Chapter 45 - Horrors of an Old War

"Hurry, there's too many for us to fight safely!" I order my Servants as we hurry through the now blood-soaked streets. The whole atmosphere shifted once the Carrion Behemoth fell. Many of the buildings are ablaze, others reduced to rubble from something big impacting them, probably catapult fire.

It's like we're in the midst of the original fight that laid this town to waste. As we run towards the bell-tower, I catch glimpses of Undead dressed in the remains of uniforms fighting each other, whilst other Undead seemingly cower in fear.

I recognize the emblem upon the forces that seem to be the attacking force, it's the Parshuran coat of arms. Makes sense, as this area is now Parshuran territory...

Despite the re-enactment taking place, if we get too close to any Undead, regardless of their attire, they react with hostility.

As we get closer and closer to the structure the bell-tower sits atop of, the Undead start actively going after us however, and pretty soon we're forced to abandon the notion of fighting. With the Servants on my back, I use my speed to avoid any oncoming Undead as I bound towards the large double doors that mark the entrance to the Dungeon itself.

I slam them open, and quickly shut them behind us as we get inside, preventing its opening with several Earth Spikes placed in front of it. It should hold for now, even if the Undead horde outside is pushing and slamming on the doors.

Seems the Dungeon is housed inside this massive manor. The decor is lavish yet tasteful, though grimy and stained with blood. Seems this might have been the residence of the leader of this town? We all catch our breaths, and steel ourselves for what is ahead.

According to my map, the mansion is shaped like a square doughnut, with what is possibly a garden in the middle. I doubt it's the Garden for the Dead though. I take a moment to pinpoint possible locations for the Heart. I want to take care of that before taking on the Lindorm if at all possible.

The chances of the Ancient Lindorm being the Dungeon Boss is very small, considering Delphas vision of it leaving the Dungeon to try to Usurp my Lair. As far as anyone knows, Dungeon Bosses never leave its Dungeon. Those who have tried to lure one outside have reported that it simply loses interest in any targets outside the boundary and quickly retreats out of reach of ranged attacks.

Of course, that tactic is even less applicable here, where it would be able to chase us to the border of the Bloom, all the while accompanied by the Undead outside. If we encounter the Boss, there's no choice but to stay and fight.

We carefully make our way through the mansion. The amount of enemies within its walls are much more manageable than outside, so we're able to take out anything we encounter on the way with careful teamwork.

*Risen*

*The most basic form of Undead, taking the form of a decaying corpse. Not to be confused with the Zombie, the Evolved form of the Risen. Poses little threat one on one, but their danger rises exponentially in numbers. Beware their Necrotic Bite, which inflicts Gangrene, a persistent Status that causes any open wounds to instantly fester and rot. Oddly, the Risen still carry the Blessing of their former species, and benefit from it as if they were still alive. As with all Undead originating from humanoids, the use of their parts are considered taboo.*

*Rank: 2 Stars (Alone), add one Star for every three additional Risen.*

*Zombie*

*Risen who have survived for a year without being killed Evolve into the Zombie. In return for the loss of its Blessing, the Zombie possesses both endurance and strength the Risen could only dream of. Its skin is slowly sloughing off its body, preparing it for its final form, as it relentlessly seeks out the flesh of the living. Any attack by the Zombie causes Gangrene and Withering, making ranged attacks the safest way of disposing of this monster. As with all Undead originating from humanoids, the use of their parts are considered taboo.*

*Rank: 3 Stars (Alone), add one Star for every two additional Zombies*

*Flesh Hulk*

*The final form of the Risen, and the Evolved form of the Zombie. Skinless, glistening muscle covers every part of it, with a physique to be envied. Possesses the Berserk Skill, which makes its already impressive musculature bulge with power as it enters a Frenzied state that only ends when nothing other than it remains alive. It no longer inflicts Statuses with its attacks, as the pulverizing force of its punches is more than enough to decimate its opponents. One could say it's traded its Withering and Gangrene Statuses for Broken Bones and Internal Bleeding. As with all Undead originating from humanoids, the use of their parts are considered taboo.*

*Rank: 5 Stars (Alone), add one Star for each additional Flesh Hulk*

Luckily, we only encountered one Flesh Hulk. Unlike the Risen and Zombies, which look like walking corpses in varying stages of decomposition, the Flesh Hulk looks like a two and a half meter (~8,2 feet~) tall bodybuilder without its skin on. It's incredibly dumb though, and we defeated it by using Lure and Chime to make it turn around, letting the Jotun and Dragonewt attack its neck.

