Through the near-endless corners, and alleyways, then leading to a sewer causing more and more confusion.
We’re led to the recognizable passageway which ended up at the door as Drust pushed it open revealing a hallway with light at the end of this tunnel.
--
“D-drust?” -Crown Prince-
A shaky voice comes from the light as a silhouette of the figure appears. A human male probably in his early twenties draped in soft coloured tunic and breeches.
“I-is that you?” -Crown Prince-
That figure warily maintained their distance until Drust stepped forward...
“Yes, it’s me, your Highness. I still remember when you were trying to ambush me in the training ground with a wooden sword.” -Drust-
The Crown Prince’s gait changes as he begins to move revealing his figure to us.
Blood-red eyes and darkened short hair as he stares at Drust.
His expression was complicated to describe and a moment or two passed before he exhaled breath appearing to have held for ages. Then raising his hands akin to a signal to the people behind him.
“Drust? H-he’s back?” -Rebels-
Several cleverly hidden rebels at the back began to appear as well, carrying all sorts of weapons albeit makeshift ones.
“Who might these two be?” -Crown Prince-
The prince raises his hand in a signal causing rebels behind him to grip their weapons tightly and be wary of us.
“Wait! These are the two that saved us from demon’s clutches.” -Drust-
Looking at Siegfried, he nods giving me the signal as he too brandishes the Saintear emblem which I did the same.
As soon as he saw this, the Crown Prince lowered his hands with his face softened and shining with hope.
“T-then... Then there is hope for us all.” -Crown Prince-
I know this is simply a game but it makes me happy to see our presence cause others to feel relieved.
“Come, come, let’s go inside first.” -Crown Prince-
As we walk towards the light at the end of this tunnel, the prince chimes in.
“Ah, I am sure Drust has mentioned me but I shall begin with introductions. I am Lucius Lowlight, the third prince of Lowlight.” -Lucius-
(“Third Prince? I thought you’re the crown prince?”)
He then chuckles.
“Haha... Are you thinking why am I the crown prince?” -Lucius-
(“Ehhh?? He read my *subtle* facial expressions?”)
Once again, I am amazed at how advanced the A. I of this game. How can the Devs manage to make it so... human-like?
Siegfried simply tilts his head, not knowing of my current thought process. Nevertheless, the crown prince continues.
“After the King’s failed ritual, my brethren and sisters perished in its wake...” -Crown Prince-
(“I see... that’s why now he’s the crown prince. W-wait, failed ritual?”)
The same ritual that we peeked at the King’s bed chambers. Unconsciously, I looked at Siegfried as he seemed to understand what I was referring to. Before asking the crown prince mid-walk.
“What was the ritual?”
I warily asked taking care to see the crown prince’s facial expressions. He looked mencholic as he cast a downward gaze.
“It... resurrection ritual for the Queen.” -Lucius-
Ah, fuck I touched a touchy subject...
!!!
That’s why there’s a pristine corpse of a woman in the king’s chamber.
In this O.w.O setting, resurrection {Spell} only works for pyers. NPC deaths are final, the sole reason why we’re discouraged heavily from antagonizing NPCs.
It makes sense as it is cliché too. Since the clergy are not able to grant the King’s wish. I presume he deferred to the demons for assistance and that’s bound to be twisted. This brought us to this predicament...
Passing through that light, we’re inside the familiar indoors. This house is made from dry wood that’s been exposed to the elements and abandoned for good knows how long.
The windows were barred and nailed shut as the rebels set aside their weapons but still waited nearby them just in case.
We were guided to a rustic table in the living area of this house. As we sat down, one of the rebels quickly prepared tea for the Crown Prince and us.
The subtle fragrance of this tea rexes my body. The Crown Prince started to talk after being silent for a while.
“Thank you for bringing Drust to us. It’s shameful as it is but may I ask for assistance from you?” -Lucius-
I looked at Siegfried as he gnced at me before giving me a slow nod of confirmation.
