Rebirth Online World

Author’s note: 10027 words. Guess I met the quota. Enjoy the read, and sorry for the delays. Next chapter should be up in two days.

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I can’t help thinking that these guys are vendors at the market, their mouths are always moving, as if they couldn’t stop clamoring.

Icicle: To be honest, I don’t care if you do believe me or not. However, there’s an issue I need to discuss with all of you. The things we will be doing, sometimes because of external pressure, sometimes of our own volition, to say the least, these actions will be shady. House Whitesnow won’t be like the others, upholding righteousness and all that shit, because to do that, we need power. I don’t need to tell you that power comes from powerful individuals, right? At this very moment we’re nothing more than a group of people with a hazy, vague goal. Becoming strong in a short amount of time requires our actions to be ruthless, even contemptible. That’s why, if someone wants to back down, do it now. I won’t resent you, nor keep any grudges. Don’t waver and walk out before it’s too late.

Sylph: What do you mean brother? What shady things?

Faura: Please elaborate, we’re curious.

Hyuto: Yes boss, please tell us what’s on your mind.

Damn, I start liking this Hyuto guy.
Not in a romantic sense of course…

Icicle: *sigh* Let me put it like this. I have already managed to make many enemies. No matter how you play, you’ll always gain some. I’m sure every single one of you has crossed someone. To those people, we need to not only be merciless, but ruthless! Uproot their foundations, destroy them completely before their influence spreads! I don’t want you to rape or kidnap children, no. But there will definitely be times when I’ll require some of you to do things like assassination. No matter if it’s an NPC or a player, someone will have to do it. With that said, if you can’t stomach a little bit of blood and gore, then please, go back and don’t waste my nor your own time. I do not mind if you can’t do it at once, but if you don’t have any faith in your abilities, then turn around and leave.

Enna: Will I need to kill as well…?

Icicle: No, but there’s no doubt you’ll be a witness of some horrible things.

Enna: That’s fine, I just don’t want to do it myself…

No one else raised any doubts.

Icicle: Can I take it as the rest of you agreeing?

When I saw everyone nodding, it was time to proceed.

Icicle: All right then, first of all, Nete, stop being a stuck-up bitch. No one needs to hear your demands, you’re not entitled to shit. I’ll give you a week to change that annoying demeanor of yours. If I ever hear “I demand” or “I want” instead of “Could you tell me…?” or the like, I’ll dispose of you. Am I clear?

Sylph: Aren’t you being too harsh, brother? Nete is-

Icicle: I don’t care what she is or what disease she has. All I care about is whether she’s suitable for the important role I have planned for her or not. I won’t make someone with a mindset of an elementary schooler take such a heavy responsibility upon oneself.

Nete: W-What do you need?

Icicle: That’s better. I want you to start visiting libraries all over the world. I want you to study magic! Apart from that, you should frequent markets and buy relevant books. Not only spellbooks, ones that provide information about dungeons, layout of the castles, fortresses, kingdoms, any maps and so on. Basically, all things to related to magic, politics and environment. A combination of a mage and intelligence agent so to speak. You’ll be responsible for keeping track of things. Then, there’s a special mission too.

Nete: Special mission?

Icicle: I need you to learn Gravitation Magic. Are you up for it or should I look for someone else?

Nete: O-Of course I’m up for it!

Icicle: See, it wasn’t so hard to show a tiny bit of your real colors. People here don’t bite. At least I don’t, about others, I don’t know, maybe Mika does.

Mika: H-Hey!

Icicle: Okay, with that said, you’re assigned as a Head Wizard. Here’s 10 000 gold for your expenses. Don’t travel alone, take some of your party members every time, and make sure to secure the goods before travelling. I don’t want to splurge my money on nothing.

Nete: Hehe, sure boss. Do you mind if I buy a few things for myself?

Icicle: Of course not, why would I? All I need you to do is provide results. If you can get things done without spending money, then for all I care you can keep it all to yourself.

Nete: Thank you, boss.

Showing me a beautiful smile, I couldn’t believe it’s the same girl from before. I guess all it took was some encouragement. Nete already had what it takes.
Some people, all they need is a nudge and the sleeping lion inside them awakens.

Icicle: Okay, that covers up the magic techniques and intelligence. Let’s move on, healing team, Enna, Refen. I want you two to get some people and create a mobile healing unit. You can call yourselves Ambulance. Pffft! Don’t look at me like that, I’m just kidding. On a serious note, find some volunteers who would be willing to join you, make sure they’re reliable. If you need any help, ask your party leaders. Here’s 1500 gold for your expenses.

Enna: T-This is so much.

Refer: Boss sure is generous~.

Icicle: For now, you two will be assigned to Priest category. Why it is such a miniscule amount? Well, you will be travelling with other groups, mostly to dungeons, so you’ll earn a fair share there. Without being poor you’ll get lazy, so it’s sort of an encouragement. If you ever need some additional finances you know where to find me. I hope you don’t mind. Alright, moving on, assassins team. SilentStep, Mika, Quan. You are all… eccentric. What, have I said something inappropriate? I’m quite a peculiar person myself. What I mean is that I don’t know who should be leading your group. SilentStep is quiet and Mika is, well… a lost cause, but maybe she can be redeemed. As for Quan… You’re too impulsive. It’s a hard choice, so I’ll make you equals. Get some adventurers to form an assassin unit, you’ll be responsible for plundering caravans, assassinating vital targets and quietly disposing of our enemies. Trust me, this is one of the most important jobs, so if you don’t feel like you can perform up to standard, step aside.

SilentStep: I’m in.

Mika: Hmph, who would just step aside? I’ll show you I’m better than you could possibly imagine!

Quan: Why are you even letting me do this?

Icicle: You’re a tease, but you’re fun to be around, Quan. Why wouldn’t I? You tried to get on top of my head, but I’ve already got back at you. I don’t hold grievances for long, nor do I like to keep them. I imagine you want to redeem yourself, that’s why you’re getting a second chance. Don’t squander it.

Quan: I won’t let you down.

I can’t believe that I’m half-trusting people so easily, but this game requires me to take drastic measures.
In real life there’s no way I would do that before confirming I know everything about a certain person, but here, I can let my guard down a little. If I am too tense then I’ll make mistake after mistake.

