frank wasn’t certain that was necessary. Moon appeared to know Heather would be capable to revive him. She had that loss of life knight ready in his lair for simply such a contingency. If she knew, then others did as properly or at the very least suspected. That would solely imply the knowledge was being rigorously guarded, and solely as choose few knew. If that was the case, then who was Moon that she was one of many few?

Why did you keep right here? Skullman requested, drawing Frank from his contemplation.

I’m not letting folks drive me out, Heather argued. Frank and Quinny will lose an excessive amount of of their development if we’ve to relocate.

They are going to lose all the pieces in the event that they get reset, and they are going to be reset for serving to you, Skullman identified. If this ever will get again to Kevin or his paladins, they’ll reset each participant they discover inside a mile of this place simply to make sure.

Frank may see the anger on Heather’s face as she heard this clarification once more. He was grateful she wished him to have his grand graveyard, however the threat was rising. Skullman used himself for instance of simply what sort of gamers have been beginning to hear the rumors and are available south. Eventually, any individual with some clout would come wanting, and he or she would remorse not having run sooner.

We’re serious about leaving, Heather said.

Do not assume, depart, and do not inform me the place you are going. I do not need or have to know, Skullman insisted.

Why? Are you going to inform on us? Heather mocked.

Skullman took a deep breath as agitation confirmed on his face. He took a step towards her to ensure his subsequent assertion hit dwelling. There are courses on this world who can see the reality or detect a lie. There are spells they’ll use to drive you to inform them what they wish to know. They’ll make you assume they’re your finest good friend and you’ll inform them all the pieces. Then when the spell wears off, you’ll understand what you probably did. If I knew, and any individual thought to query me, I’d inform them all the pieces irrespective of how I wished to maintain it a secret.

Heather nodded as the purpose was taken. Frank may see the frown on her face as she accepted the dire risk. He hated to see her crushed again like this, however the level was made. They wanted to depart, and the earlier, the higher, however that meant passing via that tunnel once more.

I believe she is upset, Quinny whispered.

She is lastly accepting the truth that we cant keep right here, Frank replied.

She should not be upset about that. There may be loads of room within the swamp for us, Quinny mentioned. The 2 facet trails do not even go via the swamp. I may put my forest down certainly one of them, and you possibly can put your graveyard behind all of it the best way to the cave.

I believe Heather is upset that she introduced this on us, Frank mentioned. She feels accountable.

Nah, if Heather hadn’t been a necromancer, neither Breanne nor I’d be right here, Quinny countered. She is the one purpose we’ve all this. If something, she made it potential for us to have these alternatives.

Frank agreed, however he knew Heather was going to see it in another way. She hated the thought of inflicting both of them to lose progress, however in a method, this was higher for them. Breanne has distinctive talents that solely labored in a haunted space or a swamp. In the event that they relocated to the swamps, she would have a substantial area to roam and have an effect on. Quinny may develop into the swamp, constructing islands lined in dense bushes as a part of her forest. Even he had choices to construct islands lined in tombstones related by wood plank bridges.

Heather defined the tunnel and the way it allowed them to journey from the swamp to right here in a matter of hours. His smile light away as Quinny described the grim panorama and oppressive drone of the magic poles.

Are you certain its secure? he requested.

Effectively, nothing attacked us, Heather replied.

Besides your bone champion, Quinny added as Finneous raised a forehead.

We do not know what occurred to him, Heather mentioned. He simply vanished.

Possibly I’ll stroll with the goblins, Finneous replied.

The tunnel is completely secure, Heather insisted. You simply want to remain inside the sunshine.

Finneous didnt appear satisfied as he rubbed at his chin. I assume I may attempt the tunnel.

Good, Heather replied as a whispering voice got here from the path behind them. They turned to stare into the bushes as a shrill voice spoke in her head. She closed her eyes to take heed to the voice earlier than throwing them broad in shock. Oh, that cant be good.

What cant be good? Breanne requested.

Webster continues to be by the tower, she replied.

So?

There was a cracking of tree branches as one thing moved via the dense foliage.

Umm, what did he say? Quinny requested.

He mentioned my Bone Champion was again, and he seems to be injured.

Oh, Breanne mentioned in alarm as one other cracking noise was heard.

That is the one which vanished within the tunnel? Finneous requested.

Sadly, sure, Breanne replied.

Heather gripped her scythe tightly as a inexperienced gentle appeared within the distance.

Is that him? Frank requested as he felt the stress rising.

It needs to be, Heather whispered as the sunshine drew nearer.

A form appeared within the street, burning with inexperienced gentle as stood immobile as if watching them. It remained there for a protracted second earlier than staggering ahead. It fell to its knees and struggled again up earlier than persevering with.

Umm, it is nonetheless pleasant, proper? Quinny requested.

Dont wager on it, Breanne mentioned as she light into her ghostly kind.

