The simple truths are not always true. Yet one could argue an over analysis of a true simple truth, leads to but error and abrupt action to a dizzying fall and ending demise. There are no absolutes in this place, nothing and everything is driven by something, controlled or acts unbeknownst to it. Is the starving evil for the action it takes to live, or evil for the action on whom, or what it reaped from the world?..

Not one plane of existence was ever the same, no much how it tried to delude. Like the characteristic of a snowflake, the planes that run through the world and to the next, and more are twisted and fractured images of our own. Such as this astral plane where lost souls take refuge. A place not following the laws of our own, a place never the same from any point. And when the lives of those lost, forgotten and rotting are left to dwell eternally in the cover of shadow- Horrors are the only true truth of this place. The waking world, the physical and living were not meant for it.

Perhaps giving credence to this, and proven by. Is the workings of above or rather lack there off. The ceiling laid free of any protection, ceding any within darkness gaze to be unknowingly approached in their starving gaze..

In short moments the rituals had passed. And my unlikely duo had so came, in somewhat of disparity though. A subtle smile and pained expression.. Reflecting their coins, Beth held the ladder of fates; that wasn't to say, each's moment was dimmed by my presence. Or ashamed in my gaze.

...

Abruptly Beth came to knee, with Travis so too.. Exhaling and slightly taken aback Ceron rushed over, rising them to their feet. "Disappointment lies within me, I have failed you master." Beth softly spoke as scorn trickled in her voice, being the recipient of her own hate. "..Nearly no magic resides in me. According to the lady, I am what is referred to as a sixth bracket.." Catching wind of her sorrow and doubt, Travis stepped to the side with a resolved gaze. "I will serve as your reserve- Cast that worried face aside.. I was dealt a second bracket master."

Hmhm.. They've undoubtedly been changed. Fluctuating personalities.. Pursing lips Ceron shook his head, "Just as your partner said. You'll have to make up for it together. Magic of ones own is not all of the world, you may find it to be a blessing."..Lingering briefly, continued. "And don't forget where you are." Ceron finished in a low voice. A lower concentration of mana, it doesn't bold well for the potential of a mage in the truest sense, but one's body is just that. Theirs, and anything can be molded even diamond from the roughest of coal.

Still is it not the gamble that I hoped, yet Travis has exceeded my own aptitude. I'll have to use him well. Nodding Beth smiled. "Yes Asriel.".. In moments afterwards Travis slightly bowed. "What needs to be done next?" Travis plainly spoke, motioned towards at the crowds direction and thicket of stalls and pitched tents. Before meeting Ceron's gaze.

Looking up and lightly huffed, a rising smirk surfaced on Ceron. Watching the engrossed crowd flock to the stalls to buy anything and everything, how convenient.. And to our left, numerous buildings encased in flame.

"Well. We Run." Ceron said comically, causing Beth and Travis be stunned at the unlikely response. Unwaiting of their daze, Ceron continued with them soon in tow; and as if a flip of a coin the air turned colder more so than before.

The abrupt run had caused commotion, uncaring of who was in the way numerous people had painfully glared at the trio's backs. "How come the sudden change Asriel?" Beth chirped up, barely a few steps behind now. .."- Ceron about to speak, Travis cleared his throat. "Obviously, its something only Master Asriel, would know. Do we even have the ability to understand his grand plan's Beth?"..Master Asriel?..Gasping Beth wiped her forehead seemingly regretting what she said, "Your right, it was rude of me to even try and grasp at his magnificence.."

Dear they've gone insane.. And Master Asriel, it seems I can't get them to ditch any reason of lower title than that.. The control potion had never changed the subjects in ways like this before, what was different?.. Ceron reluctantly thought unable to find any suitable answer, gazed forward to the clearing it wasn't long to go.

Interrupting thought, a lone figure rushed from the crowds side, their cloak and all standing in the way.