I suppose since the Star ranking is made with humanoids in mind, I shouldn't worry too much about it, though it's nice to know the relative strength of my opponent. Both the Risen and Zombies suffer from poor balance, easily exploited to knock them to the ground and finish them off.

Like this we made our way to the first location that might be a Heart Chamber. Turns out it's the kitchen, and it's swarming with Insectoids. We quickly close the door once I ascertain that the Heart isn't there. With our current setup, small flying targets are hard to deal with, so let's avoid it where we can.

Two spots remain. I want to save the garden-like area for now, so we head towards the basement. As it turns out, it's become a nest to Wolf-Spiders. A kind of Chimera.

*Wolf-Spider*

*Comes in two varieties, the Spider-Wolf and the Wolf-Spider. Spider-Wolfs have the general body-plan of an eight-legged, eight eyed Canine, and boasts incredible Speed used to rush down its prey. The Wolf-Spiders have the general body plan of a four-legged tarantula, sporting modified pedipalps and chelicerae that closely mimics two sets of gnashing jaws. It's slow, but boasts high Armor and Attack. As a Chimera, it is designated for eradication. It's unknown what species of Arachnoid was used, but judging by the abilities of the Wolf-Spider, the Canine used was a Bristle Wolf. Little research has been done on the use of any Chimera parts.*

*Rank: 4 Stars (Both)*

Seems mainly the Wolf-Spider variety has thrived here. Perhaps the other kind is outside? As the Wolf-Spiders aren't able to spit web like the Grand Cave Whip Spider was, it's fairly safe for both the Jotun and Dragonewt to wait for it to approach before piercing it between the eyes. Unlike the Undead, which I let lie, I pick up the defeated Wolf-Spiders.

The Gyger and Huldr mainly play the role of support. Against the Risen and Zombies, the Gyger was the one to figure out how to knock them down safely though. Finally we come upon a large earthen room seemingly having been expanded somewhat by the Chimeras that make it its lair. Judging from the cocoons here, their main source of food is the Risen.

I sense the Heart. It's... behind the wall? I examine it. It's not simple soil, but stone bricks? Brushing off the dusty layer of web that covers it, I locate a section of wall that seems off. Telling the others to stand back, I punch the wall, sending a barrage of debris into the empty area behind it.

I'm a bit astonished at the ease of which the wall gave way. An angry hiss alerts me to the fact that the Boss is here as well. A gaunt, emaciated figure steps out of the cloud of dust kicked up by the flying debris. Its mouth extends from ear to ear, and its lip-less jaws are filled with jagged teeth.

I quickly inspect it.

*Vrykolakas*

*A detestable Undead, the Evolved form of a Ghoul that has eaten one of its own. Ravaged by a hunger several times greater than that of a normal Ghoul, it hunts down and consumes anything it sees, leaving nothing behind. Its strength grows proportionally to its hunger, the hungrier, the stronger it gets. Due to the danger it poses to any ecosystem it finds itself in, it is designated as a high priority target. As with all Undead originating from humanoids, the use of its parts are considered taboo.*

*Rank: 6 Stars*

Former Lord of the Mansion

Species: Vrykolakas (Undead - Rare)

Gender: Male

Status: Dungeon Hearts Blessing: Dungeon Boss (True), Starving (Grand)

HP: 1500 (1000+500)

MP: 1500 (1000+500)

SP: 1500 (1000+500)

Attack: 900 ((200+250)x2)

Armor: 450 (200+250) (-50 Vs Light/Fire)

M.Attack: 300 (50+250)

