[Zxel]

“No, no, no, Boss! You have to put the mana in your eyes, and then use your willpower to give the mana purpose to truly see!” Drekon tells me for the fiftieth time as he is sitting cross legged on the forest’s dark purple grass. “You can’t use imagine it, but will it! Look for the lights as if your in the bleak darkness of a cave and you haven’t seen daylight in decades!”

“I think that one was a little specific Drekon... “ I grumble, once more doing exactly what he instructs me, only to get the effect of my eyes shooting out a bright red light as if they were demonic flashlights.

I growl out in frustration. “This is getting me nowhere! We have been trying this for the entire two weeks we’ve been traveling, how the hell is this supposed to work!?”

“Maybe you aren’t using your willpow-”

“If I hear you say that bloody word one more time, I promise that you will need a will when I’m done with you…”

“I’m just telling you what I was told when I started learning it, like you wanted me to, Boss.” Drekon shrugs, to my irritation as I punch a tree obliterating it. “Maybe you should go to Byro and continue your Cryomancy training with him, you might have better luck.”

I mutter curses under my breath as I trudge back to the main campfire, away from the forest clearing, we we’re using to train in Soulmancy. ‘Waste of freaking time that was…’

‘Oh look your a necromancer! You have the Necromancy affinity, can absorb souls, see them outside of nearly departed creatures AND can send them out to boost your undead! Oh? You want to learn a simple Soulmancy spell that allows you to sense and see the souls within living creatures or the soul’s vessels? Ha! Nope!

‘What the hell is that?! I already can see the stupid things outside of creatures in plain sight but heaven forbid! When you want to be able to sense or see them in creatures… It’s not like I have high mental stats or anything, and just trying to learn a Novice level spell or anything…’

Breathing in and out, I attempt to calm myself down. ‘No need to get so worked up about it. He did say when we first started that it took him a couple of months to properly use it. When he was seven…’ I grab my hair and grit my teeth, almost tempted to rip out large chunks of it and my scalp.

Wood chucks go flying like buck shot as I relieve my frustration on another tree. ‘The chances of angering another trent is a possibility as the amount of trees I have destroyed the past weeks. To a hunter or adventurer they probably seen these trees and thought a strong monster is doing this to mark it’s territory.

‘The amount needed to frustrate me, irritate me and anger me has shrunk dramatically ever since awaking the sin of Wrath within my bloodline. It is becoming a problem as I can’t properly learn anything, if I want to smash my teachers skull in when all my attempts fail like an obese nerd trying to get into the olympics, without any training.

‘The one good thing about this is that Mibbit hasn’t shown his face around me for the two weeks. He probably knows due to my shortfuse right now I would punt the sucker into the stratosphere.’

I shortly break into another clearing to see the sight of tens of campfires being surrounded by Hobgoblins and around them, the undead.

My people relaxing by the fires, eating or chatting before they go to sleep for the night. The sound of the cackling fires and crickets playing their music usher into the song and blanket of night. It all looks peaceful until you see all the hundreds of undead guarding as silent sentres.

Having been able to cast Damned Centauri and Damned Contubernium every time it has come off cooldown and raising more undead [mainly beasts such as Hindbears and any Wolf species] from the carcasses of the unlucky forest residents that came across us. All of that has given us a large number of Undead protecting the group 24/7. ‘I almost feel bad for anyone who tries to fight us.’

Scanning through little campfire communities I find Sek, my General Death Knight speaking to all of his Lieutenants except Erlin who wants nothing to do with them. However Sek has been doing a great job, if not amazing, in my opinion.

He has named all of the Lieutenants that have been raised shortly after him. That itself isn’t really that interesting or impressive but the thing is, he has knowledge which he shouldn't have from just being ‘born’ since the last two weeks. Organizing all the undead into a power structure, delegating tasks and making specialist branches so far with each Lieutenant rulering over one.

A couple of times through the two weeks he has had his own little meetings with them, discussing tactics and plans for the future. Always giving me briefings to me afterwards.

Making my way towards them, I put my hands behind my back as I look around curiously for any sight of Erlin or Nibbit.

Reaching the little group of them I stop and look to Sek. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything here.”

“Not at all, Milord. We are just discussing what we will need to do in the future to support you.” Sek states while banging his chest in a salute.

“Oh? And what may that be?” I stroke my chin.

He nods before waving to the Ravager. “Razvorn is going to be leading our scouting and potentially assassination branchs. He already has taken up the mantle of scouting already, making sure that haven’t walked into an ambush or anyone.”

Razvorn bows his head while his hands stroke his two bows. “You honour me, General.” Razvorn then looks to me. “Originally, I was also supposed to do spying but we have come to the conclusion that the fifth and final Lieutenant should have that opportunity. We hope that Master will agree with this and find the right person for it.”

I sit down with them, relaxing. “Hm… I can agree with that idea. Sek, do you have anyone you think would fit the role of ‘Spymaster’?”

He shakes his head. “No, Milord. As of right now, there is no candidates for such a position. Either being not proficient in the arts needed or racial superiority to it. Personally, I would request for either an incorporeal creature or a shapeshifter to take the position.”