Icicle: Mika, you too, don’t get impulsive. You’re a tough girl, but as an assassin, you need to do your job properly. I hope I can trust you. SilentStep, you need to start being communicative, at least to a degree where you can lead these two ladies. You’re assigned as a temporary leader. Mika and Quan will be vice-leaders. If you two girls can prove me wrong, you will be eligible to take over SilentStep’s position.

Mika: Fufufu, don’t worry, I won’t let a guy rule over me for long!

Quan: You already have one ruling over you…

Mika: …

SilentStep: Alright, I’ll talk a little bit more. Communication shouldn’t be a problem.

Icicle: Very well. Vanessa and Haruno will join you. These two will be independent. I expect you two beautiful housekeepers to be teamplayers, okay? Here you go, 10 000 gold for all your necessary equipment and expenses. Use your connections to reel some people in, you can’t do much with just the five of you.

SilentStep: Roger.

Haruno: Thanks Master!

Vanessa: Thank you, Icicle. We do appreciate it.

Icicle: Don’t forget about your training with the old man from the Assassins’ Guild.

Glittering eyes looked at me, as if I was about to decide their destiny.
Geez, guys, I’m not a god or anything…
I hope they won’t start worshipping me.
That would be embarrassing.

Icicle: Ekhm. Archer team, Sylph, Kohure, Headshot. You’ll join my undead’s archer team, his name is RapidFire.

Sylph: Ehh, why can’t we have our own team? So unfair, brother!

Headshot: I don’t mind if it’s with these two beautiful ladies~.

Kohure: Hmph, we don’t even put you in our eyes, you crude archer.

Headshot: What? That was rude! I have my own charm, you know?

Kohure: Charming clown, who would have thought…

Pffft!
I couldn’t help bursting in laughter.
Even Headshot’s party laughed at him.
Poor guy, he has no luck with the opposite gender.

Icicle: You’ll see why RapidFire is a great archer and teacher when you get to know him. I’m sure you can learn a lot from him. Here’s 2000 gold for your expenses. Get yourselves some nice equipment.

Sylph: Thanks brother.

Kohure: So much shiny coins~.

Headshot: I wonder how many times I could do it in a brothel for this much…

No comment on that one.

Icicle: Erjie, Inferno, Wenn, Brie. You four will form a magic damage dealing team. Pick a leader yourselves. You’ll be under Nete, she’ll gather books and you will act as her protection. Hone your skills on the way. Books she gathers will help you tremendously. I’ll look for some spellbooks for you as well. Here, 3000 gold to get you clothed and such…

Wenn: Are you a bottomless pit of gold? I would like to be rich like that too…

Erjie: This is more than enough, thanks, boss.

Inferno: Guards, huh? Can anything even threaten Nete?

Icicle: You never know what’s in the wild.

Brie: Does that mean I can kill anyone who tries to harm us?

Icicle: Yup.

Brie: So I’m like James Bond?

Icicle: Exactly!

Why haven’t I thought of that…

Brie: Awesome!

Okay, this one, the airhead, seems easy to control.
I like her too, so easygoing!

Icicle: Faura, you will join these four’s team for the moment. When you recruit some other Lightning Mages, you’ll form a hit-and-run team. Here’s 5000 gold for that. Please recruit only those who you can trust. I don’t want to deal with unnecessary trouble later on.

Faura: T-That’s so much. Thank you Icicle, this task is more than I could ask for. I’m honored.

Icicle: Stop exaggerating. It’s only appropriate.

Wenn: Why does Faura get more than all four of us combined?

Icicle: Because you would squander it, and Faura needs to build a team from scratch. It’s not like you can’t earn some money by yourselves. There’s a lot of possible “danger” on the road…

Wenn: Hahaha, you really are one ruthless son of a gun. Alright, leader. I can finally accept you.

Icicle: Thanks, your grace.

Wenn: Pfft! Don’t make me laugh, you little! I’m still older than you, you shouldn’t tease your seniors!

Icicle: FieryRed, you don’t need to fidget like that. You, Pou and Liun will create a physical damage dealing team. Off-tanks, so to speak. There won’t be many people who like to go that route, so, here’s 10 000 gold for you. Get proper equipment, find some reliable players and make a strong team. You will be our house’s main firepower.

FieryRed: Hmph, at least you’re not stingy.

Pou: Hohoho, so you indeed listened to me, Icicle~. I’ll show you that Priest isn’t as shitty of a class as you think it is!

Icicle: What will you do, wave your cross around? Don’t exorcise me~~.

Pou: You little, it seems your leg stopped hurting? How about I make this light injury more permanent?

Icicle: Calm down, you can’t fight me, at least not yet.

Giving Pou a smile that symbolized superiority, she could only back down.
Although I say back down, she still stuck her tongue out, as if I didn’t amount to much.
Heh, good, prideful people are fated to become strong… or die trying.

Liun: Who will be the leader, boss?

Icicle: Let’s give it to Pou and see how it goes. FieryRed will charge in no matter what, so I guess only another girl can somehow tame her. Don’t even try, Liun, she’s as fierce as a tiger.

FieryRed: I can hear that!

Icicle: *chuckle* Hyuto and Rene, you guys gather some other tanks and create a human made tanking party. I do have a lot of undead paladins, but we need to have a human team as well. 10 000 gold for you. Rene, you’re the leader. Hyuto, you should learn as much as you can, otherwise you’ll always be a stand-in leader for your party. Rene, don’t be too harsh on him~.

Rene: Don’t worry, little brother, I can take care of my subordinates.

Hahaha, she doesn’t even put him in her eyes.
Great.

Hyuto: T-Thank you, boss, it’s an honor.

Mika’s party seems a bit afraid.
Maybe I went too far?
Nah, that beating was necessary.
After all, strength rules over all. Friendship and loyalty come with time.
No matter how smart you are, sometimes you need to use brute force, otherwise people won’t listen.
Fear is as much of a factor as religion or smarts.

Kiyu: What about me? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten about me~.

Icicle: Haha, of course not. I will invite Mercenary Guilds from Raren City and the like to protect the dungeon and the caravans coming to and fro. This is being set up for the workshops I plan to open in the Forsaken Labyrinth, as well as provisions for us, that includes food and other necessities. You’ll join these Mercenaries. Aside from that, well, I’ve got a rank 8th Mercenary, I’ll sign you up as his disciple, what do you think?