M.Armor: 450 (200+250) (-50 VS Light/Fire)

Speed: 400 (150+250)

STR: 200

CON: 200

INT: 50

WIL: 200

DEX: 150

Skills:

Empowering Hunger (Normal - Unique(Vrykolakas)) - Sharp Claws (Normal)

Perpetual Hunger (Normal - Unique(Vrykolakas)) - Sharp Teeth (Normal)

Iron Gut (Normal) - Undead Vigor (Normal - Unique(Undead))

Rapid Digestion (Normal) - Digestive Recovery (Normal)

Condition Resistance: Disease (Grand) - Condition Resistane: Poison (Grand)

Damage Immunity: Death (Normal) - Damage Resistance: Dark (Normal)

Undead Stamina (Normal - Unique(Undead))

Social Titles:

Noble Blood - Negotiator

Kin Killer - Cannibal

Relentless - Dungeon Boss

Bloomed Dungeon Boss - Long Lived

A quick scan of the room behind the false wall reveals tattered remains of clothing littering the floor. I can only guess as to the sequence of events that led to the creation of the Former Lord of the Mansion.

Even though its base stats are low, they're significantly raised due to the Blessing of the Dungeon Heart. It's locked eyes with me, and we're both starting each other down. Thick ropes of saliva start dripping down its chin. Is- is it imagining how I might taste?

I raise my hand, issuing forth a Wind Blade aimed at its right shoulder. With a wet sound the arm falls to the floor. If this was an old style manga, I'd have a massive bead of sweat on my head right now. What ridiculous power! It even pierced the protection the Undead Vigor gives it!

I sense shock and awe from behind. All four Servants are hiding behind me, but it seems they caught what happened. The Vrykolakas nonchalantly retrieves its lost arm, and eats it. Wet noises announce the regrowth of its right arm. So this is why it's rated as six Stars despite its relatively low Stats.

Eating lets it fully recover any damage dealt to it. I desire that Skill! I can just deactivate the negative ones I get alongside it. No problem! It seems that both of us has decided to go all out, as a chittering laugh issues from the Vrykolakas as it crouches down on all fours, presumably its combat stance.

I tell the Servants to stay behind. I step into the room to face the Undead. It makes a gesture, as if bowing. I hesitate, then bow back. Seems it didn't lose its manners when transforming into a monster.

I suddenly find myself hesitant to use ranged attacks. Is this the effect of one of its Titles? At once, it charges me, and I just barely manage to dodge its furious swipes. Its Attack Stat is so high, taking a hit just to take advantage of Jagged Scales seems ill advised.

The next few minutes are one-sided. I dodge and sidestep, learning its movements. Seemingly frustrated by my evasion, its attacks speed up and become a frenzy of swings, jabs and bites. Despite its best efforts, I'm much too fast for it.

*Skill Obtained: Predict Movement (Lesser) - User is able to predict the next move an observed target will make. Accuracy of prediction is lowered significantly when facing multiple targets.*

Oh. This is neat. It's as if every movement it makes has a tell to it now. Enough fun then. I sidestep a lunge such that my hind legs face the Vrykolakas. With a single backwards kick, I send it colliding with the wall opposite us.

It struggles to get up, and I rush it, planting one front leg upon its head. It shatters its hands trying to claw at my leg, barely scratching my scales. I squeeze the head tight as I raise it up, the movements becoming desperate. Bringing the head down upon the ground, a wet crunch echoes as its head is crushed like an over-ripe melon.

The warmth in my chest announces my victory. I turn to my Servants, who seem equally perturbed and amazed by my fight. Especially Huldr seems put off with me. Did I overdo it?

I shake off the feeling. Using Create: Water I rinse my body of viscera, then turn my attention to the Heart. Its massive. A car-sized orb of thrumming energy. This is going to take a while, isn't it...

It ended up taking several hours. My head is throbbing, my ears ringing, I'm about ready to lie down and die, but I've done it. Letting the last two threads of Magic snake their way out of my grasp, it is done. The Heart is no more.