Cease the place you’re! Heather shouted because the skeleton drew nearer.

The bone champion got here to a halt for just a few seconds after which toppled over, falling to arms and knees because it began to crawl. Heather dropped her scythe and ran to it as Frank cried out for her to attend. He ran after her as she knelt beside the skeleton, who reached out a hand as if for assist.

What on this planet occurred to you! Heather cried to see its armor was torn and shredded. The helm was gone, and a part of the higher cranium was damaged away.

Heeeelp, it hissed as Frank arrived at her facet. He seemed over the battered minion and noticed one thing transferring round in its chest.

Get away from it, he shouted in alarm and jerked her again.

Frank! Heather yelled as he hauled her again. He wants a heal!

There’s something fallacious with him, Frank urged. Look inside his chest.

The skeleton continued to achieve for her as she dared to look nearer. She jumped again when she noticed the motion and seemed round in confusion.

What’s that? she requested.

Some type of parasite, Frank replied. For those who contact it, you is perhaps affected.

I cant depart him struggling like this, she insisted.

Possibly I might help, Breanne mentioned as she hovered over in her Banshee kind. She labored a spell, and a hand of black fashioned earlier than her. She used the ghostly hand to achieve into the skeleton’s chest, fishing round inside. It is attempting to keep away from me, she mentioned as she tried to seize it a dozen occasions.

Heeeelp, the skeleton hissed once more, inflicting Heather to twist in concern.

Hurry, she insisted. I cant stand to see him like this.

Breanne centered and eventually managed to seize maintain of the factor. She jerked it again, producing a howl of ache from the skeleton as a protracted worm got here out of the inexperienced flames.

What’s that? Quinny requested.

Some type of worm, Frank replied as he dared to step nearer.

No matter it’s, we have to destroy it, Breanne urged.

It seems to be like pure blackness, Heather mentioned. It is as black as your spells. At the same time as Heather spoke, the hand started to fade as if the factor was consuming it.

Look out! Breanne cried because it fell to the bottom and raced for Heather.

A gout of fireplace burned throughout the bottom catching the horror in its embrace. It thrashed and made an odd wail earlier than fading away into nothingness.

I acquired it, Legeis mentioned as they began on the flames.

You poor factor, Heather mentioned as she put a hand to the bone champion. She known as on her energy and commenced to forged heal after heal, slowly restoring the skeleton.

What do you assume that factor was? Quinny requested.

No matter it was, it absorbed my spell, Breanne mentioned. Heather might be proper. That may have been a creature of pure shadow.

Why was it within the skeleton’s chest? Frank requested. And the way did it get out of that place?

It was some type of magical parasite, Breanne mentioned. One product of pure shadow like my magic. He will need to have adopted his attraction to Heather and located the mirror portal.

What would have occurred if that factor jumped to Heather? Quinny requested

Frank did not even wish to think about it. Possibly a healer may take away it with remedy ailments, or curse spells. Worst case situation, they must kill her so she may respawn with out it. He was certain Heather would not be proud of that, however then what else may they do?

How may it have used the mirror? Heather requested as she took a second to look at the skeleton earlier than therapeutic it once more. It closed minutes after we got here via.

Did it? Breanne requested. I dont recall seeing it shut.

Neither to do I, Frank replied. We simply took it as a right that it did.

It went again to being cloudy, Heather argued. I assumed that meant it was shut.

Possibly it doesnt shut from the within, Quinny advised.

That might be true, Legeis agreed. It’d all the time be open from the within like a one-way door.

That also would not clarify the place he went, Breanne identified as she noticed the bone champions armor start to reform. Cautious you do not overextend your self once more. You used loads of energy in that battle.

Heather sighed and stepped again because the bone champion slowly acquired to its ft. It nonetheless seemed wounded however managed to face after which held out a hand to indicate he was clutching one thing. As his bony fingers unwrapped, they noticed he was holding a easy ring product of blue glass. Heather bent over to take a look at the ring in marvel because the skeleton held it out to her.

Yoouurs, the skeleton hissed, inflicting all of them to flinch.

Mine? she requested as her hand slowly reached over it. The place did you get this?

Darknessss.

You went into the darkness to get this for me? Heather requested.

Yoouurs, it replied once more.

It is a complete new degree of creepy, Quinny mentioned as the strain mounted.

Taaake! the skeleton insisted, thrusting the hand earlier than her face.

Heather slowly reached for the ring as she held her breath. Her fingertips touched the steel as she started to glow with a mild blue gentle.

Heather, Frank mentioned in alarm as she took it from the bone champions hand.

It feels chilly, she mentioned as she turned it over in her fingertips.

Possibly it is best to analysis that earlier than placing it on, Breanne advised as Heather held it as much as admire it. With a apprehensive smile, she took it between two fingers and slipped it on.

Oh my! Breanne cried because the air stuffed with sensible blue gentle.