Kiyu: Rank 8th? Jesus, where did you get that monster from? Of course I accept!

Icicle: It’s a friend, his name is Kylt. Pretty strong NPC I would say. Last time I sparred against him, I had a lot of trouble. He’s probably even a bit stronger than me, so have fun. Reel some Mercenaries as well, NPCs are fine, but we need players in that team just as much. You’re responsible for creating a support unit, backing up both offense and defense. All-rounders so to speak.

Kiyu: Sounds fun. I can make that happen.

Icicle: Mm, let me finish. Your tasks will mainly contain protecting Nete and her group, guarding caravans if necessary, exploring the dungeons as a forefront, during battles you’ll protect healers or join the heavy damage dealers. Like I said a versatile unit. In other MMOs such people would be call hybids, but in Loiterous, this type of existence will cause dread and fear.

Kiyu: Your sister didn’t mention you’re a strategist, nor an experienced leader. No wonder your charisma is so high. I have an idea about my task now, thank you. As for the mobile all-rounder unit, it will definitely take some time to gather dependable people, then there’s training and so on. If we, girls, go into our university and ask… charmingly, I’m sure we’ll have a lot of volunteers.

This female knows her stuff.

Icicle: I won’t pry into what methods you use. Make sure they’re loyal, otherwise I’ll have to be… well, ruthless. You wouldn’t like to see that.

Smiling wryly I handed 6000 gold to Kiyu.
She had a disappointed expression.

Kiyu: Why did I get less than others? It will be hard to set up such a versatile unit… shouldn’t you give me more gold instead?

Icicle: Don’t tell me you don’t understand. You’re supposed to be self-sufficient unit. If with this much you can’t gather enough people to go into dungeons and loot monsters, not to mention plunder riches, what use will your unit have? How am I supposed to believe that your group will be reliable if it can’t even do that?

Kiyu: Fair enough. Strengthening through trials. It’s reasonable.

Icicle: I’m sure all of you want to talk about these developments, and you’ll have time for that. However, I have a few more things I need to talk to you about.

Sylph: What is it?

Mika: Don’t keep us waiting.

Headshot: Are the ladies involved?

Nete: Do you have something else for us…?

Kiyu: What else could you cook up, younger bro?

These seniors of mine, I swear to God it’s my sister’s influence.
She lets them do as they please.

Icicle: Alright, alright, I won’t stall. First of all, I am certain you’re itching to buy new equipment. The first place you’ll go to will be definitely Auction House, am I right?

Liun: Of course.

Hyuto: Where else could we get it without travelling for who knows how long?

Icicle: I appreciate your input, but please, let me finish. *cough* The reason I’m talking about it, is that this Auction House has no way of determining counterfeits. Recently, I went to the market to buy you guys some “welcoming gifts” and all, I’ve spotted a nice cross for Priests, and really good earrings for Archers. Here’s how they looked like.

Icicle: What do you think?

Sylph: These earrings are awesome, do you have them brother?

Kohure: I want them as well!

Headshot: Come on, I know you’re women, but shouldn’t met prioritize their own, superior race?

Kohure: How can you even call yourself a man? Hmph, you’re nothing more than a dandy. Don’t even insult boss and the others.

Enna: This cross seems good for beginners, what happened to it?

Pou: I don’t need it, you can give it to others.

Rene: Same here, I’m not specialized in healing either.

FieryRed: Hmph, it doesn’t do any damage, who needs this crappy cross.

Refen: I will gladly take it!

Icicle: Hahaha, you’re all so excited. No wonder, you don’t know the truth. Nor did I when I was about to buy these items. Fortunately, I have someone I can rely on. *cough* Anyways, here’s how these items were in reality.

Icicle: Would you still want them?

Sylph: T-That’s…

FieryRed: Hahaha, so you got ripped off! Serves you right. Good merchant, I need to congratulate him, who was it?

Icicle: You snotty little girl, aren’t you content now? Fortunately, I didn’t get ripped off, not only that, I even send that merchant to jail for forging. The reason I’m telling you this, is so that you won’t have as much of an astonished face as you do right now. If you happen to stumble upon such “bargains”, please check with your identifying methods, if you’re not specialized in it, ask a friend or someone who is well-versed in identification. These items definitely will get their way into the market, not many people realized it and I don’t know if any did, but the developers won’t do a thing about it.

Rene: Why do you say so? If it’s a bug they should fix that. We can even get banned for not reporting it!

Icicle: Not if it was intentional.

Kiyu: Intentional? What do you mean?

Nete: It’s a part of a class. A hidden one.

I knew I made the right choice to leave some responsibilities to that girl.
She was bored, thus created that “seeking attention” personality.
Look at her now, she’s actually pretty shrewd.

Glancing at the astonished faces, some recovered faster than others.
These kids still have a way to go.
*sigh* Why am I speaking like an old man now.
Running a crime-like business surely lets you mature faster…

Icicle: You guys should work on controlling your feelings. If you show to everyone that you’re shocked or frightened, your face will be a dead giveaway. I won’t be able to tell you anything in secret. *sigh* To minimize the losses, try to force yourself to control your emotions, even if it’s a tiny bit you’ll improve with practice. Don’t talk about our “business” outside either. This way you won’t babble about something you don’t want to. Use group chat if you have to.

Wenn: Why do we need to be so secretive?

Icicle: I have some connections to the current princess of Minaeryth Kingdom, Saress. There’s a possibility of a war breaking out. Civil war.

Inferno: Civil war? Why?

Icicle: Saress has openly opposed the Church of Holy Light, or whatever they’re called. These guys won’t let it slide. At the moment, the king, Saress’s father has the ball in his court. It all depends on how he decides to play it out. Somehow, I have a feeling he won’t prioritize his daughter over his power to rule the kingdom. That is the second matter I wanted to discuss. For those of you with Faith stat, you may need to change the “god” you believe in.

FieryRed: Hmph, who needs a deity anyways…

Icicle: Yeah, I know you don’t, tomboy. Those of you that do care, please make appropriate preparations. If you’re wearing any faith related items that can be substituted, I would suggest you to do so before it’s too late. Personally, I am no believer, however, as you most likely know, I’m a chosen of the Water Deity. Light Deity, Likaan, hates me, so there’s that. Sooner or later, her church will come for me. You’re associated with me, so you should expect that this matter will involve you just as much. Whether you decide to keep at it and believe in whatever you do or not, I won’t interfere.

