Kaedric watched me with detached interest.
“Ah, I see. Very shrewd, my lord. I’d recommend spending additional 726 energy to raise everyone to level 3. With the current clan’s morale, we would see a return on our investment in exactly two months. If you wish, I may also handle the energy management aspect of the clan.”
That could be useful.
But I shook my head. “I need the energy. I still need to resurrect some fallen troops, and in the coming days, we might find ourselves needing a lot of energy for quick upgrades. As for your other suggestion, I’ll handle the energy management on my own for now”
He bowed again. “I understand, my lord.”
I grimaced. All that bowing was making me feel uncomfortable, especially coming from a creature nearly twice my height. “You don’t need to keep bowing, Kaedric.”
He didn’t bow this time. “As my lord wishes.”
“Now, eh …” I didn’t exactly know how to broach the next subject. “About your … dietary requirements …”
Kaedric shot a look directly at Vic, and in a confident tone said, “My dear Vic, old Guba is contributing more to the clan with every passing hour than any three other workers combined.” He turned his gaze back to me. “As for your question, do not fret yourself, my lord, I am more than capable of attending to my own culinary requirements.”
Kaedric threw another look at Vic, then added, ”At worst, I might have to sample a purple goblin’s brain. Though it would probably be a small, unsatisfying meal.”
“Hey!” Vic protested audibly.
I chortled. It seemed Vic might have met his match.
Ignoring Vic’s protest, Kaedric said, “If my lord wishes, I may resurrect the clan’s fallen members in your stead.”
It was the same as letting him have access to the energy management. I wasn’t ready to give such control to someone I didn’t know yet. Especially one so … unusual.
I shook my head. “I’ll handle it myself for now.”
“Then with your permission, my lord, I will perform a survey of the clan and seek to contribute where I can.”
“Very well,” I said. “Just, eh … you know, don’t eat any of my clan members.”
He didn’t seem offended by that. “Of course, my lord.”
Walking away from that weird encounter, I headed up to the shrine at Totem’s Watch, overlooking the valley.
Standing before the cemetery’s lone tombstone, I brought up the Energy Options menu and selected Resurrection.
Resurrection
Borbarabsus, Hobgoblin Lieutenant, Level 10; Resurrection Cost: 100 EP
Ashlazaria, Hobgoblin Scout, Level 7; Resurrection Cost: 70 EP
Zia, Hobgoblin Warrior, Level 7; Resurrection Cost: 70 EP
Kilpi Shīrudo, Hobgoblin Warrior, Level 7; Resurrection Cost: 70 EP
Kroakar, Hobgoblin Warrior, Level 7; Resurrection Cost: 70 EP
Ryker, Hobgoblin Warrior, Level 7; Resurrection Cost: 70 EP
Vrick, Goblin Lieutenant, Level 7; Resurrection Cost: 70 EP
I scowled. Having my troops level up after the fight was great, but it sure wasn’t easy on my energy allowance. At least they’d become more formidable after the fight. All the hobgoblins had gained one level from the skirmish. Bob, who survived the longest, gained two levels, making him the first clan member to reach level 10.
With a mental nod, I approved all the resurrections, paying the 520 EP, leaving me with 3,289. It sure spends quickly, I thought somberly. A few more fights like that, and I would be out of energy. That was another thing I should keep in mind and another reason not to spend energy too fast.
The small stone tombstone emitted a soft green light and seven ethereal shapes stepped out of it. My soldiers, alive once again.
Vow Completed: Resurrect Ashlazaria
Reward: +5 Faith Points
They looked around in bewilderment, and when they noticed me, their faces filled with awe and respect.
Bob stepped forward and knelt before me. “We are yours to command again, Dread Totem.”
Even on his knees, he was slightly taller than me.
I put a hand on his shoulder. “You fought well.” I turned my attention to the others “All of you. As I promised, you will never truly die as long as you serve our clan faithfully.”
I went to Ashlazaria, taking out the bow I’d looted from the traveler scout. “I have a gift for you.”
She took the bow from me, looking at it in wonder. Her behavior was easy to understand. The weapon was powerful and expensive, looted from the corpse of an undying traveler.
“Consider this a reward for your valor in combat.” I smiled at her.
Then I faced the others. “There will be more fights and more loot. With time, each of you will be rewarded appropriately.”
I could feel waves of respect coming from all of them, bringing a cascade of message alerts about my reputation increases. I dismissed them; I didn’t need the messages. I could sense the attachment my soldiers had for me. I only had to look at my people to know it.
“It will be morning soon, our time to sleep.” I nodded toward the horizon and the coming dawn. “You will need to rest before you can resume your duties.”
They turned to leave and I remained, watching them go. When they were gone, I approached the shrine.
I could feel the small structure of bone and stone calling me, giving off bits of information that resonated with me. As I lay my hand on the shrine, my mind was filled with knowledge. The travelers I’d sacrificed awarded me enough Faith Points to attain the next faith rank and now it was time to reap the benefits.
