Rebirth Online World

Author’s note: I’ll try to post the next one in 2 days, let’s hope my older sister won’t use her magic powers to obliterate the operating system again…

Taking a step into the labyrinth I am met with total silence.
Did that herd of cattle leave already?
Nah, can’t be.
Where are they then?

Suddenly an angry howl rumbled throughout the whole floor.

“ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR*

Someone’s mad.
I wonder who the target is…
Wait a second, I should be the mad one!
How dare that female minotaur steal my spotlight!

Huge waves of minotaurs started emerging from the darkness of the room.
I could see at least a thousand eyes shining through the reflected torch light, all of them pointed in my direction.

Porras; Shameless human, you actually dared to come back! You’re stupid enough to return after fleeing like a coward with your teleportation spell, hahaha!

On our way back to the [Forsaken Labyrinth], I talked with Tyxx.
He pointed out that his mother seemed changed.
She didn’t have crimson red eyes nor was she that rash in the past.
In Tyxx’s mind Porras was a completely different person.

Although I was really pissed off, puzzling out the reason wasn’t that difficult.
Crimson red eyes and that behavior means that Porras is most likely possessed or her mind is somewhat affected.
Looking at Porras’s stature there’s nothing really suspicious other than her gore covered waraxe.
No seasoned warrior in their right mind would let the blood dry up on his weapon to that point.
Not only does it decrease the sharpness of the weapon but it’s also detrimental to the metal itself!

Putting two and two together points towards the waraxe as a perpetrator.
If there wasn’t anything glaring I would have blamed parasites or some sickness.
But at least for now, the waraxe is the most probable suspect.

Whether Tyxx’s mom found the great waraxe or it was given to her doesn’t matter.
I’ll make this female minotaur submit all the same, but maybe she can be a tiny bit nicer?
Let’s hope she’s not as troublesome to deal with as the white furball on my right shoulder…

Porras: Look at that, the arrogant human has gone silent! Get him!

As the ground trembled upon the hundreds of heavy hooves smashing violently against it, I didn’t even flinch.
There was nothing to fear.
Rage in itself is good, it gives you a desire to kill, makes you capable of releasing that additional 30% of strength and energy that your brain is hiding from you.
But it is dangerous, your body can even sometimes collapse from the strain. Luckily though, depending on how you look at it, you are more likely to be thinking on how to pummel your enemies into a bloody pulp rather than your own safety, so collapsing is not a major worry.
Who cares about collapsing when you’re in the middle of a fit anyway?

Right, who cares…
Definitely your loved ones.
Brings back memories.
During my childhood training and not-so-legal activities, I saw many men lose themselves to rage.
I, myself took an interest in that.

After much contemplating and simulations, which weren’t as real as the true boundless rage, but provided some insight, I’ve concluded one thing.
Rage can be controlled!
Only then it is productive!

Although it is not as great of a boost as the unbridled, animal-like fury that causes you to lose your mind, controlled rage grants you a substantial surge of power.
It’s a temporary boost, you feel really tired right after, but your physical capabilities during the boost are greatly enhanced.

To control it properly one needs to have sufficient mental fortitude.
In other words, willpower.
The stronger, the better.

Like I said, harnessing that kind of power is really difficult for humans, then what of coded NPCs?
I’d say, bordering on the impossible.
Seeing Porras rampaging like that only made me feel pity for her.

On the way here I instructed the undead to not cower before the enemy, adding that those that try to desert will be met with thousands of holy water baths.
The aforementioned argument instantly made them vigorous and ready for battle.
Ahh, what a great leader I am.
Inspiring the troops with such a hard to shake morale.

The minotaurs neared and as they passed the invisable line that marked 150m away, we made our move…
Undead leaders and their troops started pouring in, just as planned.
A truly grand entrance has to be made with cautious planning!
I didn’t want my undead to scare off the minotaurs.
If they did, how long would I have to chase after these rampaging bulls?

Seeing that the minotaur deluge wasn’t stopping, I took out Eshel and using it as a prop for both of my hands, watched the proceedings.
The undead forces were given only the basic instructions, it’s their first important trial where they can show off their current battle prowess.
Before Aspena and her wraiths joined the battle, I told her to grab the Porras’s waraxe no matter what.

Aspena: What do you need it for, Master~?

Icicle: Does it matter? Get it for me and I’ll owe you one.

Aspena: Fufufu~. That was a great extort, wasn’t it?

Icicle: Yes, you’re pretty cunning for a servant girl.

Aspena: You…! I’ll have you know I was really intelligent, it’s just-

Icicle: Just go, otherwise you may not even gain this favor…

Aspena: Hmph!

