Author’s notes: Took a little more time than I thought. Being a procrastinator doesn’t help… T_T
Lariette’s POV
*slash*
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHH”
“Noooo, my boy!”
*sniffle* *sob*
From the corner of my vision I saw blood dripping on the floor.
None of the undead hesitated.
What kind of person are you really, Icicle?!
Who can take orders without blinking?!
Do these nightmarish creatures really trust you that much or is it simply fear?
Boundless, terrorizing fear.
*shudder*
I have chills even thinking about it…
“Monster, you’re a monster!”
“How could you do that to my son?!”
Exactly. How could you, Icicle?
I looked at him and there he stood, unperturbed.
Some of the men gripped their weapons tightly and prepared to kill him yet he’s unfazed!
Icicle: Oh right, right. It seems you want me to alleviate your precious sons’ suffering. Go ahead, kill them.
“Nooooooooo!”
“Let my boy go, I beg you!”
The sight of mothers crying, I couldn’t bear watching it.
If something like this happened to Eri… ugh.
Icicle: See, that’s funny. Hold those bitches down. When I was beaten up here, on this very plaza, none of you batted an eye. However, when it comes to your family, look at it! Suddenly strong, righteous men wield their weapons, ready to dish out justice! What a great community! I didn’t punish your wretched offspring because they carried out their orders. I looked them in the eye, even when some more sensitive ones of your miserable community shouted to stop, they stomped on me and kicked me with more ferocity. These unfilial sons of yours clearly enjoyed it. Even spatting at me brought them entertainment. I’ll tell you right now, if it wasn’t for you, who are their relatives, I would have already tortured them to death.
That’s so ruthless!
I guess Icicle really did let me off easily…
Should I thank that bastard for it?!
Hmph, in his dreams!
Icicle: Oh come on guys, these are just milk tanks. Oops, you don’t have them anymore. What a shame. Hmph, like hell it is a shame, who would want to be a descendant of such a shithead? If I were your ancestor I’d be so ashamed that I would have turned in my grave! Maybe even rose back to life! You’re looking at me with these hateful eyes and what? Can’t even say a thing? Shameless cowards! Open these yapping mouths of yours and pour your hearts out!
“I’ll slaughter you and everyone you know! I swear it!”
“Humiliating us like this…! In front of our families! If I don’t kill you I’ll never be able to wash that shame away!”
Icicle: Look at that, the other three of you seem to be more sensible and actually take their families into account. I guess being a stupid mutt can’t be changed in such a short amount of time. My teachers once taught me that books won’t make you intelligent, only more knowledgeable. Who would have thought that I would encounter two living examples right here.
Icicle grabbed the two anguished guards by their collars and looked at them evilly.
Man, what did they really do to you?!
Why do you need to be so merciless?
Icicle: To those two crying women over there. I assume you’re mothers of these two wretches. I’m a decisive person, that’s why I don’t like ticking bombs. Keeping these two alive poses potential danger to me. Tell me, why shouldn’t I kill them?
“Please, don’t kill my son! I’ll do anything!”
“…”
Icicle: Anything you say? Badian give me one of the daggers. Here.
The dagger flew and etched itself into the earth before the crying mother.
Her name was Honessan, if I remember correctly.
Icicle: Now, if you want to save this retard of a son, cut off one of your legs. If you can do that, I’ll let him go scot-free.
Without hesitation Honessan stabbed her thigh.
Blood was flowing incessantly, her husband was shouting, while glaring angrily at Icicle.
Looking around I saw faces of concern and admiration.
Not a single shout came from the woman’s mouth.
In comparison, Icicle’s ruthlessness… what in the world do you have to go through to become so merciless, so savage?
Icicle: That’s enough. You’ll ruin your thigh if you do anymore. *snort* This village is not as useless as I thought. It actually has a few outstanding individuals. Go ahead you unfilial son, you had better thank your mother for making such a sacrifice. Get that brave soul some medical assistance. As for these five idiots, they can wait!
“Hold on, I don’t want him to treat my wife!”
Icicle: You’re her husband I assume? Good choice, you’ve chosen a brave soul. Although your son is… mediocre would be too much of a compliment. So, let me guess, the doc is not exactly your friend, huh? Don’t worry, this poor guy, Sekrek, won’t do anything, right? He wouldn’t like to spend his eternity being stuck in a cesspool, after all. Alright, it’s time to tell you guys what I came here to do. Don’t look at me like that you twerp, you should get to your mother as well. At least she’s smart enough to know when to discard garbage.
*cough* *cough*
Icicle: Judging from your astonished looks, you’re probably thinking “Didn’t you come here to get revenge? What the hell are you still doing here, you monster? Get out of the village so I can return to my peaceful days.” or something along the lines. Excuse my poor imitation of your thoughts. Well, at first I came to help Lariette, she did a nasty trick on me, trying to poison me. How convenient of me to have eternity to forget it. That’s why this sort of petty revenge to me, who can live forever is nothing more than having some entertainment. During my stay here I realized two things. First is that these lands are actually really useful. I can’t say much about the people, some of you seem like treasures, others completely useless, overall a pretty normal society. However, this can be easily changed. Few corrections here and there, some training, morale boost and whatnot, and you’ll be good to go. *cough* The second thing is that you’re total dumbasses. I was asked to stop you from suiciding and I plan to deliver on that promise.
