[Gobzo has been slain]

  Poor Gobzo. But, well...that’s only to be expected, really.

  The moment Gobzo had punched through the wall and killed the supposed leader of the invaders, he was immediately beset upon by their remaining forces and instantly killed. Gobzo had been physically strong, sure, but he was too stupid to think about what he would do after he used that strength to survive, apparently.

  Despite that, however, the teamwork that the goon squad had displayed far exceeded Shiv’s expectations.

  If he was being honest, he had planned on having to spend his last six gold summoning more goons to make up for the ones he was sure were going to die while leading the brigands to this location. Perhaps it was because they were all goblins, or because the same skill summoned them, but they seemed to work together as though they were one body. Even the cowardly Gilly was contributing, albeit nowhere near as effectively as the others.

  However, to Shiv’s surprise, the true MVP was Gabby, the bard. Although the brigands might have only recognized it as a mere annoyance, Shiv had watched as they became increasingly erratic and illogical after Gabby started using the bard skill to disrupt their train of thought. Where before they had kept up some semblance of coordination and caution, after the singing began, it was as if they literally drove themselves to their own destruction. If it hadn’t been for that, Shiv was pretty sure they would have decided to retreat long before coming this far.

  But he didn’t want that.

  I’ll use you all as fuel to grow.

  And for that purpose, Shiv had told the goblins to lead the invaders to this location, where he could make the most of his abilities from a safe distance.

  I’ll start with...the crazy looking one.

  With the black-red sky looming overhead, Shiv fixed his gold pupils on a disheveled red eyed man wearing a vulgar smile on his face as he seemed to laugh at and mock the dead captain.

  Blacktooth shuddered as Shiv penetrated deeper into his mind than he ever had with Joel. This time, Shiv didn’t just peer into him randomly like he did before, he was specifically seeking out his skills, as well as any memories he had of the immediate situation.

  The man flew his head this way and that, desperately trying to find the source of the horrible gaze that penetrated into his perverse mind, before finally lifting his head upward. But what he saw was not merely a boy standing above him. Just in the same way that Shiv felt as though he was moving closer to someone as he invaded them, blacktooth saw massive black-gold eyes staring down at him as though he were merely an ant.

  “R-Rafael...” Blacktooth muttered dumbly as his knees gave out on him, falling down as those around him shook him by the shoulder with increasingly panicked and fearful looks on their faces.

  They were finally starting to appreciate how dire their situation actually was now that their leader was dead.

  [You have gained knowledge of the Title Glutton]

  [Knowledge of Title has created the Unique skill Exquisite Tastes (U)]

  [Skill: Exquisite Tastes (U) ~ Cannibalism provides enhanced stat bonuses]

  [You have learned the skill Swift Strike (C)]

  [Skill: Swift Strike ~ Deliver a swift blow]

  [You have subjugated a part of a Soul Domain]

  [Your PER has increased!]

  [You have consumed some of the Players STR!]

  [You have consumed some of the Players DEX!]

  [You have consumed some of the Players LUK!]

  Shiv did his best to not be distracted by the bombardment of notifications as he focused his attention on Blacktooth’s memories. Specifically, how many were in their group of bandits and if there were any more outside or on their way.

  Unfortunately, the best he could make out were some vague images and a few names. At least it was enough to know that there were, in fact, more members of their merry little band. Once Shiv was done, Blacktooth was little more than a cripple as he lay on the ground, clutching his head. As disgusting as he now knew Blacktooth to be, seeing him in that state still left him feeling nauseous.

  Alright, next.

  Not pausing to look over his gains, Shiv immediately moved his attention over to a simple looking woman who looked to be the most distraught of the group. He was getting more and more used to his ability now, puncturing deep within her mind much faster than he had with Blacktooth, and especially Joel.

  However, this woman was a bit different from the other two.

  Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this!? They told me that all I had to do was just hang in the background and reap the benefits from killing these stupid players, but here I am in the worst possible situation!? And Kass, that stupid bitch! Acting all high and mighty just to go and kick the bucket all of a sudden! And to a bunch of stupid looking goblins no less! That arrogant whore got what she deserved, talking down to me all this time! And what kind of stupid name is Jay anyway!? Calling me that just because that creep came up and started hitting on me, calling me his little jay bird, what bullshit!! I’m a good person, I deserve better than this! I should be...

  Shiv’s head felt like it was going to explode as a wave of powerful thoughts and emotions flooded into his mind with much more clarity than he had ever experienced before. The woman, Jay, was so caught up in her own self pity that she didn’t even seem to acknowledge Shiv looking into her mind. The problem, However is that her torrential spite seemed to act as a natural shield to Shiv’s ability, moreover...

  [Your soul is taking damage]

  What!?

  Shiv cut off his ability on instinct as he experienced a feeling akin to having his innards shredded the longer he dwelt in Jay’s mind.

  What the hell is up with that girl!?

  Suddenly, Shiv found himself feeling like that innocuous woman might just be the most dangerous of the whole group.

  Just then, for all her supposed disconnect, Jay informed the others of where Shiv was hiding.

  So she was aware of me!

  Shiv hated to abandon his vantage point after having finally lured them here, but now that they knew where he was, it was too dangerous to stay put. Taking a few steps back, Shiv let himself fall through a large crack, Grigold waiting below to catch him.

  He will catch me, right? Shiv thought as cold sweat clung to his back, the hard floor drawing ever closer as Grigold simply smoked his pipe, not even bothering to look in Shiv’s direction as he fell. Then, right at the last second, Grigold held out his arm and let Shiv fall into his palm before turning it over to let Shiv plop face first into the hard, moldy carpet.

  Rubbing his bruised face, Shiv gave Grigold an icy stare of disapproval.

  “What? I caught you as you asked, didn’t I? Goodness me, the utter ingratitude of children these days.”

  “No, no, you’re absolutely right. I’m the one at fault here for expecting standards from a mere goblin hoarder. Oh! I’m so sorry, you were a banker, weren’t you? Slipped my mind...”

  Grigold’s eye twitched as a vein bulged on his forehead, yet he somehow reined himself in. Somewhat, at least.

  “I see the little sewer rat has learned how to sharpen his tongue.” Grigold said with a strained smile. “Be careful you don’t shred your gums with it.”

  “Why, I appreciate the concern, my friend. But isn’t that advice better reserved for yourself?”

  The two spent a few short moments glaring daggers at one another before Shiv sighed and turned around.

  “You remember the game plan at least, right?” Shiv said as he pulled up the shop menu.

  “Yes, yes, I’m not like those half-wit goons.” Grigold scoffed, rolling his eyes.

  “Those ‘half-wits’ just incapacitated almost half of our opponents. They’ve far exceeded my expectations, but what have you done? Skill roll!”

  [13G has been spent!]

  [Skill roll has been used!]

  “I would be remiss not to remind you that it’s only because of me that you even have that skill in the first place!” Grigold complained as he shook his pipe about in agitation. “As a matter of fact, I have yet to receive any gratitude for the plethora of benefits my mere presence bestows upon you! For what reason do you think yourself able to even afford to use that shop right now, hmm?”

  [Skill ‘Evolution (SR)’ acquired!]

  [Skill: Evolution (SR) ~ Skills and Equips will evolve with continued use]

  Oh, that looks good.

  “Perhaps if you were to actually show even the slightest agreeability, and try to be a bit more of a team player, I would be more open to giving some. Equip roll!”

  [13G has been spent!]

  [Equip roll has been used!]

  “Hmph! I’m following along with your silly little games, aren’t I? What is that if not being a team player? Why, I’ve even agreed to hold a rather dangerous position, all for the sake of your survival, I might add!” Grigold said, as he lifted his chin triumphantly. Or Shiv supposed that was what he was doing. There was too much fat to tell for sure.