After a minute of complete silence, I decided to continue.
This amount of time should be enough to let them digest my words.

Icicle: That’s most likely it for the politics. I wanted to go to the Glacia Kingdom straight up. However, I entangled myself with helping these undead. For now I aid them in regaining their names and former glory. If not glory, then whatever they had. Along the way, I also realized that it can’t be that easy to set up a base. This kingdom proves it. You need connections or large amounts of gold. I had neither. Now I do have some, but it’s still not enough. When I accumulate some achievements, I can think of going there to learn about my ancient subclass. Don’t look at me like I’m about to leave you. All I’m saying is that we’ll have bases all around this fantastic world. Why would we stick to one place? We deserve better than that! Maybe. If we don’t, we need to earn that.

I could see most of them smiling wryly at me.
These rascals don’t believe me.
Oh well, not like I can force them.
Almost everyone needs to start from the ground up, only then you can have sturdy foundation that lets you grow farther.

Icicle: One last thing, don’t splurge your money. I won’t be able to reimburse you or anything. This is a one time deal, I provide you with resources and it’s up to you how to use them. For your expenses, I had to empty our treasury and then some. This bonus came from my own pocket. Remember, spend your money wisely. When we get the players to liven this place up, we’ll earn a lot from taxes. Do some advertising in your free time. Once again, I’m reiterating, I know, but don’t carry everything on you. It’s dangerous out there, you can keep your money here, no undead will touch it, I can guarantee it.

Faura: Fufu, Icicle, no need to treat us like little children, we understand.

Icicle: Hehe, sorry, it’s just a lot of gold, so I don’t want you to suddenly lose it. Alright, with this, our meeting is finished, off you go. Sylph, Haruno, Vanessa, you three stay behind.

While their new friends were moving farther into the dungeon, discussing the recent events, the three I called out came up to me.

Sylph: What is it, J?

Vanessa: Something wrong, Icicle?

Icicle: Clare, you’ll take care of being my intermediary. I’ll let Frizz, one of the coliseum guys, take care of most affairs. You’ll relay important messages to me. Think of it as of an accountant and second in authority at once.

Sylph: Can’t anyone else do it?

Icicle: I’m not forcing it on you, stupid. The reason I’m giving this position to you is because I can trust you. Come, give me a hug.

Sylph: W-What are you doing?!

She’s so cute like that.

Icicle: No need to get so flustered. We haven’t seen each other for a very long time, what’s wrong in hugging my own sister?

Sylph: Y-You idiot! I need to go!

Icicle: That’s a shame. Take care.

There’s no reason to stop her.
Sooner or later, she’ll open up again.

Icicle: Vanessa, Haruno, I added you to the Assassin Team, but please do take care of yourselves. The trio you’re going to travel with can revive, whilst you cannot. Please do not make any rash decisions.

Haruno: Are you worried about us, Master?

Icicle: What, did you think that I let you out of your cages to be shown in my new zoo or something? Of course I care. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t piss off so many people to release you from shackles!

Haruno: You were right mom, Icicle really cares. He doesn’t show it, but he does.

Vanessa: Shush, you! Such a bad child, you were not supposed to tell him! Excuse us, Icicle, we’ll get going. Oh, and don’t worry, we can take care of ourselves. I’ll make sure this little rascal attends classes as well. See yo-

Icicle: Just a second. What did you do to Sixxy? Why was she so exhausted?

Haruno: Hehe, we’ve concocted a stamina elixir! Grandpa taught us some, so we brewed one and drank it! Even though aunt Sixxy is a Naga, she can’t keep up with us!

I freed a drug dealer… dear Jesus.

Vanessa: We’ll get going. See you around, Icicle.

Waving shyly, Vanessa and Haruno scuttled with furtive steps.

…

Loiterous, Zaryoux Temple, Clare’s POV

Rene: What a day…

Mika: That little bastard didn’t make me a leader! Hmph, I’ll show him!

Nete: Hehehe!

Kiyu: Aren’t you a happy one, Nete? What happened? You were so gloomy recently. Don’t tell me you’re a masochist who likes getting rebuked?

Nete: It just feels good when someone trusts you, especially with such an important task. I feel like I can’t betray Clare’s little bro now.

Rene: She’s become a fangirl.

Kity: Look out Clare, you may soon have some competition.

FieryRed: Maybe I judged that twerp too harshly? He even created a heavy attack squad!

Pou: Hehe, that’s right! Now we can finally show off our might!

Headshot: So much shiny coins, so many girls…

*bang* *thud*

Headshot: What the hell was that for? My head hurts!

Faura: Act decently, you’ve a lot of women around you, dumbass!

Liun: That Icicle sure is knowledgeable, he even discovered counterfeits in the market…

Hyuto: Yeah, I wonder if I’ll ever be like him.

Wenn: What do you think, Clare? You told us your brother is awesome, but we assumed it’s just your fangirling.

Sylph: Umm, yeah, he seems to have changed a little, but he’s as reliable as ever.

Maybe even more than before.
For my distant, cool-headed brother to suddenly hug me like this…
Hehe, maybe he was too shy before?

Did he discover his elder sister’s charm?
Ahhh, I’m so happy!

Why did I run then?
I could enjoy the moment for a little bit longer…
But that would be inappropriate!
Ahhh! I’m so confused!

Pou: Don’t bother with her, Wenn, she’s in her own world now.

Quan: Yup, she’s gone. Clare in the Wonderland.

Brie: Hiehie, I’m 007! License to kill! *bang* *bang*

Quan: And another one started daydreaming… Who am I associated with…

…

Back to Icicle, Zaryoux Temple, Loiterous

*sigh* I’ve spoken for so long, jeez, my throat is parched.
I shouldn’t have put all of these things off for so long.
Now that I think about it, it’s not that I was lazy.
That goddamn jail time made me lose so much time and momentum.

Arghhh. It hurts me just thinking about it.
When I’m done with all of this academy stuff, I need to check my phone.
There should be news regarding police chief.
If that guy isn’t put in place, this situation can lead to compromising me.
All in all, his henchmen are in my custody.

