Dragon's Archon - Ch. 15 - Testing Theories - Alpha (Patreon)

I’d always thought that reading was weird. Not because there’s anything wrong with it, but because of something my philosophy professors had said about it in college. We interpret little scribbles on the page and then begin to hallucinate vividly in our own understanding. The more we read, the better we get at it. And the better we get at it, the more we will enjoy the journey along the way.

It was something I agreed with and respected. The Fast Learning perk took this idea and ramped it up to a thousand. I was flipping through a page every second. A thousand page tome took me less than ten minutes.

Once I finished a page, all the knowledge, descriptions, and imagery burned into my mind. It was like watching a clear movie in my mind. I could reference anything I’d read with perfect accuracy, even pinpointing the exact page. My understanding was immediate and thorough.

In Mortician’s Mystical Guide To Mortality, I was the one who was performing the experimentation and autopsies. It explained everything there was with the various subraces that were shown from a physiological perspective.

I saw how some aquatic species like lizardkin had extra thick subdermal layers giving them natural armor. Or how harpies had a humanlike physiology but a reproductive system to birth eggs. I found the minute differences fascinating.

It also spent a good section on the soul. It wasn’t overly biblical, instead rooting it in a pseudo-scientific eye by showing how it applies to the world of magic. How our souls and the surrounding magic are one and the same.

The Art of Combat: A Treatise of Talis Expertise was Talis’s own martial arts manual. It covered everything from basic hand-to-hand combat, to combat theory, and the various fighting styles utilized on the planet. One thing I gathered rather quickly was how a lot of it applied to fighting someone with a knife. With so many races that have pointed horns, razor claws, or sharp teeth, the starting rule was always to run if you could, and to keep a weapon on you at all times.

I wasn’t a stranger to combat sports. I’d spent my high school and college years in wrestling. They taught you the various guards, sweeps, takedowns, and pins. All of which had a similar structure to the theory to what I’d read. Each time I read about a new move or position, it came with a step by step crude drawing of how to apply it.

After finishing both tomes, I found myself somewhat disappointed. I half expected for something to unlock in my mind and give me access to new abilities. However, nothing happened. I had a better understanding of the context of each work, but no immediate gains or unlocked power.

I received the same result after finishing The Chalice of Thorn’s Manual for Initiates. However, based on the book's focus on beginners, I wasn’t all that surprised. Most of it was magical theory and how to best protect oneself from getting killed while utilizing rituals and spells. What it taught me was a hand gesture and code phrase to dispel any spell I cast.

Not quite what I wanted, but helpful nonetheless. It wasn’t until I finished it that I realized how important Ophelia’s crash course of managing my power was. There were countless stories of initiates blowing themselves up in the book and they came with pictures for added effect.

When I flipped through Oaths of the Damned, a smile crested my face. The book discussed curses, specifically binding curses. They gave examples of how one person could subdue another and perform a ritual to bind them to a specific desire, want, or need.

Depending on how thorough and specific the curse was it limited the target to what they could do. After finishing the book, there was no immediate notification of a new spell or assortment of curses I could employ. Instead, what it gave me was an idea.

After I jumped to my feet, Malice asked, “Where are we going, master?”

“Out,” I said. “I want to try something. Swap me to my explorer’s clothes, but give me a large cloak that covers my whole body.”

“As you wish.”

Malice’s transformation took a few seconds to complete. Instead of a helm, the hood of the cloak hung over the top of my head. I couldn’t pull it back given that’s what she was connected to, but I didn’t want to charge into the room and scare Yda again either.

Upon stepping into the library, I found Ophelia and Yda sitting at the table with the map. Dozens of books were stacked on the opposite end and surrounded with freshly cut parchment and poured inkwells. When Yda glanced up at me, she gasped and gripped her chest until she recognized my face.

So much for not scaring her, I thought.

“You’ve changed again?” Ophelia asked, pointing to my garb.

“I’m planning on going out,” I said, stepping in. “I’d like you to stay here with Yda.”

“For supplies?”

I shook my head. “No. The books didn’t provide any new spells, but they did inspire me with an idea.”

“Yes, well, they weren’t spell books, so I’m not surprised. But it’s good to hear that you think you’ve learned something from them. Although, I’m not sure how I feel about you going out by yourself. There’s no doubt the Butcher’s men are keeping watch over the tower now. Going out by yourself could put yourself in danger.”

“That’s actually the plan,” I said with a smug grin. “I need to test a theory I have. If it works, it could produce a major benefit for us and our future.”

“Would you like to share what it is?”