Did he just publicly denounce me?
You little, just you wait till I get my hands on you!
Icicle: Let me be blunt. You’re what, level 140-180? That would be considered pretty good when fighting against the minotaurs. Even if I consider you as their equals, you’d still lose horribly. Why? Even a ten year old can tell the difference in your strengths. You may be equal or even better in technique, but you’re far inferior when it comes to resilience, in simple words you can take less hits. Far less hits than minotaurs. What would it take to kill a minotaur? 10000 slashes? And what would it take to kill any of you? Three? Five? Maybe six. Can you see the difference? Unless these fucking bulls are blind you pose no threat to them! Trust me, I’ve seen minotaur ranks, they’re well-trained and numerous. Don’t even try to compare your poorly trained militia to them. It would be a one-sided slaughter. As I said, I’ll be frank with you. To stop idiots like you, who yearn nothing more than freedom, there’s only one way. Hence, starting today I’m taking control over this area. It’s a total subjugation!
This shameless bastard!
So that’s what he needed me for!
What, do you want me to run this goddamn village after you caused such a mess?
Fat chance!
People who were pissed off and held it in right now became madly enraged.
There was no going back.
Hmph, what an idiot, to squander your advantage like this!
At least that’s what I thought.
Icicle: Zexna, turn him.
Zexna: Right away, Master.
Zhan’s body started sinking into darkness.
It looked like a black hole, but then… skeleton hands came out!
That black puddle had to come out straight from hell!
What the hell is he doing!
Such a dark ritual… don’t tell me, he wants to raise Zhan as an undead?
The previous uproar instantly quieted down.
No one dared to make a sound, even a fly flying by could be heard clearly.
In the middle of gulping and gasping, Zhan’s body suddenly reemerged from the abyss.
He was… a skeleton.
A poor soul turned into undead being.
Zhan: Huh? I’m alive? But I remember being killed… what am I doing here? You…! I’ll kill you!
Icicle: Get rid of his consciousness.
Zexna: Right away.
Icicle: Lick my boots, trash.
Seeing Zhan, who was once a noble, majestic figure to us, kneeling on the ground, licking Icicle’s boots… even I cringed.
How can one be so cruel?
So merciless?
Don’t you have a conscience?
Looking at Icicle I saw him staring at his sword.
Right after an evil smile emerged on his face.
That bastard!
He was using telepathy!
To think he would have a sentient sword!
That’s a rarity amongst rarities!
Lucky dog!
Arghhh, I’m so pissed off!
Why does lady luck have to favor him over me?
If my family had such a treasure we wouldn’t fall so low…
Icicle: Enough, fall in rank. I hope you villagers understood the message, I don’t want to repeat it. *clap* So, here’s my proposal. I’ll give you this piece of paper *scribble*, you’ll sign it and then you escape death. If you don’t, well… you’ve seen Zhan *scribble*. However, if for some reason this event doesn’t encourage you then let me tell you this. Your children are exceptions. I don’t mean grown men and women, children. Don’t try to abuse this rule. In case some of you decide that it’s not worth living, I’ll visit your family’s graves as well. I hope you’ll have a happy reunion if push comes to shove. The least I can do for you, right?
“You monster, that’s a shameless blackmail!”
“How dare you!”
Icicle: Oh, right. When I killed Zhan, some of you revealed gratified smiles, yet I’m the bad guy? Semi-servitude with a lot of possibilities or eternal servitude as a mindless individual, your choice. Hmph, those that oppose me don’t have the right to remain free men! You’ll be mindless dolls, ready to act whenever I tell you to. See those undead behind me? They all have their own free will. Why? Because they’re loyal. I don’t need to be concerned with them. Some are mischievous, others on the verge of betrayal yet none of them dares to make a move. The reason is simple. Relying on trust to make connections is good, but trust can be easily broken. Gossips, lies, prejudice, suspicions. One little misstep and it’s already hard to get your trust back. What about fear? It’s constant. No one dares to make a move against you, it acts as a sort of respect. If you stumble upon a stronger power you may not necessarily defect, it all depends on the level of fear and its actual purpose. Take me for example. You can guess what my traits are. All of you are still breathing because I see potential in you. Otherwise you would be turned into this… white perfection. No questions asked, doesn’t need to sleep, doesn’t get tired and gets the job done. Aren’t these the perfect soldiers, perfect workers?
This is a clear as day extort!
It promises rewards but it’s basically slavery!
*sigh* With this illusion of a choice, what can we do?
Being a mindless doll or submitting… I’m speechless.
Icicle: I’ll give you 30 seconds to decide. If any of you feels wronged or doesn’t want to accept then stay up. All of those who accept the terms kneel in the allocated time after signing the contract. As for those who remain standing or keep their weapons, well… let’s pray Mother Earth will accept your nourishing components.
