by Han Yang
He grew agitated until I received a tap on my shoulder. Delsy occupied a different skeleton. I could tell by her sassy body posturing. That and her jaw moved without any sounds coming out.
I walked to Lumpy, hoisting the dead brownie. The jenix nodded, trotting into the jungle. This skeleton had a belt with a sword and a shield over its chest. All my skeleton minions carried gear defensively until it was needed.
Getting ready for a fight, I placed the shield in my left hand and the sword in my right. The sound of clapping hands caused me to pause.
Delsy’s skeleton had a bow and quiver. She fumbled the weapon, illustrating she had no clue how to fire a bow. I trotted over to the wagon, grabbed a spear, then stuck it in her hand.
She nodded in understanding, ditching the ranged weapon that would likely be useless against a tiny creature.
Lumpy continued to lead the way into the thickening jungle.
The crash of a tree behind us told me my minions were hard at work.
Lumpy picked up the pace until I was forced to sprint in his wake. The skeletal cat somehow knew my limits, never getting too far ahead.
Ten minutes passed, and even though I knew this was a large island, experiencing it left me startled. The portal we had selected was supposed to be near the ocean, and yet we kept running without finding water.
Eventually, I heard crashing waves that told me the beach was nearby.
As the sound intensified, I could differentiate the waves hitting rocks, not sand.
Lumpy slowed, and Delsy almost ran into me. I stuck a skeletal finger to my lips. We crouched and then crawled between thick bushes, pressing our frames close to the insect-infested jungle floor.
The other jenix cats crouched at the edge of a tree line, watching patiently.
Outside the jungle, a small clearing revealed a village that held a few dozen brownies. Their crude structures consisted of mostly fallen sticks, bound by twine into walls or roofs. A fish roasted over a small fire, the sizzling meat wafting a rich smell that kept distracting the workers.
At the back end of the village, I saw two brownies fishing over the cliff.
The young clung to mothers, and I didn’t see any adolescents. The village was healthy, but they clearly picked a point to stop expanding. Based on the lack of defenses or scouts, I had to wonder if brownie tribes warred with one another.
I found the little village interesting yet troubling in that it had remained unscarred from the harsh world. In the back of my mind, I rationalized that there had to be predation of these little guys.
I scanned for tracks leading into and out of the village. I studied to see if any larger creature visited or ruled these tiny creatures. My search came up empty, and the mystery thickened. Maybe they were just lucky on the large island.
A four Z brownie was high and likely meant it had lived and leveled for some time. The fire roasting the fish also meant they likely had magic, changing the dynamic of the fight.
If we played this patiently, we could pick them off when they left the village, only attacking if we had to. The problem with that strategy was that I didn’t see them needing to leave often.
The idea of flooding the village and using ice magic raced through my head. The brownies were so short, it’d probably trap if not encase most of them.
The issue with using any magic meant a stinky human neared, and right now, the village was oblivious to our current observation.
I glanced at Lumpy, nodding my head. A straight up attack should be enough. I was three times their size with a bunch of spry jenix cats as backup.
The feline eyed me like I was crazy. I guess we would find out.
I lunged out of the tree line, sword at the ready, and shield held high. Brownies instantly reached for dart guns on their hips and a few swirled hands as they channeled spells.
I ignored the defenders working their dart gun, speeding across the clearing for the magic users.
The little suckers already shot darts at my skeletal frame.
I drew all the attention, quickly closing the gap on a casting brownie whose four arms grew an electrical spell.
My sword sliced down, and the brownie pirouetted like a ballerina.
So damn fast, and shit, this is not good.
I scoffed at the excellent dodge, punting the little shit for being so audacious. He screamed, soaring over the edge.
A fireball smacked into my bones, causing minimal damage, but forcing me to stagger. I raised my shield against an ice bolt.
Crack!
The powerful spell surged through my arm, knocking me back. A coating of ice caused my left arm to stiffen with an increased burden.