“I’d rather keep this one quiet until I can confirm I can actually do it.”

Ophelia twisted her lips before relenting. “Very well. Please do be careful. I’d watch you from the tower, but the required components for the scrying spell are quite costly, and I’d rather save them for our future targets.”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” I pointed my thumb over my shoulder. “Would you mind telling me how to get out of here?”

“Oh let me show you.” Ophelia stood from her chair and walked with me to the arch. She gripped my wrist and raised it in sync with hers. “The teleportation crystals are activated by magic. But you don’t need to know a specific spell. It’s like opening a magical door. What you need to do is focus on them, envision where you want to go, and command them to open to the location you want. I’ve already attuned the tower to everyone’s presence, so they will respond to you.”

I did as she instructed and concentrated on the spinning crystal above the arch. When I reached out, I could feel… something. Like falling sand being blown in the wind. When I touched it, the invisible magic inside solidified like a rope. I thought of the main level and pulled. The red color of the wall shifted from red to gold.

“Well done, Your Holiness,” Ophelia said, tapping my arm. “You’re a natural.”

“Thanks for the instruction,” I said, grinning. “I appreciate your guidance.”

“I’m happy to assist.”

Before I left, I waved at the button nosed sheepkin. “Bye Yda.”

The priestess looked up briefly, gave a brief smile and wave, and then lowered her head.

That hurt.

Ever since my arrival on Talis, Yda had been completely devoted. She’d shown me such kindness and admiration. But now she could barely look at me. I believed what I’d done was an accident, however; at the end of the day, it didn’t matter. I’d hurt her. I knew a simple sorry wouldn’t fix this. I pushed it aside for the time being and exited the room.

As I entered the main hall, I grabbed my hammer. I knew I would need it for the test. Pulling the cloak around my body, I did my best to conceal myself and crouched.

While it was possible whoever they had watching the tower would assume it was me given my width, I’d hoped that it would confuse them enough to wonder how many people we had inside the tower. Confusion would help keep my enemies on their toes. If they believed we had a platoon of soldiers inside, my assumption was that it could help us during our deliberations with Liberty’s Trinity and prevent them from attacking us directly.

When the tower’s door opened, I stayed low to the ground and crouch-walked as fast as I could to the nearby treeline. Once I broke through it, I stood and sprinted as fast as I could. I’d hoped to break the line of sight for any pursuers.

Running through the jungle quickly taught me why Liberty’s Bay expanse was so slow. The jungle was thick with trees and brush. Vines threatened to trip me with every step. Large thorns scratched against my cloak and clothes. If it wasn’t for Malice’s added durability, I would have been a walking pincushion.

The heavy humidity made it difficult to breathe. Scents of moisture and rot mixed with the sea air had me breathing through my mouth instead of the air. Only to leave a bitter taste in my spit. While I didn’t need to drink, I wished I’d brought my waterskin just to wash out my mouth.

But I continued on. My body didn’t wane. I was just as fast ascending the steep island hills as running on flat ground. With each stride, my powerful legs wanted to send me airborne.

When I’d thought I’d gone far enough, I turned around and cupped my brow. Ophelia’s tower stood like a tiny black needle floating above a sea of green. Satisfied, I continued and marched along my path.

This gave me the perfect opportunity to use one of my new abilities, Ground Detection. I concentrated on the ground as I walked. The sudden sensory overload froze me.

I felt everything moving within a hundred feet around me and below me. I became aware of every snake, ant, and bird. It was like turning on music that was already set to full blast.

“Jesus fuck,” I shouted, disabling the effect.

“Is something wrong, master?” Malice asked.

“I just wasn't expecting to feel literally everything when I activated Ground Detection.”

“It’s as thorough as you want it to be. I’d advise tapering it back, depending on what you intend to use it for.”

“Yeah… I realize that now.”

As I extended my hand again, I triggered the ability. This time, I was prepared for the blast, and quickly adjusted it to what I’d assume was sufficient for humanoids or larger. I concentrated on maintaining it as I continued further into the forest.

“Master?”

“Hmm?”

“May I ask what you’re looking for?”

“Cartha said these islands were littered with wild beasts. It was the reason it made it difficult to expand further. Our goal is to find one and kill it so that I can test my theory.”

“What a wonderful surprise! I’ve longed for when I get to see you in actual combat. So many souls to reap for the harvest.”

I snorted and shook my head. “You really like killing, don’t you?”

“Of course! I spent years as an extension of Ninazu. I’ve seen every flavor of death. Natural, accidental, suicide, and murder. There is nothing more satisfying than watching those I serve take a life.”