Twenty seconds passed and most of the villagers knelt on the floor.
Those who resisted immediately knelt down right after Icicle’s next words fell.
Icicle: I forgot to tell you, but I’m a chosen one of the Water Deity, so this contract is supervised by her. I don’t have the time to deal with you all, so I’ll leave the punishment to the almighty Acquare. Whether you want to follow her or not is your choice, I won’t force you.
Water Deity as a backing and undead army at his feet.
Could we get into an even worse situation?
Seeing that all’s done Icicle quickly approached me.
Icicle: I’ve finished the task you commissioned me to. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m giving you the position of a leader. I don’t care how you’re called, you’re the person in charge. As for law enforcement I want these two women, one who was crying and the other one who stayed silent to be placed high up. That Honessan or whatever her name was has balls and is sensitive, so she can act as a “human” in the judgement making. On the other hand that second woman, Kassi, knows when to keep her mouth shut and when to discard garbage. She’s perfect for the job.
Huh? What’s this?
Icicle: Press yes and let’s be done with it.
I accepted the position.
Looking at Icicle he seemed to have turned to his naga and communicate mentally.
What a cheat ability, to use ability whenever you want to!
We, Tarras family, had to use special devices for that!
They were super expensive too!
*whoosh* *whoosh* *whoosh*
Three figures suddenly moved and approached one of the villagers.
This person was kneeling on the ground, wearing black cloak.
Icicle: Bring this person closer.
Escorted by a huge archer, heavy armored one and a zombie-like undead, the mysterious person closed in on Icicle.
Icicle: Let’s see… you’re a [Witch]? No wonder you had such an oppressive killing aura. Not bad for a woman.
Rewin: The name’s Rewin, thanks for asking.
Icicle: I knew what your name was. Now then, tell me briefly, what can you do?
Rewin: And why would I do that?
Icicle: Let’s see, you can lose your beauty but you won’t age, do you catch my drift?
Rewin: I can upgrade equipment with long lasting curses, poisons, blights and other… calamities. Aside from that, I’m capable of minor spellcasting.
Icicle: I heard redheads with blue eyes were smart, seems like I haven’t heard wrong. So you’re a better version of an [Enchanter], huh? Alright, you’ll work directly under Lariette, as a second in command.
Rewin: I have to say, you’re pretty cute, you know that? Say, why should I serve you? We’re not even comparable existences.
That bastard started madly laughing and used his usual trick, the [Halloween Lich Mask]!
Icicle: That’s true sweetheart, you’re a mere mortal. You should be careful, it’s pretty cold out here.
Harsh, winter winds suddenly started assaulting Rewin, Icicle’s oppressive, overwhelming killing aura that we have gotten used to during this entire “subjugation” suddenly rose by a level.
All the undead behind Icicle instantly knelt.
“It’s a lich!”
“W-We’ve offended a necromancer!”
“Forgive us, lord!”
No comment on those.
*sigh* I guess I would be doing the same if I didn’t know it’s just a mask.
Glancing at Rewin I saw her shivering from cold, hoarfrost gathering on her clothes.
Icicle: Play nice redhead.
Leaving around a hundred undead Icicle was about to head off.
How dare this bastard leave me here with all the trouble!
Catching up to him I asked outright.
Lariette: Where the hell are you going?
Icicle: There’s a herd of cattle beneath the ground that has forgotten what a butcher looks like. I simply need to remind them.
H-He’s going to deal with the minotaurs?
*sigh* Does this person know any limits?
Just how high is his self-esteem to be able to make such claims?
I thought Icicle was about to head off but he turned around, leaned over and whispered into my ear.
Icicle: *I have to trouble you with this inconvenient task. Gain some experience and you may be able to rebuild your Tarras family. Alright, I’m off, we’ll have to discuss other matters, as well as… services later. Don’t pressure yourself too much.*
I felt my eyes widening to the extreme.
Services? You lecherous bastard!
That’s when I saw his evil smile!
You little shit, I’ll chop your balls off myself!
Let’s see if you’re brave enough to return!
Icicle: Giddy up.
Jumping onto his horse, Icicle and his troop left the village amidst the uproar amongst the villagers.
Such devastating events yet he doesn’t even care!
I could only heave a sigh looking at the figure travelling into the distance…
…
Icicle’s POV
Who would have thought that these village of idiots had such courageous women.
If only they had better luck with their useless men…
Oh well, you don’t choose your family… sadly.
It’s a good thing I instructed the undead on what to do beforehand, they didn’t make any mistakes.
FieryRed seems disappointed with my behavior, but honestly, I don’t care.
I took her because she wanted to be here, might as well show her some of the “war victims”.
Not like I ever thought of this situation as of a war, more like a one-sided slaughter.
Entering the 5th floor one by one, I have already taken off my [Halloween Lich Mask].
It’s high time to make these minotaurs submit to my will!
Icicle: Knock knock, Daddy’s home!
Rebirth Online World 