If only I could play in peace, not be bothered by the outside world…
What to do, what to do…
Maybe it wasn’t meant to be.

Whatever, there’s no merit in thinking about it.
I need to check up on Aspena, she seemed almost too excited.
There’s no way that she’s found a mere iron ore, it has to be something good.

Icicle: ASPENA, WHERE ARE YOU?

…are you? …are you?

My voice echoed out into the distance.
Few seconds later, another one rang out.

Aspena: I’m here, Master!

Going into the direction where it came from, I reached Aspena in a jiffy.
It was the first time I explored Zexna’s chamber so thoroughly.
To be fair, I had no idea where I was.

Icicle; Where are we, you frivolous girl?

Aspena: Fufufu~, you don’t need to be on such a high alert, Master~. This is the place that lets us go deeper into the underground.

That’s weird.
All I could see was a dusty stone pillar.
Aspena only smiled slightly signaling me with her right hand to make a few steps to my left.
Taking three steps to the left, I spotted the staircase hidden behind the pillar.
Two meters wide tunnel leading into the underground revealed itself to me.

Jesus, who would hide something so deep underground?
Does it reach into the Hades or something?
I hope it’s not a sex dungeon, otherwise I’m fucked.
Literally.

Icicle: Where does it lead to?

Aspena: Ohh, that’s rude! How can you doubt me, Master? There’s a surprise waiting for you down below, but I can’t tell you what it is~! What kind of surprise would that be?! Rest assured, it’s nothing dangerous~.

Icicle: If you say so. Lead the way.

I didn’t have time to be hesitating.
Whatever it was. I had to tackle it head on.
Who would follow a scaredy-cat leader?

Moving my pride and integrity aside, I’m quite curious myself.
What could excite a ghost?

Walking down the dusty stairs, Aspena was humming a song.
It was pleasant to the ear.
Following Aspena, I felt like a child following her mother.
Blindly trusting that everything will turn out okay.

This sensation was alien to me, I never trusted anyone since my grandfather died.
I mean, I never fully trusted anyone.
Place some hope in others? Maybe.
Trust? Hell no.

Once I heard a saying: “Trust, but do not rely on.”
I think that pretty much sums up my current mentality.

Aspena and I reached the bottom of the stone stairs.
It was a dimly lit room.
When my eyes accustomed, I realized it’s a tomb.
There were elevated coffins wherever I looked.

Two large candles illuminated every coffin, some seemed to be ancient, at least a few thousand years old.
I am only guessing, but there was so much dust gathered on them that it was the only appropriate assumption.
Who could be buried here?

Icicle: Do you know anything about this place, Aspena?

Aspena: Mm, not much. I was but a servant, after all. Sometimes we were asked by high-ranked people to clean other areas than the center temple. One of which was this room. From what we could gather, there were treasured, ancient remains of the Church of Holy Light’s predecessors.

Why do I get this uneasy feeling…?

Icicle: Wait a second, are you saying that Numarak and the others were the ones buried here?

Aspena: Honestly? I don’t think so. These coffins, as far as I can see, are sealed. Ancient characters on the floor form a powerful energy around them. You probably can’t see it, Master. Neither could I, but now, that I am a wraith, I can vaguely see vibrations. The air around some of them is rippling stronger than around others.

Icicle: Hmmm… How important was this temple to the church?

Aspena: This place was of utmost importance! Why the hell would so many people work here if it wasn’t? Many high-ranked people came here for inspections and business. Not all of them were from the clergy. There were a lot of recognizable figures like businessmen, kings, princes or household lords! Even I knew them! I remember seeing people who I could only dream of knowing passing through this area. Although I have no idea whatsoever what they were doing here, I am 100% certain they visited this place.

This can’t be, right?
Clergy can’t really be that dumb, right?!
Right?!

Icicle: HAHAHAHAHA!

Mad laughter erupted from my throat.
I simply couldn’t hold it in anymore.

Aspena: Master, what happened? Did you go insane? Should I fetch someone? Let’s see, maybe you have a fever.

Aspena’s cold hand made me snap out of the intense pleasure I felt.

Icicle: No need to be so worried, Aspena. I’m fine. Really, really fine actually! You said that important people came over here. Have you seen priests or their higher-ups conducting any burials in this place?

Aspena: Stop joking! Why would they let a measly servant like me see someone’s grand burial?

Icicle: I’m not asking you about participating. Did any of you, servants, warriors or guards see someone transported here in a coffin?

Aspena: Of course we did!

Icicle: Hahahaha! Jeez, these guys…!

Aspena: You seem crazy at the moment! Seriously, Master, what’s going on? Stop acting up and tell me!

These old geezers!
To think they left me something so valuable!
Ahhh, Acquare is going to be in heaven!
If she’s not already.

Icicle: Listen well, Aspena. These coffins don’t contain people. All these magnates, lords and whoever else came had one reason. Storage. No one would dare to infiltrate a holy area after all, right?

Aspena: That’s right, but why would they…?

Icicle: Easy there. Let me finish. There may be people inside these coffins. But it’s highly unlikely. Who would travel for days, weeks or even months to get a decent burial?! I am certain these powerful people could afford to have a tomb built with their enormous wealth. That leaves us with what I talked about earlier. They didn’t come here to find peace and “eternal rest”. Big fishes like them came here to store their wealth! In other words, what’s inside these coffins are not bodies, but priceless treasures! Relics! Jewels! Artifacts!

Aspena: So we’re rich?

Icicle: It’s not that simple. I don’t know whether these were worldly riches or ancient keepsakes meant to uphold their households’ integrity. What we end up with might as well be jack shit, used to blackmail households that no longer exist.

Aspena: You’re such a party pooper! How could you hold me in such a suspense only to disappoint me like that! Hmph! Bad Master, very bad~!

Icicle:*sigh* Aspena, you frivolous girl, think for a moment. There are at least a thousand coffins here. Judging by what you said, some have stronger seals than the others. Although there may be useless items, who would pay for such a strong deterring method to keep nothing inside?! Only those who can sleep on money can afford such a thing! It would make their status soar into the heavens! Even then, most of magnates like that are prideful. That means they wouldn’t leave an empty casket! There are definitely some jewels and other artifacts inside!