I had been so certain this would be a win earlier. The jenix stayed hidden, and finally I understood the plan.
The brownies charged up powerful spells, wanting to end me in a winner take all scenario.
Like hell was I going down without a fight.
I ducked into a roll and swiped out at ankle level. The blade crashed through small homes and sliced through unarmored brownies.
I cheered silently at my slight victory.
A green spell hit my right rib cage, splashing all over my skeleton.
A loud sizzling sound with occasional pops startled me until a tormenting agony washed through my frame. I craned my neck back, screaming to the gods in agony. Apparently, when bones melted, I experienced a pain I’d never want to have happen again.
A dozen spells erupted from brownies.
For a fraction of a second, I witnessed my body explode from the combinations of magic erupting.
Boom!
My skull went about a hundred feet into the air before I succumbed to the blackness.
CHAPTER 50
Kalo Island
“Back already?” Asha asked with a playful tease. “I heard a loud boom and then you returned a second later. Should make for a fun story.”
Minon Lee Harin has died. Penalty one hundred mana. Your minion is beyond recovery. Find the location of his death to recover 3.411 Zorta.
“Right! Best death ever. I exploded, and my head went flying. I’m fairly certain Lumpy used one Lee Harin as bait,” I said. “Oh, acid, savage stuff, and I’m glad I died quickly. Give me a moment.”
I closed my eyes, sitting up. Finding comfort, I concentrated on my aura, pulling into my center. Reaching out, I expanded my control. My exploratory essence raced for that cliff ledge.
When I sensed the village, I smiled. Orbs continued to populate, telling me that Lumpy, Delsy, and the other cats were doing work. I couldn’t see the fight. Only the orbs were revealed to me in this state.
The dead minion’s orb glowed green while the others had their normal myriad of colors.
Touching the green immediately netted me the dead minions’ Zorta, the power sucking across the landscape until it entered my being.
The other orbs enticed me until I tinkered with them, prodding their defenses.
I deduced quickly that yes, I could claim or consume these dead. The option certainly was there for me. The issue was the ability to do so. If I had to guess, the long distance weakened my cultivation skill, leaving the orbs capable of rejecting my attempts.
With a relieved sigh, I opened my eyes.
The twenty minutes since I had left had changed the area drastically. The skeleton minions continued to clear a widening circle. A rock flew through the portal with a note tied around it.
I hopped off the wagon, seeing Delsy peacefully resting while she controlled her minion.
“Apparently, brownies are vicious little, magic-casting bastards,” I grumbled, accepting the rock Jark fetched. “Cheers. Did I miss anything?”
“Nope, just this rock. We found some baby birds in a nest, collected the Z instead of sending them through,” Jark said proudly.
I raised an eyebrow, and he shrugged. The cycle never ended, and this world didn’t spare the innocents. I would have probably let them go but didn’t scold him.
A
string bound the note. I plucked a loosening end, freeing the paper of its carrier.
Nee arrived at the church after you left, demanding to send a squad of goblins out on the scouting mission. We need to figure out if she has council powers, or if we need to replace her. She controls the goblins, and while she swears she’s loyal, she only wants to answer to you.
Which Nessio does not like. She wants a council and wants Nee to respect that this was her home first. Nee counters with - they’re living in expansion land that Nessio’s people forfeited and your army conquered. Ergo the impasse.
Tarla and I could handle that issue, finding a fix with diplomacy. I didn’t have a good reason to tell Nee no, and let Nee send out her own scouting party. Well, a few minutes ago, we found out why she was so adamant.
We’re still counting goblins, but over three hundred have already arrived through our secret, now not so secret, tunnel. Just like that, you became more powerful than Nessio and she stormed off to her estate when Tarla agreed with me to let them in.
Just because Nee is becoming more sassy and confident doesn't mean she is bad or wrong. The big thing is, as of an hour ago, Nessio would have won a vote for leader, which we were planning on doing. Now…
I’ll keep you updated and don’t bother coming home yet, I believe we can find something to placate Nessio. The work of moving all this jungle vegetation is in full effect, and the Selma traders are buying plants directly with gold already.