“What kind of assistance do you need?”
“Since you are the envoys of Saintear, I would like to require aid from the clergy in hopes of clearing out demon infestation. In exchange, the royal family of Lowlight will offer this.” -Lucius-
He brought out a sword that he was wearing to the table.
“*Gasp* Your Highness!” -Drust-
“Quiet.” -Lucius-
I ignored their bickering since Siegfried gently nudged my ribs. I swiped his elbows as I knew what I was going to do.
(“[Identify]”)
-System-
[Sword of Resplendence]
Description: A weapon forged by God of Fire and blessed by God of Light. It shines with divine radiance purging away darkness and corruption.
-System-
(“Okay... this item doesn’t have categorization. Figures, after all, it is a quest item.”)
(“This sword is a divine relic...”)
(“Hmmm, We should ask Cardinal of Light first about all of this.”) -Siegfried-
(“True!”)
“Crown Prince Lucius, if I may be pardoned. Would it be better for you to negotiate with Cardinal of Light firsthand?”
He stopped bickering with Drust and composed himself first before answering...
“Yes, I seem to be too hasty considering the circumstances.” -Lucius-
“I see... I’ll contact him. But... should we tell them about King’s failed ritual?”
(“I mean... I surely believe making deals with demons here is not one of the clergy doctrines so uh, there’ll be altercation if I divulge it.”)
“Tell them about it. I do not care what happens to me and the royal family. This ‘thing’ has caused grief to the citizen of Lowlight and that’s inexcusable.” -Lucius-
His face filled with determination said so as I find no way to refute it. Though I can hear several rebels begin to voice their opinions about it.
I nodded...
Then stood up and went to a corner somewhere staring at a wooden wall as if being in time-out. In my mind though, I focus on the warrior-like appearance of the cardinal of light and then...
“[Telepathy]”
I do not know why but I’m so used to telephone calls that there’s an imaginative ringtone echoing in my head as I waited for Cardinal of Light to accept.
*CLICK*
Just like that, I instinctively knew that the magic reached him as he cautiously answered.
“Who’s this?” -Cardinal of Light-
The old and gruff tone of voice is characteristic of him as I reply quickly.
“This is Magie, I have some news regarding Lowlight and Saintear’s missionaries.”
“Go on...” -Cardinal of Light-
...
...
...
I reyed everything I had heard and witnessed.
...
...
...
It’s a bit ominous, isn’t it? No replies as of yet-
“Haaaaaaa... you foolish children.” -Cardinal of Light-
It’s... bears incredible weight just from that sigh. His voice is strained as if trying to withheld innumerable emotions. Before he then takes a deep breath and replies...
“Understood. We will send reinforcement to help against demonic infestation. Can you aid the people of Lowlight in the meantime?” -Cardinal of Light-
The message ends and all of a sudden-
*PING*
-System-
[Quest: The Tyrant II (Unique)]
Description: A war against the possessed King is coming, make sure that the citizens of Lowlight don’t get harmed.
-System-
Returning to the discussion table, I rey the information from Cardinal to Lucius, Drust, Rebels, and Siegfried.
Lucius expression’s turns serious befitting that of a ruler.
“Drust, if I remember correctly there’s an abandoned vilge east of Lowlight yes?” -Lucius-
“I believe so your Highness, we can certainly use the hidden passageway of Lowlight to evacuate the citizens to that vilge.” -Drust-
Meanwhile, me and Siegfried just watch this unfold. I can tell he’s getting bored as I try to hold my ughter.
Until finally...
“Envoys from Saintear, we asked for your help in this matter. Can you help evacuate the citizens of Lowlight? We’re going to gather them around.” -Drust-
Lucius nods to his royal guard’s words agreeing with him as I and Siegfried said yes but I have an idea...
(“Sieg, do you mind if I try to read Lucius’ thoughts? I think I can make the quest finish faster.”)
