Necromancer

A Royal Road Fan Fiction

By: Halosty

Chapter 12

Quietus returned to Jack. He would soon have his quest rewards. Plus, he had that skill, and it was really nice.

“You’ve given up, I see. Such a shame. You really had potential.”

“What? No, I completed it.”

“...Really? That’s... a surprise. You do, however, appear to be telling the truth. I doubt many people would have been able to do that.”

“I just had to die. It wasn’t a big deal.”

“People fear death, you know. Even foreigners like you. Well, I guess ones that aren’t like you. Well, learn anything good?”

Quietus smiled. “I learned something excellent.”

*Ting*

You completed the quest.

You have gained a level!

You have gained a level!

You have gained a level!

You have gained a level!

Four levels from one quest! Quietus hadn’t known you could get so much experience at once. Of course, he had lost more levels than that doing the quest, so it wasn’t really that impressive.

Jack pulled out a bundle. “For actually succeeding at that task, you deserve this reward.”

In his hands was a ratty old cloak, filled with holes. It was faded from black to a dull grey, and looked like it could fall apart at any time.

“...Thanks.”

“Oh, it’s much better than it looks. It’s all about the functionality, so the style may be a bit... lacking.”

Secretly, Quietus liked the cloak. He thought it looked kind of cool. In a completely unrelated note, he also had very poor taste in clothes.

Ratty Cloak: Durability: ?? Defense: ??

This cloak is old and full of holes. It’s abilities are unknown.

Quietus put the cloak on. He was unaware that items could be identified- he just assumed they would remain mysterious until he figured it out on his own. He was about to leave, having concluded his business, when Jack spoke again.

“I see you are still fond of daggers. Have you chosen the path of a guild assassin, or perhaps a rogue?”

Quietus pondered for a bit. “Perhaps I should do so. I was hoping to be a wizard or some such, but as you know, there are no magic guilds in the city.”

“Yes, that is indeed unfortunate. I wish you luck on your path.”

“Thank you.” Quietus turned to leave, then remembered something. He turned back. “I recall you had some interesting magic. You said you might be able to teach me.”

“So I did. However, it is but trivial magic. Would you not be better off focusing on the dagger that you already wield? If you learn magic as well as dagger fighting, you will not excel at either.”

“That’s true, but your magic intrigued me. The ability to bind someone’s spirit to a location seems very useful, and I can’t help but think you have more mysterious things to teach me. Well, can your magic be used along side a dagger?”

“Well yes. In fact, it all requires but a single hand to use. Of course, it is but trifling magic, as I have said. Are you sure you wish to learn it?”

“I do.”

“Just to be clear, this magic requires some... commitment. You won’t be able to change your mind later, if you regret it.”

“How could I regret something learned from you?” Plus, Quietus thought, it must be some good magic if he didn’t want others to learn it, as it seemed he was implying with his reluctance.

“Very well then. I’ll just need some of your time, your attention, and just the tiniest bit of... your blood. This is your last chance.”

Would you like to change your class to Warlock? This choice is permanent. (Y/N)

Quietus, of course, accepted the change.

While most people would have been very freaked out, or at least nervous, from what followed, Quietus just watched in rapture. There was some chanting, along with some of his blood being drawn and evaporating into the darkness that was suddenly encroaching around him. Then, there was an explanation of how to use the basic spells he had learned.

Dark Hand: Sheathes your hand in dark energy. Just a touch from this spell inflicts great pain.

Well... something for him to do with the hand he didn’t have on his dagger. It could be quite useful.

Soul Bind: Binds the soul of the target to the location. This prevents rebirth in a different location, as well any form of spirit traveling. Low success rate until proficiency is gained.

He’d already experienced this one, although it was used in a way that benefited him. He could imagine various ways that it wouldn’t be such a nice spell to have cast on you.

Dark Cloak: Covers your body in darkness. This reduces your visibility in similarly dark areas. Consumes mana while active.

Oooh, sneaky. He liked it. Although, he imagined that sometimes it would just make him look like an obvious blob of darkness.

Empowers your eyes with the ability to see with less light. Consumes mana while active-

Quietus had the feeling that he was going to need a lot more mana... since he hadn’t used any at all up until now. He decided to distribute points to Intelligence and Wisdom, since he would definitely need those now.

You have learned a skill

Dark Magic Mastery

Increases the effectiveness and reduces the cost of all darkness related magic, depending on level.

Well, that would help eventually. He just had to work at it now.

“I’m surprised at how quickly I could learn the spells.”

“Well, normal magic can take longer to learn, but our type... the knowledge is infused in us. Later, you will find others who can teach you more, but this is the limit of my knowledge. Don’t worry about finding them. You will encounter them for sure, if your journey continues for long.”

“Thank you for teaching me. I’m off to go find some more adventures to do.”

“Fare well.”

By adventures, Quietus meant assassinations. He really wanted to stab someone again. Err, that is... he wanted to practice his dagger work on something with flesh. Without actually hurting anyone in the real world, of course. Because that would be bad. Yeah.

End Chapter 12

Next Chapter: viewtopic.php?f=47&t=582