Leaving the place pouting, Aspena did as I ordered and started troubling Porras.
Changing from intangibility to being semi-corporeal and dish out damage, what a nasty combo.
Ghosts sure are overpowered.
I wish I could raise ghosts instead of skeleton-like undead, wraiths are far more useful.

On the left and right flanks, Ganis and the undead cavalry spread out.
250 units for each side, 500 total.
Their task is to engage the minotaurs who will have a face off against Badian and his skeletons, as well as Kalish and his zombies in the middle.
Numarak and the mummies were supposed to be somewhere in between, supporting both the struggling against the lower level ranked minotaurs as well as delaying the stronger, elite minotaurs, those around level 500 and above.

Overall level of minotaurs would be around 300, but there were weaker ones at level 200, as well as ones going as high as level 700.
At least they have some diversity.

As the weapons were colliding and sparks flying, I checked the left flank.
Valtyr and the noble vampires were dealing with the strongest minotaurs with a little help from [Undead Guardians].
They were no longer elite, most of them joined the cavalry ranks, so now only the scrubs and new recruits remained.

I have to say, it was painful to watch.
Although I told Valtyr to learn blood magic properly and use it to its greatest extent, thus allowing him to constantly sustain his health making him nearly invincible, it wasn’t that good of an idea.
In theory, yes, it’s perfect, but getting hit hurts.
Even for me, it’s not a video game where you mash buttons on your keyboard and follow up with some mouse clicks to make your character move.
Getting healed feels great, this heartwarming feeling spreads inside you like a flood, filling you with vitality and vigor.
On the other hand, getting constantly hacked away at isn’t pleasant.
No matter how tough you are, after some time, you’ll get sick of it.

No wonder humans invented dodging, parrying and blocking.
It’s hard to pull it off without any weapons nor equipment though.
I sure as hell will use Malhium and other resources to equip this undead bunch properly.
Nurturing these guys will be tiresome and require a lot of time, but it will definitely be worth it.
Even if they leave me, with the amount of treasures and locations I was able to acquire so far, which average player can contend with me?

All of this is thanks to my familiars and the undead.
Without them none of this would be possible.
I may be harsh on them but that’s the loyalty issue.
Once that’s covered I’ll make sure to repay them properly.
Who knows, maybe I can even resurrect those bags of bones.

I’m not sure if all of the undead would want to be resurrected instead of living forever, but pleasures of the flesh should be tempting, right?
Heh, maybe I’m just a horny dog.

FieryRed was nowhere to be seen, but I heard her battle cries or something that should sound like it.
It was more of a… kitten’s cry.
Let’s leave it at that…

Sixxy rushed into the skirmish at once, so I didn’t see her either.
If she were to die to these weaklings then she’s not capable of evolving into [Naga Empress].
With as many battles as she had it’s doubtful she would die anyways.

At the back Varaag and his healing team as well as Magnix and his necromancer apprentices were doing their best to keep the inexperienced soldiers alive.
Hmph, calling them soldiers is too much of a praise.
They’re nothing more than undead servants who recently picked up weapons.
Whether they are healed or not, sooner or later they’ll fall.
At least they’ll gain some experience from this bout.

RapidFire and his company of hundred archers were peppering the entire battlefield with arrows.
Sometimes the volleys were concentrated at one point, another time the arrows were spread out.
The most important thing to point out would be the timing.
Many of the arrows interrupted the minotaurs’ skills mid-channeling.
What a great insight, reflex and accuracy!

Ganis’s charge from two flanks somewhat relieved the rookies, but many still fell under the minotaurs waraxes and crowd control.
Tyxx’s chains capable of hitting up to hundred people were used against the undead.
Although the minotaurs limit was ranging from three to five undead chained at once, it was a force to be reckoned with.
You can call those who died casualties, but they returned to life, so no biggie.

My estimation was off, minotaur ranks ranged from 900 to 1000 units total, that’s why it was harder than predicted to deal with them.
I wanted to keep as many as I could alive, after all when they’re alive they’re not immediately hated by every other living being and can be taken to towns and villages.
There will definitely come a time when I have to call upon reinforcements in the middle of a city.

With only a handful of the minotaurs dead, the situation didn’t look good.
I had Zexna join the battlefield to create some chaos.
Both necromancer apprentices and the mummies were constantly casting curses, which would be key to us making it out of this battle
As long as they can weaken the minotaurs, it shouldn’t be overly hard to deal with them.

Few moments later the battle reached a stalemate, at least it wasn’t disadvantageous anymore.
When I saw the sloppy zombies swinging their two-handed axes, it made my head ache.
How can one be so inexperienced?
These zombies seem like they have little to no adaptability!
Damn!