  [Equip ‘Fugitive’s mask (C)’ acquired!]

  [Equip: Fugitive’s mask (C) ~ A simple mask to hide one’s identity]

  Oh, come on! ”Equip roll!”

  [13G has been spent!]

  [Equip roll has been used!]

  Please, just give me a proper weapon.

  “What? Nothing to say in response?” Grigold said with a snort.

  ”...You’re right.” Shiv conceded with a sigh. “As far as going along with the situation, at least. So, for that, thank you.”

  [Equip ‘Living bone (R)’ acquired!]

  [Equip: Living Bone (R) ~ A long, smooth bone of unknown origin that seems to have a subtle pulse]

  Oh?

  ”...W-well, yes of course!” Grigold said with a cough. He hadn’t actually expected a thanks. “I suppose you are capable of giving at least some regard where it is due after all! Perhaps there is hope for you yet.”

  Could it be that he’s actually weak against proper compliments? Shiv thought, as he glanced back at Grigold with a curious smile. Thinking about it, I doubt he would get many with that personality.

  Just then, a thought popped into Shiv’s head that felt like such an obvious question, yet he hadn’t even considered it until now.

  Where do summons come from?

  Shiv looked at Grigold for a moment before deciding to simply ask.

  “Hey Gri-”

  However, before he could form the words, he heard the clattering of feet echoing across the walls.

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  ”...Never mind, let’s focus on getting out of here alive, for now. Summon goon.”

  [2G has been spent!]

  [The goon Giblo (C) has been summoned!]

  [Summon: Giblo | Class: Clown | Title: None | Stats: STR ~ E | CON ~ E | DEX ~ D+ | PER ~ D | INT ~ E | WIS ~ E | CHR ~ E | LUK ~ D+]

  A small goblin wearing makeup and puffy clothes appeared in a little whirl of sparks, juggling seven daggers as he hopped from one foot to the other.

  “I hope you’re decent in a fight, Giblo. I would hate to see that smile turn into a frown.”

  “Oh my, oh no! Does death approach? Do these footfalls toll the reaper? Why, how exciting!”

  ”...Glad you’re happy.” Shiv said as he raised an eyebrow at the little goblin’s savage smile, feeling unnerved by the little fellow himself.

  “There they are!” Shouted the woman named Jay as they ran into the long hallway Shiv had positioned himself in.

  The remaining brigands looked up the sloping hallway to see the massive figure of Grigold standing ominously above them, Shiv and Giblo at his sides.

  “That’s the boy! Don’t be fooled by the big one’s appearance, it’s stats are trash!” Her face was blank, but her eyes screamed bloody murder. ”Just kill the kid! Now!”

  They know about Grigold’s stats? Shiv thought to himself as cold sweat clung to his back.

  He had hoped to make use of Grigold’s deceptive appearance to intimidate them a bit, but it didn’t look like that was an option.

  Well, that’s fine.

  Two summons dashed forward, one with a sword and the other with an axe, while the third one who had been holding blacktooth in its arms dropped him on the ground, pulling out two short swords and followed behind them.

  “Urgh!” Blacktooth grunted, the hard floor snapping him out of his little reverie. “Unh? W-what’s happening?”

  “We’re fighting! Hurry up and get in there too!”

  “Eh? Oh, r-right.” Blacktooth said as he hopped up and ran to join the fray, feeling taken aback by the enraged Jay that was so different from her usual self.

  As the summons approached Shiv, Grigold stomped his foot and let out a booming, menacing laugh.

  [Grigold has used the skill intimidate!]

  The summons that had been rushing forward all stumbled in place as Grigold wound up his thorny whip and swept it across the ground, sweeping them off their feet and knocking them on their sides.

  [Bleed has been inflicted!]

  [Fear has been inflicted!]