(“Oh!? Sure why not?”) -Siegfried-
He sounds nonchant and acknowledging that, I internally say...
(“[Detect Thoughts]”)
As the magic activates, I stare at Lucius stealing gnces since the rebels leave the house to gather the citizens. Leaving him, Drust, and I assume the Crown Prince’s attendants behind. Wouldn’t want to be conspicuous about it!
Soon after...
Images come to my head and along with it I see memories of the King’s failed ritual and the tragedy it brought. The emotions he felt, were anguish and sorrow witnessing the death of his brethren and sisters.
Then...
His desperation to cim everything back and anger upon the demons hiding behind his father’s skin. The memories of rebellion are still fresh in his mind, incredible sadness after losing Drust while running away through the maze-like Lowlight.
The instant decline of the royal family and how it affected the citizens of Lowlight reduced them to this point. The regrets he felt but also budding hope upon seeing us.
For a moment, I am amazed by his capabilities to mask all of that to his prince-like demeanour.
But that is not what I wanted to see! What I want is the location of that abandoned vilge as I intently focus on only desiring that part of his memory and in doing so, it is revealed to me the structure of that vilge.
He visited that vilge before abandonment after seeing they were having crop harvest failure. He was there to investigate the cause...
Nevertheless, now I know what the vilge looks like and can establish spatial magic.
“Crown Prince Lucius?”
“Yes?” -Lucius-
“I have a suggestion that can expedite the evacuation process.”
Gncing to the side, Siegfried opened a book that he had just stolen from the King’s chamber and began reading it.
(“A bit daring! Though it seems Lucius hasn’t noticed it.”)
“Go on.” -Lucius-
His scarlet eyes radiate with interest and since I read his mind, I know it’s also hope.
“As a magic caster, it is within my capabilities to transport multiple people at once to a specific destination. So, I am offering my talents to use for the citizens of Lowlight. Do you agree with that?”
Hearing my suggestion, I could even see the gears in his brain turning as he made numerous calcutions. Curiously, I wanted to take a peek as [Detect Thoughts] is still ongoing.
...
...
...
Oh...
He was thinking about statistics and logistics about the amount of citizens in Lowlight. I see, I see... He’s worrying about food for them too.
(“Hehehe... I can take care of that knowing some Druid {Spell}.”)
“Please do. And I have a favour to ask of you too. Magie...” -Crown Prince Lucius-
He paused for a moment, steeling himself before continuing.
“I would like to establish direct communication with Cardinal of Light in Saintear. Is that possible?” -Crown Prince Lucius-
“Certainly... Just wait a moment. [Telepathic Bond]”
The description of this {Spell} says that it will form a bond between targets that I know and then they will be able to communicate to one another. Useless for pyers since we can just use the chat system.
“Oh!” -Lucius-
Since I included myself in the ‘bond’ or this meeting, I could hear what they were talking about in their minds but I stayed silent and made sure to not reveal myself.
Like a silent listener in a group meeting, I pester Siegfried peeking at what he was reading.
...
...
...
(“Welp, the Cardinal of Light now knew my transportation magic as he thinks of using it to expedite the reinforcement. I wouldn’t mind since that would also make this quest done quicker.”)
(“Oh? They’re negotiating about the rewards, that sword of resplendence.”)
...
...
...
Ah, the connection was cut.
“Magie, I’ll describe the vilge to you and Cardinal of Light wanted you to do the same for Saintear.” -Lucius-
With that, he tells me in detail about the abandoned vilge. I already knew all of it firsthand from thought reading. So, after nodding I went to the closest wooden wall.
Touching it for fir, I mutter the keywords... no need to have long chants like in NPCs though I can add it for fir too but that’s too cringe.
“[Widen: Gate]”
*FWOOOOOMMMM*
A rge tear in space occurs as big as that wall and on the other side, is the exact location of the abandoned vilge.
Seeing this happening, I offered Drust or Lucius to try stepping in and out. It sts for quite some time unless I actively dismiss it, one hour I think?