I was so excited that I started panting.
Aspena looked at me with her eyes glistening, then spoke.

Aspena: I want a beautiful necklace! Come on, get me one!

It appears that Aspena’s servant nature emerged.
This time, I won’t be a dick.
If there is a pretty one, I’ll give it to her.
No, not the D.

Icicle: Sure, I’ll get you one. Please guard my body for a while, I have something to take care of.

Focusing on my inner self, I reached out to my self-acclaimed master.

Icicle: *Oiii, Acquare.*

Acquare: *What do you want brat, I had such a pleasant dream…*

Icicle: *Yeah, yeah, I get it, you’re sleepy. But I don’t care. Get me up in there, we need to talk.*

Acquare: *We’re already talking. Can’t you stay where you ar-

Icicle: *No, get my consciousness into your world, hurry up!*

Acquare: *You’re such a handful… *yawn* *

Aspena: You stupid master, where are you going?! Can you hear m-

After that, my consciousness faded.
Waking up in a world of darkness, I immediately cheered up.

Icicle: I should have told you to let me visit that palace of yours, but oh well. It’s a rare occasion and I don’t have any hidden intentions, so I’ll let it slide.

Acquare: Hidden intentions? So you want to ravage your beautiful goddess? Fufufu, you’re pretty bold. Don’t even think of trying that with me, champ, you wouldn’t be able to last one round.

Fuck, I jumped my gun and got completely devastated!

Icicle: Touché. We can tease each other all we want later, I’ve got some great news!

Acquare: Oh really? What, did you discover Atlantis?

Icicle: Can you tone down with the sarcasm? For once, I’m serious. Check the location where my body is at.

Acquare: It’s Zaryoux Temple, what of it?

Icicle: Can you set up some sound-proof barrier?

Acquare: There’s no need, speak.

Icicle: Do it, will you?

Acquare: You’re such a bother…

I couldn’t feel anything, after all I was in the darkness, but Acquare didn’t seem to lie about setting up some protection in place.

Icicle: Now look deeper.

Acquare: Wow, you’re in a tomb. Do you need help with praying? Sorry, I do not have any sermons. If that’s all then scram and let me sleep. Don’t bother me with such petty matters anymore *yawn*.

Icicle: Fufufu, don’t act so busy. You’re laying here for at least 10000 years, you can definitely spare me a moment of your time.

Acquare: Hmph, you don’t know anything about me, don’t talk like you know stuff.

Icicle: I don’t know anything about you because I’m not prying into your private matters. Instead of getting enraged, listen to me closely. What if I told you that in these coffins there are no bodies?

Acquare: You’ve prepared 1000 or so coffins to make me guess? You really don’t know the difference between heaven and earth! Get out of her-

Icicle: For fucks sake, would you shut up? If you have your period then it’s fine, but don’t vent yourself on me. I wouldn’t disturb you if there was no reason to. Take a gander at the dust on those coffins. They’re ancient! These babies most likely have relics in them!

Acquare: Relics? How have you come to this conclusion?

Icicle: Hahaha, now you’re interested! Good, you should be! I talked with Aspena. You can probably see her floating around my body. She told me that during the time she was a servant in the Zaryoux Temple, various big shots visited the place. Why would they want to be buried there? They were definitely rich and powerful enough to order a tomb for themselves! Of course that’s not all. Aspena told me there are vibrations around these coffins. She called them ripples. I don’t know anything about seals, but hell, who would create ones that are so powerful that they can last for several thousand years?! There has to be something valuable there! I’m assuming since the Zaryoux Temple was transformed into the land of the undead, these powerhouses lost hope in recovering their families’ relics and treasures.

Acquare: Mm, that indeed sounds great, but why did you come with that to me?

Icicle: Judging from the tone of your voice, you’re trying to hide astonishment on your face, but it transferred. I may not be able to see you, but I can clearly hear you. It’s obvious, isn’t it? I may have found it thanks to Aspena, but I have no way of undoing these seals. As your “humble servant”, yes, this is in air quotes, I’ll donate all of these relics to you. You can place them in your shrine, temple, cathedral or whatever you have. I assume your standing in the gods’ ranking will rise at least a tiny bit.

Acquare: HAHAHAHAHA! You’re such an amusing adventurer. Donate, you say? What am I, a charity? You haven’t mentioned the treasures, so you want to keep them for yourself, huh? Good. If you weren’t greedy there’s no way I would believe your “good intentions”. You see, the problem is, to undo or break these seals, there’s a requirement of a very rare class. I can provide you with the method, but getting the right person to do it will be hard. Not to mention my share of this “excavating operation” you’ll probably need to sacrifice a large part of yours.

So that’s how it is, huh.
Why can’t good things come to me naturally?
I always have to solve some riddles or enter vaults with a lockpick…
Whatever, I can’t do anything about it.

Icicle: What classes can do the job?

Acquare: There are a few. The most appropriate one would definitely be Tomb Raider. No, not the game. These people are already treated as bad as it can be, so whatever the gods would do to punish them for desecrating the graves wouldn’t matter. Then there would be all sort of Thieves. You know, guys with lockpicks and stuff. I’m sure after a certain amount of time they would be able to open the caskets. There are a lot more but they’re righteous, so none of them would have the gall to desecrate someone’s place of rest.

Icicle: Wait a second, would Swindler do the job?

Acquare: I think so, why?

Rubbing my hands, I could already see the riches before me.
This time I really struck gold!
And that fucking goblin, Shady, will have to help me out!

Acquare: Brat, I know you do not see me, but I can very clearly see you. What’s that despicable, evil smile on your face?

Icicle: I’m sorry, goddess, but even though I want to, I can’t tell you. Sit tight, soon, I’ll be able to open these seals. When I’m ready, I’ll let you know. Then, you’ll pass down the method.

Acquare: Aren’t you resourceful~? What about the divine punishment?

Icicle: Who cares about that. I won’t desecrate anyone’s grave. After all, there are no remains there, just treasures! All I’ll do is steal someone’s valuables. That’s not the worst sin~.

Acquare: Hahahaha! Your way of thinking is too simple, but oh well. You’re right, this won’t cause the gods to be angry, although who knows, you might be the first to get spanked for some minor offense! Our time’s up, I’m sending you back.

Icicle: Wait a minute, there’s something else.