Faith Rank 2 reached.
The Following divine spells are now unlocked: Shadow Teleport
Progress to rank 3: 569/1,000
New Spell acquired: Shadow Teleport (M)
Instantly transports you through the Plane of Shadow. Entry and exit points must be in a shadowed area. Limited range. Destination must be within sight. Speed: 12. Cost: 50 MP. Shadow discipline.
Level 6: Novice
Effect: Distance 16 meters
That was a useful ability, though its highest potential was probably during combat. It was nowhere as powerful as the travelers’ continental teleport abilities, but it was still a valuable spell. Most travelers found short-distance spatial magic too disorienting to use in combat. Their feeble minds could not compensate fast enough with the change of perspective.
I stopped and looked at Vic. Why do you keep doing that? You know I loathe it when you treat the world as a game. I thought we were past that nonsense, especially after what we’ve been through.
I exhaled in annoyance. Somehow his reply sounded less than sincere.
Standing at the edge of the stone shelf that hid the shrine, I looked at the ground below me. It was almost dawn, and there were plenty of shadows around.
I closed my eyes, reached with my mind and activated my new spell.
In a flash, I found myself emerging from the shadows on the ground below, just in front of the cave opening. I stared at the dark entrance before me, thinking.
The Eternal Night blessing was a decent start, but it was always good to have a backup. For example, a nearly invincible, demigod beast of darkness.
Yep, it was time for another chat with our dark deity.
I rolled my eyes and headed for home. It was late and I was tired. First, I would get a full �
��night’ of rest.
I needed to be alert and focused for my meeting with Nihilator.
4 – Bonding
First-dark the next day found me standing in front of the entrance to Nihilator’s cave lair.
My heart was thumping rapidly, and there was a hollow feeling in my stomach. Taking a deep breath, I clenched my fists and went through the opening, starting the hour-long journey to my god’s prison.
The trek was less creepy than the previous times I had made it. As a Shadow-Touched creature, I fit right in with the other creatures of darkness, though that did nothing to alleviate my tension. My nervousness increased as I got closer to my destination and the deadly creature that lay within.
I walked with sure steps down the tube-like tunnel, its walls perfectly smooth from the blast that formed it so long ago. The dark tunnel was our deity’s domain, and it was filled with his corruption. I ignored his creations, the snarling Shadow-Touched mastiffs, waded unhindered through the dark river that ran at the lower parts, and crossed the shadow-made bridge that spanned the lava flow. They were all just parts of my domain now.
Then I was standing before the enormous, chain-bound gates of Nihilator’s prison.
I stopped a moment to mentally prepare myself for the encounter. Should I try to make an entrance? Maybe show off my control of darkness? I shook my head. No, even at my maximum, any power I exhibited would look pathetic to Nihilator. Better not risk angering him.
But that thought led to another idea: Maybe I should have brought a gift … an offering. Shit! Why didn’t I think of it sooner? I hastily rummaged through my inventory, hoping to find something that might interest a tier 8 boss. Nothing.
The only thing that I thought might not offend him too much was a figurine of a dwarf carved from black onyx. I’d had it in my inventory for ages. It looked expensive, and I hoped the black motif of the carving would interest him.
Holding the figurine, I boldly stepped through the smaller doorway, feeling as if I was walking into the belly of the beast.
Nihilator’s immense, hound-shaped body lying on the floor was the first thing I saw, the three great chains made of different elements still binding him to a stone mound.
This time, I could sense something coming from the demigod … a faint wisp of information. I frowned. It was too faint for me to understand, but it felt important.
Vic, help me out here?
Nihilator Progress to Next Boss Tier: 11%
That … was interesting.
Our clan’s god raised his head and looked at me. Now that I was somewhat used to his presence, I saw draconic features intertwined with his hound-like appearance.
“WE MEET AGAIN, MY LITTLE MINION,” he greeted me with an uncaring tone. His voice hit me like a billowing wind, and I was hurled to the ground by its force. “OH, HOW DROLL.” He yawned, exhibiting dozens of sharp teeth. As before, his body began shrinking until he was the size of a horse. “Why have you come before me, my servant?” he demanded.
At his smaller size, his voice no longer pressed down on me, and I was able to stand and bow to my deity.
“I’m afraid I bear dire news, Master. And come seeking your guidance. But first …” I carefully placed the small figurine on the ground between us. “Please accept this small token offering.”
Nihilator bent down his great head, his nose sniffing at the figurine, nearly touching it. Then he jerked back, his eyes opened wide. “Where did you find this?” he demanded. “It is an ancient artifact of immense dark power! With it, I can break my bonds and be free from this accursed prison.”
I paled at that; I wasn’t ready for the apocalypse to start just yet. “I ... I …” I stammered, “I … didn’t realize … I mean … really?”