Drust can confirm its effectiveness since he has experienced it and I left the {Spell} like it is as several citizens have emerged from the passageway and directed to the abandoned vilge.
--
(“Sieg, this quest is getting far too deep. So many NPCs here. Oh! I’ll leave two of my fragments here to continue the [Gate] if it runs out.”)
(“It is a unique quest. Bound to have big stuff like this. I wonder if there’s a global quest?”) -Siegfried-
(“Maybe! Just like the Astera’s invasion.”)
He shrugs his shoulders as if saying ‘It is what it is’. We then moved to another wall for the second purpose...
(“Cardinal, I got your message from Crown Prince Lucius. I shall open up the gate.”)
(“Understood.”) -Cardinal of Light-
Using my fragment as a medium, I cast the gate. My avatar [Gate] {Spell} is on a long CD so I can’t cast it again but it’s a different case for fragments as they are treated to be another entity.
Soon enough...
*FWOOOOOMMMM*
Another tear in space and I can see the Cardinal’s interior chambers albeit looking clustered since I see so many NPCs there.
Alongside the Cardinal, there are Padins and Priests as they step forward to enter the hidden house.
Just like that, they are now in Lowlight...
“Hm... Travellers are so diverse in their strength. I never thought I see spatial manipution to this scale.” -Cardinal of Light-
I take it that since he has gone through wars, he saw a myriad of battle mages.
Drust and Cardinal of Light seem to make eye contact with one another and then wear a grin.
“We’ll discuss pns of war. Travellers, you are needed.” -Cardinal of Light-
Siegfried closed the book and scooted closer to me as I did the same. This got his attention...
-POV change to 3rd Person POV-
“Hmmm... is it me or have the NPCs become scarce?” -Pyers-
He curiously asked his companion beside him. A dy wearing a saintly robe signifies Priest css.
“Yeah, that’s pretty odd. I remember there’s a woman with her kids in there.” -Pyers-
Her face frowned for a moment but then shrugs her shoulders. She’s here to grind for demon mobs outside of the city anyway.
“Ahh... fuck it. This city is bad anyway. No merchants, no enchanters, let’s just grind.” -Pyers-
He rubbed the back of his head while yawning indifferent to the situation changing in Lowlight. As they left the city for their usual mob grind.
--
In the meantime though, one pyer crouched between the alleyways wearing darkened studded leather armour and hood covering their features as they spy on the dwindling popution of Lowlight.
(“It is clear that this is an odd thing to happen. Is there a pyer doing a unique quest or something?”) -Pyers-
The gears in their mind started turning as curiosity bloomed wildly. As they sat leaning their back against the wall, they decided.
(“I’m gonna stalk one of the NPCs.”) -Pyers-
After deciding to do just that, shadows that were being cast by buildings seemed to come alive as they tangled with their own.
Mysterious winds began to flutter their hood as it fell off revealing elven features with their long-pointed ears and a scarred face of an aged male elf.
He was then engulfed by the shadows and promptly vanished. It’s a Css {Skill} of Shadow Chaser,
Since he has reached LVRe70 not many pyers can see him that also includes NPCs. Like shadows, he deftly sticks to one of the NPCs still roaming about.
--
(“Huh?”) -Elf Pyer-
He sees that NPCs he’s been tailing meet up with a group wearing simir sort of clothing yet different demeanour. Honing his ears to eavesdrop on the conversation...
“Really? We’re being evacuated from Lowlight?” -Citizen-
“Hush, yes. There’ll be reinforcement from Saintear but we want you to spread this rumour so many can join. Let us meet up at Creaking House after you’ve done all of that.” -Rebels-
That certainly made the elf raise his eyebrows still hiding amidst the shadows. Knowing this, he activated the video recording feature of the game.
Ever since that citizen left, he tagged the rebels waiting for a chance to encounter Creaking House and delve deeper into whatever was happening.