Your High Priestess Bell
My face twisted in contemplation while I mulled over the development.
“Everything okay, Boss?” Asha asked.
I nodded. “Nessio just lost her edge. It wasn’t laid out clearly, but I think her and Tarla were working toward a charter and a vote. Nee refused to recognize Nessio as a leader, and a goblin horde was waiting outside our mine to join us. I do find that goblin happiness scent thing extremely fascinating.”
“And how do you intend to handle this political upheaval?” Asha asked.
“I have to trust the others to sort the issue. It is kinda petty nonsense. I’ve never been big on politics myself,” I said.
I headed over to the wagon, dragging out my tent. Asha went about collecting rocks from the jungle to build the fire pit.
Jark hustled from collecting bushes to help me erect the new luxury tent.
The entire time I worked, I mulled over a good answer, not finding one where I could please both Nee and Nessio. Mini and the lidka continued to toil, expanding our landing zone into the dense jungle.
Up to that point, it had just been Delsy and my minions working hard on Kalo Island. Soon, we would open the portal up to dig teams, adding to the chaos of our expanding camp. I wanted a fortified base first, to ensure we at least had a fallback point.
I managed to get the final peg up on the tent, completing the command structure.
With a proud smile, I surveyed the area. A trunk rested in the corner near a simple desk. A basic bed had an end table, and the rest of the space became littered with sprinklings of leaves to prevent mudding.
I went to exit the tent, and like a switch flipped, my vision went black. My legs gave out and my confused scream never escaped. It was as if I had landed on a stack of pillows.
Caitlyn arrived over me in her human form, closing the tarp’s entrance and trapping Jark and I inside.
My muscles failed me, and Jark stood there with hands up, furled brows, and a sour face showing his displeasure.
“What is the meaning of this?” Jark demanded.
“Payment time,” Caitlyn said in a sultry tone. She traced a finger around Jark’s shoulders, walking around him in a circle. “I needed just a smidge more to send my new champion to Ostriva Prime. The only thing that held me back is complete, and now I have enough. Karo for Jark. The trade is complete, and your former Master is suffering because of it.”
I tried to ask why, or squirm, or even breathe, but my muscles remained locked.
“I highly suggest you leave this island, Jark Starski. I can put you anywhere on Nordan, part of your revival gift. Choose wisely,” Caitlyn said.
“Can I say goodbye to my sister?” he asked, and the Temptress shook her head. She pointed to me and he nodded. “Tell Tarla I love her, and will never forget that you saved me when you could have claimed my Z. I… Make it sound better and say a bunch of sappy stuff. Take me to Litroo, please.”
Bell smiled and snapped her finger. Jark vanished, gone on a god’s whim.
My ability to breath returned, and I sucked in air greedily. I rolled on the ground in pain, my body recovering from the odd situation.
“That fucking sucked,” I said, resorting to a rare swear.
“You mean the fact he didn’t thank you? The fact he has two, yes two, troll girlfriends who are pregnant? Or that he said some bullshit and instantly left?” Caitlyn asked, plopping down beside me.
Ugh. I should have picked Asha. Three upset women, and he didn’t deserve his good fortune.
I grumbled and mumbled in displeasure. When I glanced up, Caitlyn sat cross legged, eying me with a mischievous grin. She wore a lovely dress with flower imprints, her breasts propped up and on full display.
“What now?” I asked. She smiled, twirling her hair, exactly how she had done in California. When she batted her lashes playfully, I realized what she wanted. “Thank you for honoring your end of the bargain.”
“Ah, better. You’ve just sealed Tarla to your side for life if you choose to. She’ll never betray you like her brother,” Caitlyn said and then huffed. “Or Bell would have. Bell is loyal to me, but if you dated… It would have never worked.”