  Giblo threw three of his daggers out at each of the fallen summons, the sword and short sword wielding one’s managed to block them, but the axe wielder was too slow and took it in his side.

  Shiv took the initiative to leap toward the one that had been hit and stab out with the living bone, using the swift strike skill. When the skill activated, it was like his body was forced to move in the most efficient way possible to produce the strike, causing it to groan in protest.

  The axe-man rolled away from Shiv’s strike at the last second, but then the living bone grew spiked spines that chased the summon, burying themselves in his side and sucking out his blood.

  Okay, now that’s useful!

  “Argh!”

  With a gasp, the axe-man swung his weapon in Shiv’s direction. More out of desperation than anything, but that was enough.

  Shiv tried to dodge back, but he was just too slow. The axe threatening to cut him in half at a speed greater than what a human was usually capable of.

  Oh shit, I’m dead-

  But Grigold used his whip to smack away the man’s axe at the last second, flinging it into the wall.

  “When you said it was time to fight, I didn’t realize you meant it was time to throw your life away, boy. Only a foolish child would try to attack a summon. Now step back and try not to die.”

  “Even if you say that, I don’t really have that luxury, do I?”

  “What are you all doing!?” Screamed Jay from the rear. “Kill him already!”

  Just then, Blackbeard ran up from the side with a knife in hand, eyes fixed on Shiv with a smile full of bloody glee.

  But just then, an arrow came down from above to strike at Blacktooth’s head, which he knocked away at the last second.

  Took them long enough! Shiv thought to himself as he sensed victory on the horizon.

  “It’s fine as long as it’s not a summon, right!?” Shiv said as he lunged toward Blacktooth, activating swift strike with the living bone.

  Blacktooth tried to dodge, but he was much slower than a summon and had to block the strike with his arm. A decision that would prove fatal as the bone shot out spines that buried themselves all across his body, greedily sucking out his blood.

  “W-wait.” Blacktooth groaned. “This is backwards...”

  Just then, the axe-man ran forward and threw a punch into Shiv’s side, knocking him into the wall with a sickening crunch in his ribs.

  Shit, I think something broke. Shiv thought to himself as blood trailed out of his mouth.

  He tried to push himself back up on his feet, but the air had been knocked out of his lungs and his thoughts were hazy, leaving him disoriented. The axe-man reclaimed his weapon and lifted it above his head to deal the finishing blow.

  “Die, you venomous little shit!” He said, his face contorted in rage.

  But just then, Gibzi suddenly fell from the ceiling and stabbed his dagger into the summon’s neck. An arc of blood trailed through the air as he pressed his hand against the wound in a vain attempt to stop the bleeding. Gibzi then stabbed again and again, ensuring his demise.

  [Congratulations! Deimos has been slain!]

  [CHR has increased!]

  [15G has been obtained!]

  The reward for killing a summon really is too low... Shiv thought hazily to himself as he finally pushed up off the ground.

  “You’s good boss!?” Gibzi shouted, his face filled with worry.

  “I’m fine. Stay focused, this is far from over.”

  [Giblo has been slain]

  Shit!

  Shiv glanced over to see that the other two summons had gotten back up and were pressing forwards with bloody fury in their eyes.

  “Summon goon!”

  [2G has been spent]

  [The goon Gebri has been summoned]

  [Summon: Gebri | Class: Thug | Title: None | Stats: STR ~ D | CON ~ D+ | DEX ~ E | PER ~ E | INT ~ E | WIS ~ E- | CHR ~ E | LUK ~ E]

  “Just try not to die!”

  Not bothering to look at the menu, Shiv threw out a command to the newly summoned goon and immediately turned his attention to Blacktooth.

  If I can just finish him off, then this will almost be in the bag!

  Blacktooth was wearily in the process of trying to get up and limp back to Jay, too weakened to fight any longer.

  “Don’t you move!” Shiv said as he rushed over to deal the finishing blow.