Stopping to not run over the newcomer, Ceron stood hand on his daggers. Travis calmly walked to Ceron's side, not losing focus; Beth in-turn reaching into the satchel.. Pulling down their hood, blond hair and blue eyes settled on a young man's face. "If it isn't Asriel, running like a scared dog are you now?" Showing a pouting face the man withdrew a sword from under his cloak, "Had someone stepped on your tail, you know why don't you, pay those debts you owe me and I won't be needing to put you down pup."

"You dare.. Insult m..Asriel." Beth spoke under breath, stepping forward in an angered stride; Travis too tsk'd in annoyance, "Forgive me, I won't be needing your service any longer." Beth yelled to the man in a mocking tone, "You are free to go, that debt is null."- "Beth..? I had wondered what had happened, were you lying in some ditch or playing me for a fool.. But now I see what it was, having doubts bitch?" In disdain the man looked over Travis, Asriel back to Beth.

"Pay me to do a job, that was simple enough. But you run off with the crystals, and are in group with one you sought me to steal from?".. Sighing Ceron looked to Travis for an answer, whispering that of a bounty and collector named Marcus. Pondering above for a moment Ceron walked closer to Beth, "Pardon my intrusion.".. Ceron grabbed Beth's arm pulling her back, "You are undoubtedly right Marcus, it was all my fault. What was it."

"What?".. Marcus the infallible trailed off, "The amount of..of that I owe you. I wouldn't be a great host if I couldn't at least serve my guests now would I?".. Ceron reached for the satchel, snapped something inside then instantly threw it to Marcus. Catching it, he smiled. "I need five of these..".. "Of course.. You do." Ceron unable to keep a straight face cracked a chuckle. And drew a few more steps back.

The already dark surroundings fell deeper into shadow, erupting screams came to ear from the stalls. Wacking, and small vibrations immediately after. Marcus looked off in confusion, "I'm afraid I won't deliver my debt on time." Ceron coldly said.. Shifting back, Marcus gave an angered look, bubbling to speak his mind- Or he would have. In the same instant, his skull had been pierced. Blood ran down his face, somehow still conscious he looked up... As his eyes rolled back. A knife like leg had skewered Marcus head to anus, like a human kabob.

Pulling a stern look Ceron exchanged glances with Travis,.. Beth on the other hand couldn't help but choke on laughter, trying to clear her throat in the same stroke. "Sorry- Excuse me..." Not meaning to waste time, Ceron rushed past the dreg. Keen Travis and Beth kept in behind watching the sky with scrutiny. As glimpses of flickering light and reflective shine peered back, "It's all a big game." Ceron said just loud enough for the duo to hear, noticing their confused looks.

"This place isn't for the living, our bodies are rich in energy, and so the concentrated crystals often used here but to a finer degree."... -It was painfully clear, more so for some than others.. The wandering dead would be attracted to the massive concentration, and to leave the ceiling void of anything, left few undesirable answers. It must've been a test, yet unfair it might be. The world was never fair to begin with, this was mostly to sort out the cattle from the observant.

To say it was effective would' be a understatement. The quick and bloody decisiveness of it, was strewn across the ground. Though these dead are more than mindless beasts of their former self, unwanted possessions and trouble later was bound to take place, inhabiting the bodies and minds of the living. A walking comatose... "Don't fear yet, just run.. Only when the sounds of screaming stops should you worry."

And striking tune a mute chorus imitating death,in rhythmic thumps and lumps came as bodies went limp. In the fury of it all, echoing cries carried across the cobbled stone, bursts of magic and gusts of smoke erupted, the bustling market had turned the passing of coin to take another meaning...

..

Hapless fools, the ignorant or prideful mangled and swatted.

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

**SPLAT,SPLAT,SPLAT**

....

Inept of it, in an instant heads had rolled falling back akin to a marionette whose strings had been cut. Shapeless forms irked from the ceiling spreading and casting an ominous shade. In the passing dull, more grotesque monstrosities birthed- Seething and salivating two, three, eight legs of twisting bone and exposed rotting flesh. Hungry, keen on energy to drain and manipulate. Reflecting in the back of their skulls, the images of horror had overtaken everything, to the present ongoing destruction those careless chickens felt, it must've looked like a veil of death to further cement their doomed reality.