“Understood Sek. I’ll make sure you get one if you believe it will be a great help to you.” He nods his head to my answer. “Is there anything else that needs to be addressed to be more efficient?”

A loud booming voice comes from the bulky Dullahan. His face scarred beyond belief. “Ey Sire. I wish to requisition the use of more of the Wolves and more importantly, the Hindbears. They make for excellent shock cavalry. Who wishes to fight against a ton weighing fire breathing undead bear?! Ha!”

Grinning, I chuckle at his response. “Of course Kain, you have full right to take as many Hindbears as you need for your calvery needs. Just make sure that you get more bodies that I can raise if our current stock decreases.” He grunts in confirmation.

Finally, I look up to Lazerus, a 5 meter tall Skeleton/zombie abomination. “Is there anything you need at all or something to voice out?” I ask him.

Lazerus scratches his decayed rib cage, watching as several large green maggots fall out, to my dismay. “Corpsssesss. Fooood. Moarrr… Brethren…” His skeletal insect like mandibles move and clack as he wheezes out his response.

“I see… I will make sure I try to get you more of your brethren, Lazarus, as well as food and corpses with them.” He makes raspy growl as he bows his head to my response.

Looking over to Sek, he pounds his chest when I see him. “I believe I have taken enough of your.. Fine fellows time enough. I’ll leave you be.”

“Milord is never a bother, please interrupt us anytime if you have need of us.” Sek bangs his chest in salute once more before I nod and leave. His ‘eyes’ never leaving me until a few seconds later.

Creepy.

So added to my list to do. I need to create or find a willing undead Incorporeal creature or shapeshifter to be my Lieutenant Spymaster.

Raise more Hindbear, Wolf carcesses or anything else that might be a great battlemount. Undead Drakes and Dragons sound nice… If I get enough bones I could perhaps raise one…

Then there is the need for any old caresses, potentially live creatures for food [or souls], and more Abominations. They probably need the caresses to add to their mass. Their almost like undead Slimes. Eat everything to get bigger and bigger.

Anyways, It’s best that I go find Erlin. Hopefully he will be able to help me with magic unlike his two kids, they couldn’t help a Slime absorb water by throwing it into an ocean.

It didn’t take long before I found him talking with Nibbit of all people. ‘Something must’ve came up for them to be speaking civilly and not like drunken dwarves.’

“Now for the last time and final time you green troglodyte, I know where I’m going.”

“And I know for certain you don’t, as how you keep saying to Sire, we should already be there by now. You sack of rotten bones!”

Nevermind I spoke to soon.

“Ahem. I do not believe respected members of the community should arguing at this ungodly hour.” I whisper to the two, breaking into their conversation.

Their mouths gape open as I make my entrance. They look around and notice that several Hobgoblins have been paying attention to their little spat, but quickly return to their own activities when they are caught.

“We apologize for our behaviour Sire/Master!” They whisper shout under their breath as they bow repeatedly.

Sighing I stroke my chin. “So what's the problem? I only caught a snippet of it after getting in earshot.”

“Well, the ba- I mean, Erlin, here,” Nibbit starts which Erlin frowns.”has been continuing to say we are getting closer to the Empire but we haven’t found any town or border patrols yet after two weeks.

Which I remind you Sire, he said it would take only a week from his cave he hid in. I believe we are lost.”

“Nibit does have a point, are we actually lost?” Raising an eyebrow I stare at Erlin for his response.

Erlin scoffs and waves his hand in front of him, dismissively. “Proposterus, we aren’t lost. I know for certain we are going the exact right way, Master. Most likely over the millennia, some towns were destroyed, the Empire’s borders shrunk and that’s why we haven’t gotten to our destination yet.”

I tap my foot and rub the palm of my hand with my thumb. “And what is our destination specifically? Just over the border, a town, another cave?”

“W-well I, uhm…” Erlin stutters. “I really… Didn’t think that far actually.”

… I have a Lich that doesn’t look and plan for the future. God have mercy on my soul...

I put up my hand before Nibbit can say something stupid as his face looks like it’s going to blow up with how inflated his viens are right now.

“So you don’t know then?” I ask.

“No, Master…” He answers.

Pinching the bridge of my nose I sigh and try to calm down. I can already feel my body heat rising and the anger with it. Happy place now…

“So we are going in blind, not knowing what we might meet.” I state.

“Correct, somewhat, Master. We should reach a strategic area we could potentially use as a base.” Erlin looks away from me and mutters. “If it isn’t already stocked full of soldiers or is completely destroyed.”

“What was that about the place being stocked with soldiers.” Nibbit growls at Erlin who shrugs.

“There is a small chance that the Empire is still putting their most elite and dangerous soldiers there to defend against... Daemon hordes of the... Demon Lord...”

I just keep tapping my foot as I glare at Erlin, who shrinks down as much as he can.

“Your in trouble now…”

“Shut up, Troglodyte.”

“I think telling me before we started heading this way, that there was a chance of meeting a heavily fortified position, would’ve been greatly appreciated.” I start tapping my temple. “Just a thought…”

“But it’s exactly that though, Master! There is a chance that there is heavily armed forces there!” He smacks his palm with his fist. “In all likelihood since there hasn’t been any patrols, the place is either deserted, understaffed or in ruins! Which means you could easily take it without a fuss.”