“That’s… kind of fucked up.”

Malice purred. “You wish to fuck, master?”

I slapped my face. “No—ugh… nevermind.”

“Do not be upset with me, master,” she mumbled. “Even your own goddess exhibits her desire to see you maintain the cycle. You claim souls in her glory, do you not?”

“Yeah…”

“Death is an equal part of the cycle. You are its catalyst. By slaying for her, you both grow stronger. I believe that you are capable of being the strongest Archon on Talis. Otherwise, Ninazu would not have given you my shards and I would not have allowed you to claim me.”

“It’s still messed up, but I appreciate the sentiment.”

“So you are not mad with me?”

“No. I’m not mad. I understand somewhat. It’s just an odd feeling that the goddess who I pledged myself to and the fire elemental in my head want me to go around killing. Back where I’m from, that's not acceptable. Most of the gods, except maybe some of the older extinct ones, shun murder.”

Malice gasped. “Your gods became extinct? How?”

I shrugged. “Lack of worshippers, I guess? More prominent gods came in and took their place?”

“Interesting. I didn’t know that was possible. The new gods sound pitiful, though.”

“I mean… It's a good thing that everyone isn’t just going around killing. That would be nothing but chaos.”

“Ninazu didn’t permit his Archons to go around killing everyone. They killed those that deserved it and needed killing. They killed with purpose. You’re doing the same.”

“Yeah… perhaps. Let’s just talk about something else.”

After a few minutes of walking, Malice whispered seductively in my ear. “You know… We are alone out here.”

I tried to ignore her obvious intent. “I know. We’re on a hunt.”

“We could… have a little fun before you find your mark. We’re far enough from civilization. It’s unlikely anyone will find us.”

I let out a short laugh and rolled my eyes. “And what happens if we’re not? Their scouts could be well trained.”

“You’d feel them approach.”

“I don’t even know what you’re suggesting. It’s not like your body is here for us to do anything. And I’m not going to sit next to a tree and go back into your mind domain.”

“You’re right, but if you wanted me to project my body from the object, all you’d need to do is claim my remaining shards...”

I cocked my brow and smiled smugly. “Is that so?”

“Mhmm.”

“Well, maybe I'll up that on my priority list,” I teased.

“But that doesn’t mean we couldn’t have fun now.”

“I’m not even sure what you’re implying. How else would we have fun?”

“Like this…”

I stumbled forward, catching the trunk of a tree, as I felt pressure below my waist. When I looked down, my trousers were tightening around my groin. I could only describe the impending feeling as dozens of tiny kisses tickling my balls while a makeshift hand squeezed the length of my cock.

“Okay, okay!” I shouted, on the verge of laughter. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Do you want me to stop?” Malice moped.

“Yes and no. Yes, because we’re not here to mess around. We’re here so I can test out spell theory that will improve my power and standing. But also not because… well, that should be obvious.”

“So what should I do?”

“Let’s save it for later, okay? We’re deep in enemy territory right now.”

“But doesn’t that make it all the more exciting?

“You’re a terrible influence, you know that?”

“I know!”

We both shared a laugh as I pushed off the tree and marched further into the forest. I felt disheartened as my Ground Detection ability wasn’t coming up with anything. It wasn’t until the trees spread apart and we approached a clearing of tall grass that I felt my potential opportunity.

Malice, did you feel that? I thought to my passenger.

I did! It feels… big.

I crouched and shuffled to the edge of the clearing and waited. Several more thuds vibrated through the earth, too many for it to be just one animal. I peaked my head above the grass and squinted across the field. My eyes widened at the sight.

A herd of creatures walked into the grass. Their muscular hides were a dark brown. They had large, long mouths with rows of square teeth except for two tusks that protruded from the tips. Thick horns protruded from their nose and forehead, giving them multiple weapons to pierce, slash, and crush. They reminded me of the mix of a hippo, a wild boar, and a grizzly bear that was given every bottle of testosterone known to man.

I watched them for a few minutes as they grazed aimlessly. Based on the way they moved, I assumed their confidence came from the lack of predators. It signaled that I needed to be prepared. As I focused on the largest of the group, its information read across my vision.

Name: ???

Class: Monster

Race: Terror Scrofas

“Terror scrofas?” I whispered.

“Be careful, master. These are formidable beasts. They are harmless when left alone. But provoked, they could destroy a small village.”

“You don’t say… Will they all fight at once?”

“No. They travel in herds. At the first sign of danger, the alpha will face the threat as the rest scatter to safety.”