Acquare: You really did find Atlantis?

Icicle: No… I wanted to ask you about the tournament.

Acquare: Who told you about this? I don’t remember mentioning it to you.

Icicle: Your “gods” publicly announced to all the adventurers that I’m your chosen, not to mention the things about the tourney.

Acquare: Why would they do that?

Icicle: Because other adventurers thought I’m too strong, and that your gods are supporting me. It’s complicated, okay? Anyways, what I need to know, is how are the other “chosen” faring.

Acquare: About that… most of them are much better off than you are right now. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not your fault. These people got a lot of items and techniques from their deities, yet I can’t give you anything.

Icicle: You can give me your body.

Acquare: Oh shut up, will you? You don’t even know how I look.

Icicle: You sound pretty sexy though, so we can figure something out. How about doggy style? With a bag on your head there shouldn’t be any problems…

Acquare: You know, sometimes I wish I chose a different person. Even a measly Wild dog would be better than a brat like you.

Even the gods have sensitive spots!
Lesson learned.

Icicle: Alright, enough with the teasing. We can reschedule our mating season, after all.

Acquare: Don’t push it, kid.

Icicle: When is this tournament happening?

Acquare: Around 9 months from now. It depends. Lots of deities are lazy and don’t care about the results. They simply have enough followers to keep their standing, so some come late or don’t bother at all. That’s why we often have… delay.

Icicle: So I have around 9 months to beat up some brats? That’s more than enough. Don’t worry, I’ll return as a champion~.

Acquare: Somehow your confidence doesn’t convince me. You’ve taken enough of my time, shoo, shoo~!

Without even chance to reply or say goodbye, I was transported back to Zaryoux Temple.

Aspena: You’ve finally woken up, huh? Why did you scare me like this, idiot?!

I didn’t quite get why Aspena was enraged, after all, I told her to guard me for some time.

Icicle: What do you mean, Aspena? I told you to watch my body for me for a while. I have been talking with the Water Deity.

Aspena: Hmph, I know how telepathy works! Why would you suddenly fall unconscious?!

Icicle: Well, I was transported to her world. It’s a long story, but! There’s a breakthrough. I need to do a few things, then we’ll be able to open up those rusty, dusty cans!

Aspena: Hehe, I really shouldn’t doubt you, Master~. Well then, shall we go?

Icicle: Go? Go to where?

Aspena: We’re not at the destination yet.

Icicle: Wait, what? There’s something else?

Aspena: Of course there is~. Come on, follow me.

A little shaken and largely surprised, I walked behind Aspena.
We were moving past the coffins towards the middle of this spacious room.
Aspena reached with her hand and tugged on some old rope.
I didn’t even see it at first, but it was there, dangling from the ceiling.

Rumbling ensued.
Stone floor tiles started shifting their positions, moving sideways.
After that, huge platform emerged, some sort of an ancient elevator.

Aspena: No need to be so scared, come on up.

How could I let woman comfort me in this situation?
Immediately stepping onto the platform, I saw Aspena pull a lever.
With a lot of friction our makeshift elevator moved downwards.
It was obvious that this mechanism has seen its better days.
No one was looking after the place so it became rusty and worn out.

Smoke puffs ascended, this place really needs renovation.
Coughing profusely, we managed to get going in a slow pace.
My only hope was that this contraption works properly.
Who knows where I would end up if it breaks.

As we travelled down the shaft, Aspena looked kindly at me.
She was happy, but I have no idea why.
Did this necklace I promised her made her like that?
Strange.
Maybe modest women can appreciate small gifts as if they were treasures?
I won’t delve into that, I am no expert.

*thud*

Our platform reached its destination.
What I saw astounded me.
Enormous open space carved out of stone. A mine.
It wasn’t a simple mine.
The resource that was all over the place was a white, luminescent crystal.

There was one disturbing thing.
Bodies.
Bones, skeletons, some animal remains…

Whoever worked here was either worked to death or met with calamity.

Icicle: When did you find this place, Aspena?

Aspena: Hehe, while I was searching thoroughly for the mineral resources of course! After a long day, I was a bit tired, so I took a nosedive to freshen myself up. You won’t understand, it’s a ghost thingy. Anyways, I landed here! Isn’t this ghost lady of yours the best~?

Icicle: You sure are.

Nyu: *Oi human, bring me closer to that crystal*

Icicle: *What for?*

Nyu: *Don’t ask stupid questions and move.*

Icicle: *Oi Eshel, what the hell is this thing?*

Eshel: *It’s a very rare resource that contains strong healing properties. If you mix it with other ingredients such as herbs, it can serve as an antidotum to almost anything, starting from wounds ending at diseases. A panacea of sorts. There’s not much of it in the world and places that possess it are scarce. As you can probably imagine, its price is ridiculously high. With a mine as huge as this you can build an empire from scratch.*

Icicle: *That sounds too good to be true. Where’s the catch?*

Eshel: *Most beings don’t know about it, but… to cure something means to create something else that can fight it off. You can compare it to fire and water. One can take care of another. Just like black and white. Complete opposites. To borrow the healing power of this crystal, one needs to sacrifice a bit of his own life force. That’s why its healing properties are so strong. They are not innate, they are borrowed from those who extract it! To put it in other words, this crystal is borrowing life force from one person to transfer it to another! That’s exactly why it can cure almost anything! A two-edged sword in medicinal world. Its name is…[White Reaper]*

Was it a secret or something?
I guess I need to find out more about schemes, hidden plants, places and materials.

Let’s check it right now.

Hmm, so it can be imbued into weapons and armors.
No wonder there are so many bodies, these workers didn’t die from illnesses nor amount of work.
Both humans and animals that were gathered here had their life force stolen away!

That’s so… clever!
Devious, but ingenious in the same time.
It’s wrong, even cruel, but the church guys have thought of a great method!
Fufufu, what a waste.
If what I’m thinking about works, then I’ll be able to earn a fortune and dispose of my enemies at once!

Icicle: *Eshel, is it true that undead have no life force left?*

Eshel: *Technically it is, why?*

Icicle: *If they extract this crystal, nothing will happen to them, correct?*

Eshel: *Yes, but the crystal won’t gain its effects.*

Icicle: *If I were to give it to someone else later, so it can steal his life force, would it work?*

Eshel: *It should, after all, this crystal needs life force just like humans need food.*

It works!
Muahahaha!
I’m sorry, poor souls, you’ll have to sacrifice yourselves for me!