Still it wasn't something to ponder needlessly, they were nothing than servants of their own actions. If one should die, it shouldn't be by with any option exhausted. Ceron scoffed, as the battle raged from the corner of his eye. Mph, and yet.. Here I am. Perhaps my resurrection is just delirium, and I'm softly lying in bed. As my aids tend to some coma... If only. This is a lesson at least that, I can't let complacency or crippling ease set any route upturned is a clouded knife ready to stab me in the back.

My thoughts stopped as the once distant buildings touted in flame were in reach. Eight distinct silhouettes had revealed worn stone.

...

Inside the casing glow of flickering flame, its warmth was embracing. The rush of escaping the horror had instantly vanished, butchering just only fields away had seemed a fable within the embers light. The first element cultivated by man, simple fire was but creation at its purest. Or so many say, but in those dwindling embers the energy of earth was known to ward off undead. A simple fact from scholars to backward inbred's scorch it all till no darkness would be left. But if it was all that why needn't the farmer some tall priest or warden?..

Such the reasons not far off, than one might suspect Ceron huffed as his idle thought drew to the stone buildings- Or more accurately those around them, the foggy air had shrouded but a dozen slowly moving and huddled around in disorganized groups. Clinging to the walls of these ruined structures, a comparison that would make any pale being just but a meager size than the mass from before. As Ceron caught breath rejoicing in this still calm at the eye of the storm, numerous winding and sets of trotting beckoned a turn.

Creak, spur and trot. Slowly turning the wheels of numerous wagons ricketed back'n fourth bumping along the split bricks. The disheveled bunch of rotting wood pulled by clay-like horses had come en masse, from behind and front with their shining lanterns casting bright warmth along the surroundings. Clearing any crevice or spot drenched in lingering darkness the flames had yet reached. A lone tapping accompanied the horde, that of footsteps a figure stepped from the wagons shadow' pearl white figure at that.

Glistening, the flames danced off with clear reflection, though not the typical glossiness of one balding old man or hairlessness but of one's skull exposed. Hernall motioned out from the shadows and despite the lacking of skin, a strangeness settled amuck his bony features. The comedic air had left, slightly stopping Hernall looked at Ceron his eyes where like a void, not a word was said in that moment but the message was felt as he continued past with the guides.

Subtly adjusting his drab attire Hernall turned, raising his hand. Watching dazed Ceron soon realized what he meant, out from the momentary calm Ceron grabbed Beth and Travis by their arms then quickly ran towards the buildings... Hernall softly whispered and in a click his hand distorted as if in a mirror to soon building of blue flames. Engulfing his hand in a bluish flame Hernall looked towards the encroaching darkness and cast his hand down, with it the flame ventured leaping to the ground latching onto the strange engravings.

Sentient like the flame didn't spew outward like it normally would, but instead as if reading the runic symbols stuck in place for short moments, then bulged greater as it took to more engravings. Finally the flame drew outward akin to a protective wall following the symbols as a guide, till it went soon skyward making a dome of fire. It was a dazzling act of magic, had the "protection" before just been pretense? Ceron couldn't help but wonder at the now numerous layers of flame.

In the action shuffling of feet and exasperated breaths came from outside the firey wall, sliding and hobbling to view. Longing and desperate cries, came from the group of people. Survivors from the carnage, hmph, Hernall coughed watching the laughable scene. No one lives among those dead type forms, lest these hapless souls be bait or already possessed. Their energy would be instantly sensed they were nothing but a trap... But perhaps just one this time.

...

The short few huddled around the buildings had begun to disperse, taking vantage to the other ruins, waving in goodbye numerous parties had split. From here they were indiscernible, at least human-like figures were left the weeded out bunch were not alike to the remaining few masked in cowls and undefined coats. Archer? Mage, anything of note couldn't be seen, it was bothersome as Ceron eyed the differing people leave and go. Still a few had the dignity to let me see- Bolstering thick armor on display and gaudy battle axes, unbridled confidence taken with a measure of the surroundings? Or just foolishness...