He followed the rebels into the urban maze, leading to several underground passageways, and finally reaching a long tunnel.
His eyes shine in curiosity seeing the complicated underground channels of Lowlight as he had never gone this deep.
However, his attention was broken after seeing another group patrolling this pce.
(“What’s with the amount of NPCs? Is there a war going on?”) -Elf Pyer-
He asked himself after seeing some NPCs that were not fitting in that group.
It is Saintear Padins and Priests standing guard. Occasionally curing or providing food for the evacuating citizens while they are being guided to the end of the tunnel.
(“
*FWOOOSH*
Expertly, he jumped from shadow to shadow until he entered a room with barred windows.
As soon he did, he was greeted by the sight of two pyers. Both of which, he recognized instantly as they’re currently occupied with an important figure of Saintear and presumably Lowlight too.
One of which is a shorter figure, of Asian descent, with long straight bck hair wearing breeches & tunic indicating that they have been PKed recently.
(“Magie Magia, if I believe. You’re doing a unique quest... hehe... ”) -Elf Pyer-
Seeing Magie in this condition, he thought of the recent PKers aiming against non-humans and the hurricane that ensues after an anonymous tip regarding the growing speciesism faction in Saintear.
His eyes then wander to the figure beside Magie, absorbed in whatever the figure of Saintear is saying.
A taller figure with shaggy bck hair and overgrown bangs covering his eyes having a nky build wearing a set typical of Berserker Css.
(“Siegfried? Huh... Those two.”) -Elf Pyer-
He got interested in them after seeing their battle in the C.B.R event. Especially fighting against Magie and the abnormalities of his {Spell}.
Assuming that he’s higher LV than those two, he’s confident his camoufge wouldn’t get noticed until...
“[Extend: Chrono Stasis]” -Magie-
Magie’s firm voice echoed as per the usual sound effects when uttering keywords of {Spell}. They wanted to announce what was going on.
In quick succession, after those keywords were uttered, the elf pyer felt incredibly heavy. His joints are locked in position.
His eyes gnce downward to see his body stopped moving as if in a freeze frame. With the myriad of visual effects resembling clocks being halted in the time surrounding him
(“Huh? I thought Magie is a Celestial Mage?”) -Elf Pyer-
[Chrono Stasis] is a Hi-Tier {Spell} belonging to Chronomancer, an advanced mage css focusing on Space and Time magic.
The elven eyes wander to the tell-tale starlight markings on Magie’s forehead confirming that Magie is indeed an Astromancer.
(“Interesting...”) -Elf Pyer-
However, his leisurely thought abruptly cuts after several NPCs turn wary and draw out their weapons aiming at him.
“Intruders!!!” -Rebels & Padins-
‘How did Magie see me?’ The elven pyer thought about it while the NPCs were still on guard coming ever closer. Behind him, Siegfried already looming over.
“Chilx! I’m here not to derail the quests.” -Elf Pyer-
He casually commented, sweat beading on his forehead.
-Switch to 1st Person POV (MC)-
I certainly didn’t expect to meet him again, I guess that’s his css I suppose.
(“Shadow Chaser, a css above Shadow Assassin. Post-Rebirth...”)
Without my [True Sight] {Trait} I would probably never have noticed him entering.
“What are you pnning?” -Siegfried-
He warily asked, I could see it in his expression. Siegfried would’ve used his [Consume] if not for this many NPCs around us.
“I was just curious! Promise!” -Elf Pyer-
Shame, I don’t think I can use [Detect Thoughts] on pyers.
“It's okay, Cardinal of Light and Crown Prince. I knew this guy. he’s harmless... but he can compromise the pn. So let me do something about it.”
“Eeeehhhhh?? What are you doing??” -Elf Pyer-
I mischievously smile before touching his chest.
“I apologise in advance, hehe...”
(“[Vortex Warp]”)
“Wha-“ -Elf Pyer-
His voice and figure vanish from the room.