*Balance Restored. Starting Divine Restoration*

Like with the Rimefrosted Mine, a ripple moves through the World. As my vision fills with white, I gather my Servants around me. When I once again can see, we're in a large meadow filled with flowers. They don't look native... Is this what became of that garden in the middle of the manor?

I sense something powerful beneath the earth. I'm in no state to fight at the moment though. "L-let's retreat for now." I tell my Servants. They nod enthusiastically. On the way home, I take a look at my current Status.

Millibelle

Species: ??? Monarch (???) (EXUnique)

Gender: Female

Status: Marked for Death (True), Exhausted (Normal)

HP: 17.603/17.603

MP: 20.000/20.000

SP: 17.603/17.603

Attack: 2928

Armor: 3521

M.Attack: 3096

M.Armor: 3186

Speed: 2279

STR: 1952 (Max: 6250)

CON: 2347 (Max: 6250)

INT: 2064 (Max: 6250)

WIL: 2124 (Max: 6250)

DEX: 1519 (Max: 6250)

Skills:

(Language Skills)

L. C: Goblin (Great) - L. C: Kobold (Great)

L. C: Common (Great) - L. C: Harmekian (Great)

L. C: Ayvin (Great) - L. C: Accan (Great)

L. C: Photian (Great) - L. C: Minars (Great)

L. C: Pyrean (Great)

(Defensive Skills)

Damage Immunity: Fire (Lesser) - Damage Immunity: Heat (Lesser)

Damage Immunity: Physical (Lesser) - Damage Immunity: Cold (Lesser)

Damage Immunity: Death (Normal) - Damage Resistance: Earth (Lesser)

Damage Resistance: Water (Lesser) - Damage Immunity: Dark (Normal)

Condition Resistance: Poison (Grand) - Condition Resistance: Disease (Grand)

Condition Resistance: Blind (Grand) - Condition Resistance: Burn (Grand)

Condition Resistance: Paralysis (Grand) - Condition Resistance: Overheat (Grand)

Condition Resistance: Hypothermia (Grand) - Condition Resistance: Suffocating (Normal)

Condition Resistance: Afraid (Lesser) - Status Shield (Lesser)

Steel Shell (Great)

(Passive Skills)

Malleable Body (Great) - Regeneration: HP (Grand)

Regeneration: MP (Grand) - Iron Gut (Normal)

Cellulose Digestion (Great) - Instant Digestion (Lesser)

Terrible Talons (Lesser) - Megalodon Jaw (Lesser)

Focusing Horn (Normal) - Strong Legs (Normal)

Stealth (Grand) - Keen Sight (Normal)

Keen Hearing (Great) - Keen Smelling (Great)

Geovore (Great) - Weapon Affinity: Sword (Normal)

Weapon Affinity: Shield (Great) - Fey Step (Normal)

Teamwork (Great) - Great Leader (Normal)

Heat Drain (Normal) - Soundless (Normal)

Magical Flux (Normal) - Divergent Mind (Normal)

True Nightvision (Great) - Weapon Affinity: Hammer (Normal)

Sense Aircurrents (Great) - Weapon Affinity: Hand to Hand (Normal)

Weapon Affinity: Staff (Normal) - Tongue Action (Grand)

Tail Action (Great) - Gills (Grand)

Aquatic Mobility (Normal) - Aquatic Sight (Normal)

Digestion Recovery (Normal) - Predict Movement (Lesser)

Boon of Fertility (Normal) - Plaguebearer (Normal)

(Active Skills)

Wide-Casting (Great) - Remote Body Control (Normal)

Great Swallow (Great) - Phagocytosis (Great)

Poison Stinger (Great) - Flight (Great)

Draconic Flight (Normal) - Spit Attack: Paralysis (Normal)

Thick Mucous (Normal) - Telepathy (Grand)

Napalm Breath (Normal) - Vitaephagy (Normal)

Serene Presence (Lesser) - Terrorizing Presence (Normal)

Selective Presence (Normal) - Commanding Presence (Normal)

Combustion (Normal) - Vent Heat (Lesser)

Boiling Breath (Normal) - Spit Attack: Poison (Normal)