Travis looked over his newly acquired token, taking key inspection of the buildings.. "You realize it too master?" He spoke with a dull tone reflecting his coin. See what? Beth cluelessly thought looking at her token revealing a dumbfounded expression... Ceron nodded, "The crowd noticed as well, though I had hoped it being me merely jumping to worrisome conclusions." Not good, biting his lip Ceron eyed over Beth and Travis. "We're going to have to split up from here on our brackets correspond with these ruins." Taking count of the satchel's and what Travis had brought' It will be a squeeze by myself.. I can't use my magic not now, I'll have to make due.

It would be a lie, a full one conceited in hubris if I hadn't a feeling of regret. I had to ho-faith? No, maybe at times I felt such, pity if I truly believed it. It was delusion, that's all faith amounted too in the end those that cling to it doubt their own self when it fails, in a place like this.. Faith wouldn't be of help. I had to place trust in these two, Ceron deeply sighed. It was my action, my thought' or well thoughtless-sens that brought this need, still separated an investment rooted in selfish interest- I want'ed not to waste resources.

Mine and mine alone, wasted action and all the time lost sealed.. May be even greater sin than weakness of unable to protect ones own self. But they weren't both meek as such, more than just convenience they both had their use. My plan at first was simple reactionary even, Beth with Travis at first were meant to be mule's of information' but, with the affects of control potion and hypnosis they turned into budding assets. Assets i'd rather not part with in the least, not just judging their safety but of their actions too- All while they were under such influences, and even an additional layer of hypnosis and some training, I had given them in the tomb... A lingering chance of them regaining their former self held true.

Perhaps a tad leisurely I combed my hair. Both would have to prove themselves in this regardless if I liked it or not, Beth was in no doubt sly and cunning. I hadn't let that gaze and tinkle smirk escape me, nor gave that "healing" potion any parting glance. And Travis despite whom I orginally passed over, had revealed an ability with weapons. Nobility often varies, to caste and culture, yet time hadn't swayed it this nation now shocking clear prides itself on power. Beth, Travis were both subject to this in no doubt- As apparently this vessel was too.

"Don't take any chances try to find a team or just out of sight, it would be wise to take fights with a measured breath and only ones you know that you can win." Ceron softly spoke taking care not to let any overhear. Seeing Beth's concerning look Ceron rested his hand on her shoulder, slightly blushing and taken back Beth lowered her head. "Fear not for me. Take care of yourself and you as well Travis, I expect you both to be alive when we meet. All limbs intact of course."

...

Interrupting the silence, Travis slightly bowed in a stutter, "..Regret, I am-.. Having receiving your expectation master I'll do all I can." Beth casted her view down as Travis finished, her blond hair covering a gloom look or shame?.. Listening calmly, it was better than confirming silence. Ceron hummed for a moment deciding his words with particular delicacy. Reality was, it was my own headstrong arrogance that wrought this unbecoming state, I should've done more... I can't merely walk into shit as if I was my past self.

Ceron sighed greatly looking past and unto the moving crowd of people entering the separate buildings.

"Just as I said don't take chance, flow like water." .."Water?" Beth asked, unknowing of what her master's intent.. "You both lack experience, it’s best to become like water in a sense. The first step is tearing any rigidness is your stance, what I mean is.. Adapt. Flow past and curve your moves, a rigid foundation will crumble under stress unlike one that can move with change."--

Shaking, Ceron was cut short an intense ringing took presence. Harsh to the point one's eardrums quaked from pressure' Koing, Koing... Repeating the loud sound reverberated calling all to face it with curiosity and agitation. Drawing from the center, a stone platform was constructed like a stage with a bony figure standing tall to a massive bell. It looked bigger than the fattest man Ceron had seen- Which was a particular big feat. To the sides of the platform others stood in front of parked wagons. What's our skeletal friend up too now, Ceron pondered looking over the scene and past a familiar face.