I felt that Nyu is moving on my shoulder.
Looking at her, I discovered that she’s preparing to pounce.

*leap*

Nyu jumped like a rabbit towards white crystal.
Catching her mid-air, I looked at her with a scowl.

Icicle: What the hell are you doing, furball?

Nyu: None of your business, human, let me go!

Icicle: If you want a piece of this crystal then tell me why!

Nyu: I said it’s none of your business! Now let me go before I scoop your eyes out!

I couldn’t bear to look at Nyu swiping with her paws.
She was so adorable.
Looking around, I saw a piece of crystal that fell off.

White, luminescent crystal was laying on the ground.
How could I see this cute furball suffer?
Whatever her reason is, I’ll take it on myself.

Aspena: What’s going on, Master? First you’re laughing like a mad scientist and act weirdly, now you’re picking up a shard of this crystal? Can’t you see it’s dangerous? These people wouldn’t die for no apparent reason!

Icicle: Don’t worry. I have it all under control.

There was a suction coming off the crystal.
Something inside me was moving towards it.
That’s when I could feel my internal energy, mana, roiling.

Did light energy just save me?
Not like it matters, if I died, I would simply revive.

Nyu: Hmph, braindead human, why did you get your life force taken away?! Have you gone senile or something?!

Icicle: Look who’s talking! My white furball wanted to have its life force reduced to get a piece of crystal! Now tell me why you need it!

Nyu: Jeez, you’re such a handful! Has anyone told you that before?!

My hand had no strength left.
As if something soft enveloped it and restrained it from moving.
Nyu fell down to the ground, then blinding yellow light enveloped her tiny body.
It forced my eyes to close.
After I opened them, oh boy, I was in for a surprise.

Before me stood a lightly tanned woman, around 1,85m high, with yellow, feline eyes.
Her hair was white, just like her eyebrows, reaching her shoulders.
Aside from a white, furry coat she was wearing, there was nothing else.
Two mountain peaks protruded from her chest.

My reaction changed from shock to infatuation, to… concern.
There was a large diagonal scar on Nyu’s stomach.
Dense, black smoke seeped out from it.

Icicle: What did that to you? Was it a dragon?

Nyu: Hahaha, a dragon? If a dragon were to hit me you wouldn’t see me here. There are fairy tales where you can read about heroes defeating dragons, but have you seen any dragons in this world? They’re something untouchable. Even their snort could kill you. As for this scar, the creature that did it… I’ll pay it back soon enough.

*sweep*

With a wave of her hand, Nyu took away the shard in my hand.

*crunch*

It turned into white dust.
How monstrous was her strength to pulverize it?!

Aspena: What a lovely woman. Come, let your big sister hug you!

I knew what Aspena tried to do, but it was not the time for it.
Firing off my left hand to stop her, I stood firmly.

Icicle: Leave her alone, Aspena.

I grabbed one of the crystals and broke a big chunk out of it.

Icicle: Here, I hope this suffices. Nyu, take your time. Once you’re done, you know where to find me. One more thing. Don’t take any of these crystals yourself. If you need some more, then tell me, I’ll extract them, no matter how many.

Once we were on top of the makeshift elevator, Aspena looked at me sideways.

Aspena: You shouldn’t have stopped me! She was hurting, how could you not comfort her?! You’ve disappointed me, Master! You’re callous!

Icicle: Nyu didn’t want to talk about it before. She never even groaned because of that scar! How the hell was I supposed to say anything?! She has helped so many times, yet I didn’t know she was hurting! Damn it! Not a single complaint! I feel horrible! There’s no way you or I can comfort her. Whatever happened in the past hurt her deeply. Simple “it will be fine” won’t do. We need to wait until she opens up, otherwise we may only make the situation more severe than it already is. Jeez, I’m so powerless…

Aspena: You’ve actually thought that far ahead… I doubted you again. I’m sorry Master…

Icicle: No need, we’re both worried. That’s why we’re acting like this. Tell me about the other resources you’ve found.

Aspena: Mmm, there are 3 veins. Copper ore, Iron ore and Mithril ore. The sheer amount is great, but its guardians may pose a problem.

Icicle: Its guardians? What do you mean?

Aspena: There are underground clans. Sects if you want to call them like that. Some people think it’s just dwarves, but it’s not true. Many creatures know metallurgy. Around such ores they form communities to extract and, of course, use these resources.

Icicle: Are they friendly?

Aspena: I am afraid they are not, Master. These creatures tend to keep to themselves, they don’t look kindly at outsiders…

Icicle: *sigh* I suppose they’ll have to. Resources like the ones you’ve mentioned are crucial to the development of our future workshops. I can’t buy all the components, we need to be self-sustainable. If they won’t cooperate, we’ll wipe them out. They can work for us as undead, I don’t mind that.

Aspena: Huhu, you’re so ruthless, Master~. But I know you have a kind heart. At least to us, those who you know and care about.

Icicle: Now, now, don’t flatter me. *yawn* Somehow, I’m already tired.

Aspena: Why don’t you rest a bit? I can guard you again~.

Icicle: I don’t have that kind of luxury. After I check on the other guys, I need to meet up with the princess. Your Master will enter the academy… Hooray.

Aspena: You don’t sound too excited. Don’t tell me you’re a blockhead who can’t learn a thing~?

Icicle: Who knows, maybe~.

Aspena: Fufufu, you actually can tease back~.

Icicle: Alright, we’re back on surface. After you and your girls team finish cleaning Zexna’s floor, get going on the first one and the outwards of the temple. Save the outwards cleaning for nighttime, who knows, maybe you’ll scare some passersby~.

Aspena: That sounds fun. I’ll let the girls know.

Icicle: One more thing. You did a good job cleaning, not to mention your exceptional scouting. I’m proud of you~.

Aspena: Don’t ruffle my hair like that! I still have my girl’s pride! Alright, I’ll get going. Master, have a nice day~.

Icicle: Yeah, you too.

I knew it won’t take long for Nyu to patch herself up, so I went to look for Sixxy. She may be able to tell me some juicy stories about my adorable white furball.