“NO, NOT ‘REALLY’ YOU WRETCHED WORM!” Nihilator roared and I was once again slammed to the ground by the sheer strength of his voice. “YOU DARE BRING SUCH A LOWLY OFFERING TO NIHILATOR? YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR INSOLENCE!”
I was helpless to resist. Pressed down, not able to move, I could sense Nihilator’s open maw drawing close. “No, please, Master!” Then I yelled out the first thing that came to mind. “The travelers have found us!”
Nihilator stopped to consider that, and I breathed in relief. He growled as if chewing his next words. “What do you mean by that, minion?”
“We discovered a small group of travelers in the forest and went out to attack them,” I explained. “During the fight, they let us know they were here searching for our clan specifically. We disposed of the intruders at great cost. But now they know our location, and I fear we won’t be able to stop a full invasion force of immortal travelers. They intend to destroy us, Master.”
Nihilator seemed unimpressed by our plight. I had to delicately present the situation as his problem too.
“My lord, if they succeed, I won’t be able to send you the energy you require to break from your prison.”
Nihilator growled again. “And I sense you have the roots of a plan, minion.”
I nodded. “Yes, Master. I plan to activate the Eternal Night blessing at your shrine. It will help weaken our enemies, though I fear it won’t be enough.”
Nihilator slowly nodded, relaxing his aggressive stance. “That is true, minion. However, there is more to it.”
I perked up at that. Do tell.
“Once activated, darkness will spew from the place of my worship. But that pitiful shrine you dedicated to my worship will barely be adequate to bestow that blessing. You would do well to build a place of worship more worthy of me.”
Yeah, yeah, I already figured that out. Tell me something I don’t know. I was very careful to contain the thread of that thought deep inside my mind.
Nihilator continued, “At the center of its point of origin, the blessing would be highly concentrated, and thus, more effective against your foes. However, it is within your reach to expand my area of influence, thus expanding its more effective center.”
Now, that was something I hadn’t considered before! “How may I accomplish that, oh great Nihilator?” I asked tentatively.
“BY PERFORMING THE TASK I HAVE ALREADY GIVEN YOU!” he blasted back at me.
For the third time in our discussion, I was thrown to the ground by his voice.
“Four weeks have passed since I tasked you with consecrating three places of worship to my name. And you have consecrated only one.” His throat rumbled menacingly, then he licked his mouth. “Though I do admit, you offered a truly magnificent sacrifice. So, I shall be lenient with you and allow your pitiful existence to continue a while longer.”
I shivered slightly. Nihilator’s threat carried a lot of weight. He was one of the few creatures of this world who could destroy my soul and end my life permanently. I’d gotten lucky in sacrificing Barska back then. It looked like the 8,000 energy points it generated were to Nihilator’s liking. I bowed deeply. “I understand, Master.”
Quest Updated: Dark Missionary
Nihilator tasked you with consecrating a total of three new locations in his name.
You have consecrated one altar at Raider’s Camp to The Cult of Nihilator.
Remaining: 2
Time limitation: 20 days
He growled but looked appeased by my words.
“Once you have dedicated the three places of power around your pathetic little clan, all the area between them will be enshrouded with my Eternal Darkness, rendering the blessing upon your entire valley more effective. Any foe that dares to enter will be weakened immensely.”
Now that is good news!
So all I had to do was find or build two more shrines, effectively marking a triangle with the valley at its center.
“Of course, five places of power would prove even more effective,” Nihilator said as if hearing Vic’s telepathic comment.
I groaned silently.
“In addition,” Nihilator continued, “you will need adepts, who shall perform as my priests and attend to each of my temples. Furthermore, you will have two adepts attend the central temple at all times.
So on top of everything, I’d have to recruit five more goblins. I grimaced. Goblin adepts were expensive; advanced and exquisite food was needed to summon them.
Well, as long as I’m here, I might as well try to get a little extra out of the Double-D.
Vic chortled.
I thought for a moment, phrasing my next words carefully. “Master, even with the Eternal Night blessing, my forces might still prove not strong enough to repel the invaders. Could you perhaps offer any tiny bit of help?”
“You are as impudent as always,” he said cooly. “Grant me the remaining energy I require, and as I have already promised, you may call on my help for one hour.”
Yeah sure, like gaining another ninety thousand energy is no big deal, I thought, careful not to roll my eyes. “I’m afraid that at our current rate it would take too long to gather the required amount,” I confessed. “Though if my clan is destroyed, no amount of energy would be generated at all … surely, Master, in your vast power and boundless wisdom, there is a little more you can offer?”
I ignored Vic and continued addressing our clan deity. “Perhaps you can grant me a few more Faith Points to activate the blessing, or maybe teach me some more runes? Any little thing you can do would help us greatly.”
Nihilator looked at me calmly. Too calmly. “So, you wish to learn more runes, is that right, my minion?”
“Yes, Master.” I bowed.
“And you wish me to bestow you with more Faith Points?”
Life Reset- EvP Page 6