  Just then, Blacktooth’s body shivered as he actually obeyed Shiv’s command.

  “Huh?” Blacktooth blurted out dumbly.

  What the?

  Shiv noticed the strange behaviour, but didn’t have the luxury of time to think it over as he struck out with the living bone. However, the dual wielding summon had split off from fighting Grigold and rushed over to protect Blacktooth instead, knocking the living bone to the side and pulling Blacktooth away before the spines could reach out.

  That must be Blacktooth’s summon. Shiv thought to himself as he ran through his options.

  Screw it, let’s give it a shot. The worst thing that can happen is it doesn’t work.

  Acting on more of a gut feeling than anything else, Shiv spoke.

  “You, Blacktooth.” He said, pointing his finger at him. “Command your summon to attack his fellow.”

  “Fin, attack Ludo.” Blacktooth said, before grabbing his mouth and staring at Shiv with a pale face and shaky eyes.

  “Wha-” The summon, Fin, looked back at Blacktooth with shock in his eyes as he was compelled to follow the command and attack the other summon.

  Well, I’ll be. Shiv thought to himself as he recalled a certain message that had popped up when he had invaded Blacktooth’s mind earlier.

  [You have subjugated a part of a soul domain!]

  It’s because of that, isn’t it?

  A subtle smile settled on Shiv’s face as he mulled over the implications.

  “Get up.” He said as he grabbed Blacktooth by the shoulder and forced him to his feet. Or tried to, anyway. Blacktooth was quite a bit taller than him, so he could only really yank him forward.

  “Welcome to the group.” Shiv said, patting Blacktooth on the shoulder as he smiled brightly. The man in question was still reeling in confusion over what the hell was even happening.

  “Go capture Jay for me. Don’t kill her though, leave that to me.”

  “Ah...” Blacktooth’s face contorted with a plethora of emotions, but his body turned around and started moving to where Jay had been.

  “Huh?”

  However, Jay was nowhere to be found.

  Tch, she ran away, huh? Shiv thought to himself disappointedly.

  [Congratulations! Ludo has been slain!]

  [CHR has increased]

  [15G has been obtained!]

  Shiv looked back towards Grigold, the summon Fin looking towards him with hate in his eyes.

  “Blacktooth.”

  “Huh?” He replied, still somewhat dazed.

  “Thanks for your service.” Shiv said as he buried the living bone into his chest.

  “Agh...”

  “You bastard!!” Fin shouted as he threw himself forward in one last desperate attempt to strike Shiv down.

  “Blacktooth, command him to stop.”

  “Fin, s-stop.” Blacktooth said weakly, his eyes filled with resignation.

  Fin stuttered to a halt as he was forced to simply stand there and watch Blacktooth die.

  “Gibzi, kill the summon. If I’m not mistaken, it should increase my charisma stat.”

  “Aye, boss!” Gibzi replied cheerfully as he stabbed Fin in the throat a couple of times for good measure.

  [Congratulations! Fin has been slain!]

  [CHR has increased!]

  [15G obtained!]

  Like I thought, stats increase based on the skills you used.

  Shiv looked at Blacktooth, the living bone had spread its spiny roots all throughout his body, greedily sucking out every ounce of blood. He looked almost like a mummy now, his skin cracked and dry and his face sunken. As always, Shiv’s heart broke at the sight. He could almost feel blacktooth’s pain as though it were his own.

  Just the way it goes. He would have done the same to me, worse even. Shiv thought to himself as he committed Blacktooth’s final moments to memory.

  [Congratulations! You have slain the player Blacktooth!]

  [You have earned 32G!]

  [Your STR has increased!]

  [Your DEX has increased!]

  [You have gained 1 ember!]

  “Finally over, huh?” Shiv said as he looked over the blood stained hallway when a message suddenly popped up.

  [The goon Kiichi has been slain]

  “Seriously?”

  Apparently, Jay hadn’t run away after all.