“Not sure why that matters,” I said, propping myself up on my elbows. Her single raised brow and hard gaze answered for me. “That door is closed now?” Caitlyn smiled warmly. She seemed so different without her spider torso. “Good for her and Kerny.”
“Glad you’re supportive of our people. She figured you’d get over Tarla and finally accepted that wouldn’t happen. Now, yes, she has a new love interest,” Caitlyn said with a happy sigh.
“I’m surprised you care.”
“Ah, that’s fair. The - I’m a god, why would I care about the tribulations of mere mortals? But, you’re not mortal. You’re immortal and destined to die via conflict. At least that is how it is designed. I’ve spent years not caring, and now I do. It’s part of my transformation, I guess,” Caitlyn said with a flick of her wrist.
I watched her smooth her dress, just noticing how thin and see through it was.
“Do you just hang out in California?” I asked.
“Florida. I live in a big beach house and putter around in white sand on most days,” she said, her gaze fogging as she drifted away from the tent in the jungle. “Right. Where was I?”
“You sent my girlfriend’s brother to fucking Litroo,” I scoffed.
“You picked him,” she countered happily, and I hung my head. She had a point, but I never officially proclaimed him, and yeah, I would have picked Jark. “I have an offer.”
“What’s your ranking?” I asked, diverting the conversation.
“5107,” she all but squealed out happily. “No chance I lose my immortality now.”
“Uh…”
“Forget I said that. You’re a smart man. Deduce on your own. Your new offer?” she asked, and I shrugged. “It is contingent on you leaving alone. Just like Jark did, and I make Asha my new champion. No Tarla, you go home, get your parents, and retire.”
“So, little faith in me?” I asked, a hint of venom in my voice. The sheer thought of abandoning a pregnant woman with my child roiled me. “Hard pass.”
“I figured as much, but don’t hate me for making the offer. You may learn to regret this decline,” she said nonchalantly.
“Doubtful. Keep your shadowy hints of my impending doom to yourself. If I die. I die,” I said, unable to help a part of my curiosity. “Why Asha and why not take him to Ostriva Prime?”
“He is t
oo vital to you. He is also an assassin by trade. He would make a fantastic champion and until recently would never willingly enter my church. Before you ask, rules. I can convince an off-planet person anywhere. On Nordan, or Ostriva, I toned to select them from those who have visited my church,” Caitlyn told me.
“You don’t get a church unless you convince others to come,” I said, and she nodded. “Is that how Tesana found Delsy?”
“Um… no. Tesana blessed a baby as a champion, giving a local a rare magic type in exchange for the long maturation process. Delsy only has one magic type, as does Karo. Toneba died and was returned, so technically he can get two. And you better believe Arax will do that. The original champions are limited to one but more powerful in their unlocks and raw mana,” she explained.
Butterflies filled my stomach, and I finally asked the question I’d feared to hear the answer to. “What happened to my body on Earth?”
“You vanished. Simple as that. You missed a single shift, and someone noticed. Your co-workers loved you. Then the police traced us back to the motel, and we both vanished. The theory is you killed me and then went to Mexico. Irony, right?” she asked with a snorting laugh.
“And my parents? How are they doing?” I asked.
“You ever wonder what it would be like to be a goldfish?” Caitlyn asked.
“Ah, they’re brainless zombies in a pit. They’re not suffering?” I asked.
“They only suffer when a necromancer brings them to feed, and they’ll never remember if you do save them. They’re content in the pits. You have one last question,” she offered.
“Can I build a second temple for you?” I asked.
“Second temple? Yes. With a second portal dedicated to me? No. You’re in a region. Arax is a great example for this. Karn Kingdom is the Opari Region, but all the gods call it Karn Region. Arax is allowed a single portal per region. I should have gone over this.
“As covered before, the churches have limits and rules. So no, Arax can’t build a thousand churches with portals and then move an army to find you. He must march and then hunt. I’m afraid that is all I can tell you. Keep up the good work, and if you need me, visit the church,” Caitlyn said, snapping her fingers and disappearing.