“And I’m guessing that the alpha is the big one in the front?” I asked, nodding toward it.

“Yes, master.”

“Any thoughts on how to best approach this?”

“If you can sneak up on it, you could deliver a killing blow quickly. Otherwise, I’d suggest a prepared direct approach.”

While stealth wasn’t quite in my repertoire, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to try. I crouched low into the grass and readied my hammer. With slow steps, I inched my way into the field.

I breathed slowly as the sweat dripped from my nose. The trapped heat was stifling and uncomfortable, but I tried to push it out of my mind to focus. As I got closer, I could smell them. Their bodies stunk like dirty farm animals.

I made it halfway across the clearing when I heard a deep groan. When I glanced to my right, a creature stared right at me, chomping the tall grass in its mouth. It leaned back and roared. All the other heads popped up and turned to look at my direction.

“Well, there goes that plan,” I said, standing up.

The alpha positioned to face me. His heavy snorts sounded like the mix between a bear's growl and a pig's squeal. It clawed at the ground like a raging bull. The rest of the herd turned tail and galloped into the thick brush, snapping twigs and knocking over thin trees.

The beast and I squared off. We circled each other in the grass, waiting for the right moment to strike. Each threatening growl sent drool into the air and put me on edge.

“Now master one thing you should know about terror scrofas is—”

The beast lunged at me with such incredible force I couldn’t react fast enough. It didn’t seem possible for something of that size. It barrelled into me and I fell backward.

I managed to raise my hammer just in time for its mouth to clamp down on it. Its jaws snapped inches from my face as I tried to hold it back from biting my head off. Its powerful claws pressed forward, digging my back into the ground like a backhoe clearing a road.

Dirt and spit flew in my face, making it hard to see. For a moment, I forgot who and what I was. I was completely on the defensive and felt out of my element.

The beast stopped pressing and gripped me with its sharp claws, tearing at my protective layer, tearing malice. Even though I was in my leather and cloth armor, it sounded like it was clawing through hardened rock.

“Master, you have to fight back!” Malice shouted.

Malice’s frantic voice helped me focus. It wasn’t just me in there; it was the both of us. I kicked the beast as hard and as fast as I could. It was enough to get the animal to change tactics. It groaned as it bit down on the metal handle of my hammer, and flung me over its head.

I floated into the air, trying to get my bearings. My back snapped branches as I careened through the forest’s canopy. It wasn’t until I hit a tree did I stop moving, only sliding the length all the way down to the ground.

“I definitely felt that,” I groaned as I leaned up. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Malice hissed. “Just kill it!”

“I’m trying to!”

“Don’t try, just do it.”

“Yes, Yoda,” I mumbled as I stood.

My Ground Sense alerted me that I was looking the wrong way. By the time I turned, the creature charged at me, full speed. I jumped out of the way just in time for it to pummel through the tree I’d just hit.

It rolled to its side before scrambling to its feet, coming for a new pass. It was so agile and quick for something as large as it was. I barely had time to get to my feet by the time it was on me again. I rolled once more. This time, I wasn’t fast enough.

Something hit me. It sent me spinning along end over end into the ground. When I stopped, it pounced on top of me. Its mouth clamped onto my shoulder, tearing into it like a rabid dog. I punched frantically, trying to get it off me.

A blow to the jaw got it to let go, only to clasp around my leg. The beast dragged me underneath it to claw and bite me again. Each wound sent a shockwave of pain throughout my body. But not only to me, to my companion. When Malice’s painful scream echoed in my mind, I lost control.

I gripped onto the beast’s head and shot raw magma across its face. It lurched back, squealing in horror as it tried to wipe it off. I suppressed the heat as the surrounding brush caught fire. After kicking myself up, I charged and tackled the beast. My powerful legs carried us through tree after tree.

When I dropped him, its upper legs kicked frantically as its hind legs fell limp. I grabbed both and swung it as hard as I could. Shards of wooden shrapnel exploded into the air as I cleaved the surrounding forest. Sharp tree branches pierced its back. When I opened my hands, the creature flew a few dozen feet before falling to the ground.

I waited to see if it’d get up. All it could do was whine. I scoured the surroundings for my hammer before noticing it caught in some nearby vines. After yanking it free, I marched toward my foe. It tried crawling away, to survive. I didn’t let that happen.

I stood over the creature and raised my hammer. With thunderous blows, I slammed it over and over, venting my frustrations and pain into the creature's skull. By the time I finished, I’d painted the jungle with sludgy gore and bone fragments.