..

"Attention." Hernall echoed in a commanding tone, his voice however far seemed inches away making hairs rise on end. Everyone had, and like if they couldn't resist jerked their heads immediately to the undead, his words demanding servitude in each syllable. Ceron tensed neither could he deny Hernall like a shackle tightening around his throat it was unmistakable. It was simply a demonstration of his overarching power, a method he had often used by merely tying magic to one's vocal cord. Though merely, rarely used in the case of actual practitioners of the art, it wasn't an easy feat despite how Ceron had remembered it.

Hernall took view of the crowd in a nod, with the rather lacking skin it was hard to decipher his expression... "Cut above the rest are you now?.. Yet your heads look like that of a reddened baboon's ass from just a whiff of my aura...' Hernall's eye sockets glowed with intensity, ending on a dismissive chuckle. A slight sarcastic provocation, judging by the crowd's response not many took it to heart though there were those soft skinned outliers huffing in an angry humiliation.

Even displaying such emotion at someone wholly superior than everyone here was idiocy at its finest, were they courting a quick disembowelment or the protective flames to suddenly fall? Fools never change even with centuries of time passing... Hernall gestured somewhat haphazardly, in a comedic way' or was perhaps just the oddities of his fleshless figure unmasked, naked. For all to see, though it wasn't as if he was truly plastered on a pedestal. Ragged robes and a partial hood had a loose grasp on his frame, strangely a pair of eyes with a tight knot by his waist.. Still it would be a lie saying one hadn't seen the wayside view of it, undead commanding the living.

Most if not all common folk, believe the undead to be incarnate of evil having an insatiable desire hating the living to their core. True was, but this was nearly just a cycle of nature, the lowest cast mindless were no more than simple zombies hallowing anything they saw. High undead were something else entirely from the pit to the pinnacle, it was a massive fall in difference of mental aptitude; if anything at all they were cunning and able to grasp realities fundamental truths. This of course was only surmising the aspect of true born undead and not reincarnation or body warping magic.

"May have been a tad uncouth, regard my other statement as just temporary insanity' Hernall hummed, seeming somewhat amused at the reactions he saw, "Looking now some of you have already noticed the importance of these ruins behind you... And if you hadn't.. Better wake up, you're in league with men we won't hold your hand. The preliminary trial has passed, and now another shall commence, there will be no services offered than a few minutes for rest..' Each word was hung like a man on a hook gouging any notion of care away, meaning the test will be cruel and decisive just like the last.

Waiting till the atmosphere was dripping in anticipation Hernall clapped, in response the figures by his sides straightened as the undead gestured towards them with a courteous lean.

"These fellows here are not statues, despite what they appear. Each of them shall conduct observations and evaluations on the next trial to prove worth- Simply as make it or.. Don't. That said there are no rules on engagement, everyone is left to their own discretion... The goal is simple in each designed section of these ruins a gate lay's at the end. Make it there." Hernall spoke in a manner of fact tone, as if he had laid down a full picture in the lull dark...

The still silence only served to amplify the soft splotches of murmuring, readily through the crowd to nearly a roar. All the while Hernall kept a persistent gaze, followed up by the guides passing stares, had many of these fools thought it would be an easy feat? One of the basics is information, acquiring it is part of the process. Interpret how they like, divide? Slaughter, cooperation or a surprised spine ripped out. It was interesting Hernall internally chuckled. I seldom find any cure for my apathy, yet this test should dull the boredom a little...

Pushing and butting the crowd parted as a figure desperately rushed to the front, momentarily stopping for a breather as they exited; sharp their eyes were full of confusion and anger, a tall brutish orc with his mouth wide open. Going to speak he had instantly lost the will, his words had vanished. A invading lump clogged its way to the throat- "Hmph, there's always those among you who cannot take this place." Hernall declared as he dismissed the erratic looks, walked away. Just as known this wasn't a place for the living, as those who stay here will eventually degrade. The foundations that can't take it...

**The orc fell lifeless in a loud thump...**