I was failing.
At first, I decided, like a fool, to explore some of my personal chambers. After discovering the state of over a dozen of them, I gave up. Each was ruined. They were in utter disarray. However, not as many things had been stolen from them. I found myself desperately hoping that my own quarters had been spared.
I continued forward until I reached a large stone wall. Two small doors flanked it. Reaching out, I pressed my palm into the center of it. The stone flashed, then shifted, bending and warping until two large wooden double doors appeared. Stuck into the left door was a dagger, a note pinned to the wood by its tip.
My heart dropped.
I reached out and pulled the knife from the door. Pulling the note off, I threw the knife into my sack. Unfolding the letter, I ran my fingers along the page, feeling the writing. The long, elegant strokes felt familiar.
"Book, might you be willing to lend me a spell? I can't cast [Light] anymore."
The book was quiet. Then, it grumbled.
[Light]
A weak wave of energy pulsed from the thing, and a ghostly candle appeared in the air in front of me. Adjusting the letter so that the light hit it just right, I scanned the page. When I saw the writing, my heart dropped a second time.
To my dearest Abad-Shai, Dark Brother and Lord of the Vault,
It was with the heaviest of hearts that I received news of your passing. To the Divine Hero, no less. How bitter that must have felt, being cut down by one you'd long sought to slay. I don't envy you, my dear friend.
When I tell you that I wept for hours, I mean it. It is not often that I cry, but your death rattled my cold, black heart. You should be honored.
After the horrible emotions passed and with a clearer mind, I realized something. You would never wish for your belongings to rot away in the dark, forgotten to time. You'd wish for them to be seen and enjoyed. You'd wish for them to be flaunted across Reial! Thus, I made up my mind.
I hope you'll forgive me for assuming, but I felt like you would have wished for your dearest lover and most constant companion (after that little pet of yours, of course. Hi Angra!), to have all you left behind.
Thus, I made it happen.
Do not worry, my friend. My life is now wondrous because of you. I live in a manor. I have countless servants. I rule a small city deep in the frontier. I even have a dog. Me! Who would have thought I'd have a pet after all the things I've done?
Of course, I may eventually have to move to a new city. If my subjects learn what I am, I'm sure they'll rise up in rebellion. However, with the money and treasures you've provided me, I will weather these challenges.
Thank you again, dearest dark brother.
Thus, I suppose by the time you read this letter, I will be far, far away. That will likely be a good thing, knowing your temper. However, please let me explain my thoughts further before you hunt me down. I'd rather you understand how we got here.
I did, in fact, believe you to be dead. Thus, after thirty years of hunting (well done, sir!), I finally breached your vault with a band of useful idiots, and we took everything we could. I wasn't able to take everything with me that first trip, so we returned several times more. By the end of the fifth trip, having not been burned alive by you or stabbed in the throat by Angra, I was certain you truly were dead and Angra had fluttered off to live her best life.
That is, until my men started dying.
I must admit, your little pet is quite resourceful. And creative! The ways she murdered them... She put me to shame.
However, while weak, my men were loyal, and they died for their loyalty. No great loss, but it was still frustrating. It took me a week to get new ones! But when I realized what was happening, I knew that you were still alive. Or something like it.
How my heart quivered at the thought!
Thus, I set up one final expedition. I gathered a group of weaklings and guided them to your vault. The night before we arrived, I snuck away. Since I knew you'd return one day, I was determined to leave this letter for you, along with a little gift in your room beyond.
Never say I don't think of your needs, dearest.
I don't know what your little pet has planned, but I'm sure it will be marvelous. I saw a carving over the entryway to the vault, and it looks like she's rigged some nasty surprise in the tunnel beyond. I'll ensure they die for their impertinence in entering your sacred abode. But, alas, I won't be dying with them.
So, please, enjoy the snack. Her essence will be a bit bland, the woman being so weak and all, but I hope you enjoy her nonetheless.
Also, when you awake, I pray that you think of me. I have always thought of you. While my real brothers never let me play in their bed when I was a girl, I was always grateful that you never deprived me of the fun as a woman. You will forever be the man who provided me with my newfound life of luxury, and for that, I am grateful.
With eternal love,
Selene.
Angra's body shook violently on my shoulder as she read the words. "Bitch," she hissed, her eyes glowing bright enough to illuminate the door. "I'll kill her."
"Yes, she truly is." I folded the note and placed it in my sack. "But, what's done is done." Despite my words, my mind roiled. How dare she!
She snapped her tail, burying it into the wooden door where the knife had been. "I want to consume her essence, Master."
"What of me? Have you grown into a glutton in my absence?"
She shook her head. "You can have most of it! I just want to be the one to taste it first."
"I can agree to that."
Nodding vigorously, she said, "You'd be as strong as before, and the world would be rid of that rotten whore. Win, win!" Angra giggled.