Thread Manipulation (Normal) - Shed Shell (Lesser)

Aimed Strikes (Normal) - Hypnotic Gaze (Normal)

Nameds' Call (True) - Hover (Great)

Echolocation (Great) - Cry of the Damned (Normal)

Hivemind (Grand)

(Spell Affinities)

Elemental Expertise: All (Lesser) - Spell-Casting Affinity: Bolster (Great)

Spell-Casting Affinity: Weaken (Great) - Spellcasting Affinity: Illusion (Normal)

(Unique Skills)

Innate World Knowledge (True - Unique) - Power Osmosis (True - Fated - Unique)

Hidden Space (True - Unique) - Guard Share (Normal - Unique(Goblin Shaman)) -

Complex Shape Body (Normal - Unique(Doppelganger)) - Viscous Body (Normal - Unique(Celluloid))

Web Sense (Normal - Unique(Arachnoid)) - Spider Climb (Great - Unique(Arachnoid))

Lustrous Fur (Normal - Unique(Emperor)) - Jagged Scales (Normal - Unique(Tyrant))

Web Geyser (Normal - Unique(Arachnoid)) - Spider Silk (Great - Unique(Arachnoid))

Divines' Favored (Grand - Unique) - Frigid Presence (Great - Unique(Morke))

Temperature Shift (Normal - Unique(Pyrean)) Shed Magic (Normal - Unique(Pyrean))

Bonds of Gleipnr (Great - Unique(Forest King)) - Dragonblaze (Lesser - Unique(Ignaliz))

Shadow Creep (Great - Unique(Nightcrawler)) - Undead Vigor (Normal - Unique(Undead))

Undead Stamina (Normal - Unique(Undead)) - Consumptions Kiss (Normal - Unique(Nightcrawler))

Empowering Hunger (Normal - Vrykolakas)) - Perpetual Hunger (Normal - Unique(Vrykolakas))

Crafting Skills:

Weapon Crafting (Apprentice) - Weapon Twisting (Apprentice)

Magic Tool Crafting (Adept) - Trapmaker (Novice)

Armor Crafting (Novice) - Armor Warping (Novice)

Spells:

Miracure (Lesser) - Teleport (Lesser)

Blind (Normal) - Dark String (Great)

Light (Great) - Radiant Beam (Great)

Barrier (Normal) - Empower (Great)

Weaken (Normal) - Crumple Defenses (Normal)

Fireball (Great) - Red Hot Claw (Great)

Create: Water (Normal) - Water Beam (Great)

Control: Water (Normal) - Wind Blade (Great)

Earth Spike (Normal) - Mesmerize (Normal)

Withering (Normal) - Curse (Normal)

Command (Great) - Lure (Normal)

After-Image (Great) - Double Vision (Normal)

Chime (Lesser) - Gravel Cannon (Lesser)

Memento Mori (Normal) - Lightning Cannon (Lesser)

Earthen Stomp (Normal) - Slick Ice (Lesser)

Ice Lance (Normal) - Hail Cannon (Normal)

Glaciate (Normal) - Shadow Grasp (Great)

Microburst (Normal) - Quicken (Lesser)

Refraction Beam (Lesser) - Soul Chaser (Normal)

Enshroud (Lesser) - Dark Nova (Lesser)

Social Titles:

Compassionate - Makeshift Midwife

Lifesaver - Innovator

Sole Survivor - Backstabber

Ruthless - Boss-Slayer

Heart-Eater - New Life

Tyrant - Emperor

Named Monarch - Lifemaker

Reckless - Unnerving

Dagger Breaker - Gatherer of Blessings

Man Hunter - Magic Maker

Current Tier Tokens: 10

I decide pretty quickly to disable the Undead Skills, as they made me feel weird. As if I'm not supposed to have them. Also, ten Tier Tokens! I've gotta figure out what to do with them, as just saving up seems to be a waste.

The plan, for now, is to spend one or two days recovering at the grove, before I seek out the Ancient Lindorm on my own. Hopefully it won't come looking for me in the meanwhile...