Nibbit sneers at Erlin. “What if the reason we haven’t spotted any patrols is because they spotted us first and relayed there's a large undead army coming their way?”

“W-well that's just…” Erlin grimaces as he looks to me. “Unlikely?”

I shake my head in disappointment and irritation. I leave to go speak with Sek without a word as the two behind start to argue again.

“I need Rezvorn, for a mission Sek.” I say as we sit across from one another. “It will be his most important mission yet. Which isn’t saying much, as this is his first actual mission.” I sigh.

Sek sharpens his blade as he speaks, not losing eye contact though. “What is the mission then, Milord. He will be able to complete anything you wish of him to satisfy your expectations, on my honour, Milord.”

“I’m going to need him to scout about a day or two ahead of us, to see if he meets a base. I will then need him to see if there is anyone there, how many and how powerful if there is people there.” I lean in. “He must not under any circumstances fight nor be spotted. He is to be as silent and unseen as a spirit. Do I make myself clear, Sek?”

He nods his head. “Understood Milord. I will brief him as soon as possible and send him off before this hour is done.” He says with conviction as his fire eyes glow a tinge of red for a moment.

“Make sure you do Sek. I believe that I didn’t choose wrong to put this responsibility in your hands.” I say before leaving him behind as he goes to find Rezvorn.

I sit alone in a clearing not too far away from the camp. Just far enough I don’t hear the crackle of the fire but hear if something goes wrong. Not that I believe it would however.

I take out a dead Wolf out of my inventory. It’s starting to rot but hasn’t yet. Thank you inventory for stopping time! It’s pretty banged up though, generally it missing a head and the experiments I’ve done on it with Biomancy.

It doesn’t have any more fur on it, it’s skin is bright red in some spots and other spots different colours of the rainbow. It’s legs are completely skinless just showing raw muscle.

I start to use biomancy on the corpse, using the spell to regrow the lost skin upon the legs. I watch as it slowly regrows from edges of the skin, expanding in it’s previously lost territory. After that I recolour the skin turning it blue and purple polka dots for no real reason.

‘This spell and affinity is perfect for cosmetics and plastic surgeons. You want purple skin? Sure! You want blemishless skin? Sure! You want no more wrinkles or want more or no more hair on your body? Sure! How about burn victims? Regrow all their skin, making them not like that potato you forgot in the oven.

‘This can be used for a source of good! But people like to use it against others. Making plagues seems to be the go too for all respectable biomancers apparently. But that still seems far out of the hands of a novice.

‘I wonder… Could I make the skin see through? If I can do that could I do a mock invisibility skin, making it look like the background they are standing in front of? Let's try the first idea before getting ahead of ourselves…’

When I try it, it works, ha! ‘The skin is transparent! You can see the muscle beneath it but still feel the skin on top! I wonder if I could make muscles look transparent… ‘

Actually, maybe I should try to manipulate muscles now, that I have played around with manipulating skin for a while.

I push mana within the carcass, trying to infuse my mana into the muscles. Trying to scan it, to feel it, to know it.

A stream of mana cascades out of my hands into it, I can feel the muscles filling up. Right when it fills to the brim, my senses are bombarded with information just like when I first used biomancy on that noble.

‘I know exactly where each muscle group is in the body. How damaged they all are (their all pretty good except the rotting parts), and strong they are. I can tell that this Wolf had 37 Strength, 26 endurance, and 49 Agility. No Dexterity for some reason though…’

I also got a pop up, lets see…

Biomancy [Wizard Rank]

Flesh Sculpt [Muscles]: [Active] You are now able to sculpt and modify muscles within any biological creature. You can also now scan Strength, Agility, and Endurance stats of your victim/patient! (This absorbs earlier version) [5,000 Mana per Minute]

Ps. There are many things you can do that isn’t specifically mentioned in here. Be creative! From: Your Biggest Fan! <3

‘Oh, wonderful. I got someone else watching over me now. Don’t otherworldly beings have anything better to do, then watch over Mortals? Like socialize with themselves?’

‘No use complaining about it. They might get more interested knowing my luck. Might as well get back to practicing with the carcass.’

I look back to the Wolf’s carcass and manipulate the mana to repair the damaged muscles. Watching as the muscle stitch itself back together or regrow parts of itself to fill the gaps. All pieces that we’re infected or rotting were quickly assimilated and used to fuel the new muscle that was being created.

Truly a waste to not use this to help the medical field… I wonder how many aspiring biologists or would be physicians were killed for having this affinity. Just for the threat they posed and not considering how good they could be if nurtured right.

However, I know that I could easily kill with this power right here, atrophy all of the muscles within the carcass, make it spasm or even make it tear itself apart violently. Just being able to touch something, for them freeze up to watch as their skin and muscles slowly go through necrosis. Or, if you were even more cruel, to just let itself peel off revealing the innards of a bare being.

I think this has been enough Biomancy training today. I’m going to bed. Lets see what news we will have tomorrow…