"Deal." I pulled the doors open.
As I stepped into my old bedroom, I saw that everything was mostly how I kept it. Except for the dusty. And the open, empty drawers. And the empty hooks, racks, and displays on the walls. But the bed was still made, even if the sheets were rotten. That had to count for something.
Searching with [Detect Magic], I noted that the desk and bed both had something magical within. Looking closer, I saw that something weighed down the sheets, but it was invisible.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
"Shut the door behind you," the book demanded.
Jumping at the command, I scrambled to comply.
[Produce Flame]
A wave of magic flowed from the book. The candles lining the walls lit, filling the damp, dark space with warmth.
The book began laughing. "I remember this place. You used to read me here."
"That I did." A faint smile crept onto my face as I recalled those old memories. I wasn't exactly a sentimental immortal, but nostalgia was a curious thing. It filled me with unexpected warmth. "Book, can you show me what is hidden here?"
[Dispel Magic]
A shimmering wave of pale light appeared in the air around us. The bed rippled, and the hidden thing slowly revealed itself.
On the bed rested a skeleton, its arms and legs shackled to the four posts. From the look of it, Selene had worked her over before leaving. Several bones were broken, and her clothes were in tatters. Even without Selene's letter, I could tell from her size and hips that the corpse had once been a woman.
Better yet, I could feel that the corpse still had some essence left in it. There was barely any left, but even the slightest bit of nourishment sounded delicious. Placing my hand on the corpse's skeletal leg, I closed my eyes and focused.
Sinking into my spirit, I reached out with my animus toward the corpse's lingering essence. When my spiritual body touched what remained of hers, I could tell that the spark of vitality within had nearly expired. It was weak, faint, barely a whisper, yet it was there.
"Come, my meal. Give me what remains. Grant me sustenance."
[Transfer Essence]
A soft red glow emanated from my hand and flowed out into the corpse. Motes of red light began to seep out of every crack in the dusty old bones. The floated toward me, lightly brushing my skin. Wherever they did, they sank into my flesh, and filling me with nourishment and vitality.
As more and more motes of energy escaped the bones, the skeleton shrank inward, losing mass. Then, as the last mote left it, I saw that it wasn't red but black. The fleck of black floated lazily in the air, seemingly unconcerned with my efforts. Reaching out with my free hand, I grabbed it. When I did, a rush of power flowed into me. Only then did the corpse crumble to dust.
I licked my lips in satisfaction.
My scroll unfurled, and black words bled onto the page.
You completed the Shadowspawn quest [Consume the Pain]
[Consume the Pain]: You have found what remains of one of the weakest of your dark brethren—its body chained to your bed, its empty eyes seeking release. By releasing her soul and consuming her essence, you grow stronger.
You unlock the [Devour the Weak] Shadowspawn skill.
You reach level 3
As her energy mingled with mine, it forced every nerve in my body to fire. My vision swam, and my mind reeled. Every single inch of me sang with delight.
It was exquisite.
When my mind cleared enough to think again, I looked around the room. Little remained, but I had noticed something was in my desk. Looking toward it, I saw that its drawer was slightly ajar. I could just make out something inside. Taking a deep breath, I stood and walked to the desk, then opened the drawer. The handle tore clean off.
Inside the crumbling wooden dresser, I found a thin silver ring etched with runes. Beside it was another note.
Dearest,
Shortly after we met, I stole this ring from you. I remember my delight when you tore the Vault apart when you thought you lost it. Please don't be mad. It was just a little game!
While it held little power for you back then, you may need it once again. I wish you the best on your journey. If you come to my doorstep once again, I will welcome you with open arms.
Selene
P.S. I hope you enjoy the snack.
I shook my head in disbelief. That woman.
Turning the ring in my fingers, I saw that it was the ring I crafted with Aughra when I was an apprentice. It felt exactly how I remembered it.
The things I'd done to retrieve it! I hated losing my things, and this thing was sentimental. I had even killed people trying to retrieve it.
Shaking my head, I pulled the ring onto my finger. The metal reshaped to my digit, and a familiar swell of power flowed into me.
My scroll, still unfurled from my level up, burned with a new entry:
[Arcane Signet]
- Passive: [Mana Reservoir II]
While the ring had slowly become less than nothing to the man I had once been, its enchantment nearly doubled my mana stores as I was now. I felt the mana ambient mana of the Depths cascade through me, merging with the energy of my own spirit. It felt good.
"How does it feel, knowing the one who stole from you lives in luxury while you crawl in the dark, powerless?" The book rumbled.
I grabbed the discarded book off the bed as my familiar fluttered back onto my shoulder. I turned the book so I could see its face. "I can't say I blame her. I would have done the same if I were in her shoes. The only difference is I wouldn't have written a letter, nor would I have left her a dime." A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I walked toward the door. "I suppose, in that small way, she was always better than me."