Hearing the cries from left and right, I shut myself off, completely blanking out.
There were multiple instances where gazes of both the undead leaders and their subordinates fell on me.
It’s not my battle, it’s a test for you guys.
If I can’t deal with these minotaurs now, it’s not that much of a problem.
That [Skeleton Treasure Trove Key] should be able to set up a barrier now that its original barrier was destroyed.
Sealing the entrance to the minotaurs’ den shouldn’t be a challenge.

If push comes to shove, I’ll call for reinforcements from the villagers, although that would be highly undesirable.
Not only would I owe them, I would look like a useless coward who only showed off in front of the crowd, a pathetic clown.
Yeah, let’s strike that idea.

Just as I was in the middle of thinking, an angry howl rang out once again.
Porras who was harassed by Aspena and the girls glared at me angrily then took a step backwards and threw the sanguine great waraxe straight at me with all her might.
With its flying speed even if I used [Water step], I would most likely end up dead!
I simply sensed it too late!
Shit!

…

Sylph’s POV

That stupid brother of mine, always telling me do this and that!
Hmph!
After pouting and stomping on the ground heavily for a while, I followed that dumbass brother.
He doesn’t know that I have a legendary archer scout class!

Don’t even think of finding me out, J!
Cautiously tailing his undead group, I reached the [Forsaken Labyrinth].
On the way down, I got lost a few times, but with my abilities it was easy to find some footsteps.
The worst floor was the second one.

I thought I’ll never get out of that one!
That’s when I thought of messaging FieryRed.
Damn prideful girl, she reluctantly helped me out!
Hmph, it’s not like I was asking for much!
If I didn’t tell her I did it all of this on my own and J doesn’t know anything, FieryRed would most likely not help me out at all!
*snort* Whatever, she can keep grudges all she wants, it’s not like she has a beef with me.

Finally finding that well-hidden entrance to the third floor, I quickly rushed through it.
Seeing the village nearby I didn’t dare to slow down.
Frightened gazes from all over vigilantly watched me run past.
Some girl with ponytails said hi to me, to which I responded with a friendly hello, but then I ignored her and ran forward, picking up even more speed.
I don’t want to miss out on any action!

…

According to FieryRed’s instructions the entrance to the 5th floor was located on the east side of the river, near its bank.
Summoning my familiar, a hawk, I quickly spotted the swirling portal.
That hawk of mine which I called “Fluffy” is really good at scouting!
Not only does it have a greater vision than I do, Fluffy can even instruct me on the direction of the wind, its speed and possible obstructions!
It’s a perfect pet for an archer like me!

…

As soon as I entered the 5th floor, I saw that stupid brother of mine propped on his sword, yawning.
Why the hell are you not helping out?!

Containing my anger with difficulty, I approached him from behind, ready to smack his head when I get in range.
Right when I was about to punch this empty head of J’s, I saw the whirling waraxe flying at his direction!

Sylph: GET DOWN!

With a heavy stomp I pounced at Icicle, bringing him down to the ground.
Swirling wind blew above me.

*thunk*

I heard the noise of the waraxe hitting the wall and bouncing off.
It probably lost most of its strength mid-way.
Either that or this wall is made out of something really thick and durable,

Lying on Jason’s back, I felt him moving.
That bastard didn’t even consider me and shook me off, leading to making me fall flatly on my butt!

Sylph: What are you doing, you stupid brother!

Icicle: You really had to come, didn’t you?

Sylph: I just saved your life and that’s what you’re asking me?! You made me fall on my butt! You stupid! Imbecile! Of a brother!

At this moment of time I unleashed my deadliest combo.
An all-time favorite – throw your fists randomly at your target and hope for the best!

Icicle: Ouch! Awwww! That hurts! Stop that! Jeez, you’re acting like mom now… *mutter* I guess it’s in the blood… *mutter*.

Sylph: Huh? You still dare to talk back?! I’ll teach you a lesson right now!

Icicle: Oh jeez, stop thrashing about! Go on the side and watch if you have to!

Sylph: Go on the side? Hmph! Listen to your big sister, you little punk! Look at me, I’ll show you how it’s done!

I sent Fluffy to watch the battle from above.
After a few seconds Fluffy gave me the directions on where to shoot.
As I was about to flaunt my accomplishments to my brother, I sensed some ominous, malicious aura rising.
Looking back, I almost dropped my weapon in fright.

…

Icicle’s POV

My own sister saved me.
What a blunder.
Now I’ll have to act like a little brother… *sigh*.
It wouldn’t so painful if she wasn’t such a klutz.

There was no way I could stop Clare after she got pissed off, I mean, she did seem like mom.
I sure as hell don’t want to argue with such a person because it’s worse than trying to persuade a wall to move!

Seeing the sanguine great waraxe lying on the floor, beneath the wall near the entrance, I walked up and grabbed it.

Are you shitting me?
Mind attacks?!

…