As I gathered myself, I watched the gauntlet absorb the whispery essence of the terror scrofas’s soul. The soul and follower counter popped up momentarily to increase by one.

Only one, I thought. But that was a pretty big one.

“Great job, master!” Malice shouted with excitement. “You slayed that fiend!”

My dread hit me like a truck, and I panicked. “Malice, are you okay?”

“Oh yeah, I’m completely fine.”

“But… your scream?”

“You were struggling a bit, so I thought it would be good motivation. You seemed to be concerned about hurting Ophelia and Yda so I figured it would work with me as well.”

I threw down my hammer. “Are you kidding me? I thought you were hurt!”

“Nope! My form as your armor is durable. The only thing you would have to worry about is if something tried to magically destroy me or my shards. These kinds of physical attacks, while unpleasant, don't bother me too much.”

I fell to my knees. “Fuck, you had me scared.”

“I’m sorry… but at least it helped?”

I shrugged. “Yeah, I guess?”

“Are you going to seek the rest of the herd?”

“Hell no. One was enough. I’m only here to test the theory, anyway.”

When she spoke, I could hear the slight disappointment in her voice. “Well… at least you got the one.”

Trying my best to appreciate the almost pyrrhic victory, I stared at the bloody corpse in front of me. I grabbed my hammer, stood back up, and readied myself for what was to come. With the creature’s soul claimed, I pulled it from the gem in the gauntlet.

It floated into my hand. I twisted it through my fingers. It felt warm and full of life. It had shape and purpose. The essence within it held so much power. It was clear why this fueled the universe. As I tightened my wrist, I pulled the soul back into the gem and sent it to Heluna.

I extended my other hand and compared that to the corpse. It felt cold, lifeless. But there was purpose. A purpose to be reborn through death.

I retracted my hand and shaped my death magic to match that of the soul claimed. It only took a split second. With the new form crafted, I filled the corpse with it.

A swirl of shadow spun around and penetrated the corpse. Its decaying meat and shattered bones shook and reformed. The brown in its hide faded to a ghastly white. Its eyeball sockets lit with a nightmarish blue flame.

I knew I didn’t need to give a verbal component to complete the spell, but I felt compelled to on my first attempt. “Beast. I, Devon Blackthorn, command you in death. Rise as my minion and become the instrument of my will!”

The swirling tornado of my power lifted the husk into the air. When the spell completed, the living dead terror scrofas fell with a heavy thud, its legs held its weight. It snorted as if alive, blowing blackened ichor onto the ground. With long draws, it pawed at the ground, ready for my commands.

“Sit!” I shouted.

When it leaned back and sat like an overgrown dog, I shouted, “YES! It fucking worked!”

“Congratulations, master!” Malice shouted. “This is a wondrous achievement of your power. This beast will make a fine collection for your army.”

“My thoughts exactly. With a power like this, we wouldn’t even need to worry about an army. We could just head to the closest battle sight or graveyard and retrieve our own. Although, it will be interesting to see how durable he is.”

“May I ask what inspired this?”

“One thing I learned in the Mortician’s Mystical Guide To Mortality was their understanding that the body is just a vessel for the soul. The soul is filled with essence, just like magic. After learning from Oaths of the Damned that you could bind creatures to you through curses, I combined the two. I shaped my Death Magic into a replacement soul, pumped the body full of Death Magic so that it was stable, and then bound it to me to be commanded. Because it’s already dead, there’s no worry about it resisting.”

“Your creativity knows no bounds, master. I cannot wait to see what destruction it will bring.”

As soon as Malice finished speaking, the visual text rolled across my vision.

Spell Acquired: Animate Corpse

By imbuing a creature with Death Magic, User can animate a corpse, bringing it to life as a living dead creature. The size of the creature determines the amount of Death Magic investment and reservation from User. The living dead creature can be commanded through direct or subconscious thought as long as they are in visible range. Multiple living dead creatures can be commanded at the same time with the same order. If no command is issued, the living dead creature will follow User and defend itself and User against hostiles. Once a living dead creature is given a command, it will follow it until it's complete. The spell lasts for as long as User’s magic is reserved and until it is dispelled, or the living dead creature deteriorates beyond reasonable repair.

“Well, that’s good to know about the multiple corpses. That saves me the time of having to test that out.”

“What are we going to do now?” Malice inquired.

I gazed up at the sky. It was a deep amber. I couldn’t see the sun so I figured it was getting close to dark and didn’t want to be out in the wild then.

“I got what I wanted. Let’s head back to the tower and see if they’ve heard back from the Liberty’s Trinity or Cartha.”