The book didn't respond, but Angra's eyes nearly rolled out of her head. "Bitch..."
As my hand touched the door's handle. I gave a last glance back at my ruined bedroom. One day, I'd restore it to its former glory. However, today, I had taken everything I needed. It was time to go now.
I turned the knob.
When the door swung open, the book spoke. "I find your lack of anger to be most strange, student of my maker. Your past self would have been incensed with blind rage; however, you seem almost indifferent to the actions of one who wronged you. Is your lack of negative emotions due to your past relations? I wish to understand your thinking."
I thought for a moment, then shook my head. "No. We were only ever a means to an end for one another. There were no feelings between us." At my words, my heart felt hollow. I realized that my words weren't exactly honest. Brushing the feeling aside, I continued. "I don't know why I don't care." I realized I was looking down at my bare, filthy feet as I spoke. "I'll have to think on it more."
"Mmm. Interesting." The grimoire hummed in the crook of my arm. "I will not pry further. Now, student. Lead us toward the entrance. There are corpses to inspect. I can feel them calling to me."
I took several steps down the hall, but something was holding me back. After a dozen steps, I hesitated. Turning back toward my room, my eyes found the two smaller doors on either side of my bedchamber. I knew what I had to do. "I apologize, book. I just realized I have one more thing to do here."
"Which is?"
"You wouldn't understand." I turned, marched down the hallway, and entered the door on the right. My heart swelled at what I found within. Rows and rows of clothing lined the walls, all in pristine condition. Shelves were filled with all manner of boots and shoes, and chests were overflowing with a variety of fine garments. My closet was still intact.
I decided then and there that I'd only burn Selene half to death when I found her.
I couldn't help but smile. It looked just as I left it. Thanking the Dark One, the Goddess, my past self, and even Selene for this one small blessing, I knew then that, despite all the devastation, all the loss, all the miserable emptiness I felt, my closet was still intact.
I would be okay.
Thinking on it, I remembered weaving powerful enchantments in this room, preventing both the corrupting power of the Depths and any intruders from entering. Maybe Selene didn't deserve the pass after all.
Unfortunately, my past self only kept my favorite clothing in this space. That man had opted to put all the best stuff on display elsewhere in the vault. But it didn't matter. I wouldn't be forced to wander the realms looking like a vagabond. That was one pleasure I deserved. I'd feel more like myself if I were dressed well.
Turning around, I left the closet and walked to the other side of the hallway. As I opened the door, steam billowed out of the room, revealing a massive bathroom, styled after the bath houses of Xaos. Clear, rippling water beckoned me from the doorway, and countless bottles of soaps and ointments lined the ledge on the far wall. Hundreds of small glowstones were set into the walls, illuminating the room in a rainbow of colors, making the space look just like a sea of stars on a moonless night.
The sight filled me with more joy than I'd felt in... since I died. Not only would I be clothed like a civilized being, but I could also bathe myself in the finest bath in Reial. I nearly cried out in joy. Catching myself before I looked like a fool in front of the others, I coughed and glanced over at my familiar. Luckily, Angra's gleaming eyes were fixed on the shower as well, revealing that she, too, was as ecstatic about these findings as I was.
"Angra..." I whispered.
"Master...?" She breathed back.
"Our baths..."
"Our baths...?"
"Should we?"
"Yes."
Before the words left her lips, I was tearing away what remained of my ruined clothes. Juggling the book in my arms, I said, "Great grimoire, please be patient. Angra and I have something we need to take care of first." I hopped on one leg into the bathroom. The door shut behind me.
Angra leapt from my shoulder and started stripping off her dingy clothes next to me. "I can't wait to soak in the water!" Her eyes gleamed in the dim light.
I smiled at the little creature. She so often reflected my best thoughts and impulses. I valued that. However, as she tugged at the thin, grey woven strap covering her tiny bust, my blood froze. "Angra..."
"Master?" She looked up at me.
"Don't you dare take that disgusting thing off in this sacred place," I snarled. The little red imp thought she'd was attempting to strip off her hand-crafted rat clothes. Its empty little rat eyes were staring into my soul. Not a chance.
She froze. "But, Master..."
"Outside." I pointed to the door, my tone promising violence.
"But—"
"Now."
She pouted, head down, as she shuffled out of the room. A cold rush of air followed as she opened the door again.
"Little lord, now is not the time for cleanliness. We must away."
Without hesitation, I threw the book out into the hallway. It landed face down in the dust and grumbled, but I didn't care. I was already descending into the warm water, ready to wash away a century of dirt, grime, blood, and worries. A moment later, the door swung shut, and Angra sank into the warm water next to me.