(xix.)

The skill returned an error? That cannot a good sign.

The Taoist did not seem to notice the skill activate. Though Lazarus was fully garbed in his Holy Knight's Armor, he was still grateful it was easy to maintain a neutral expression as a walking skeleton. However, it was his words he might need to choose carefully.

“I... am not a noble of this fallen country,” Lazarus stated slowly.

No sooner did he finish his declaration than the Taoist leapt from the flying sword. The weapon shot forward and impaled Lazarus's armor with a sickening metal-on-metal CRUNCH. Right in the gorget. So much for calculated diplomacy. The Lich's helmet slumped to one side.

“Then I don't need you, do I, mortal?” The Taoist chuckled malevolently.

Lazarus's armor did not break. The Taoist made a hand sign to return the blade to him; however, it did not budge.

“What a waste of time! The sword must be stuck in that stupid heavy armor,” he spat.

Right as the Taoist reached for the hilt of the sword, Lazarus lashed out, grabbing the man by his throat and lifting him a foot in the air. With his other gauntleted hand he grabbed the hilt of the blade and wrenched it out from his armor.

The Taoist was shocked to the bone.

“You know, I had planned on being reasonable right up until you saw fit to attack me without provocation,” the Lich sneered, straightening his helm. “I see Taoists are no better in this world than those I had read about.”

Lazarus let go of him, keeping a grip on the broadsword. “Tell me, Taoist, why should I not kill you right here and now?”

Lip curling, the Taoist staggered backward from his release. Before he could formulate an answer, Lazarus cast Iron Maiden, impaling the Taoist without hesitation. He stared at the dead man's body impassively.

“Like I care what your reason is, I'll kill anyone who dares to attack me first. Filthy barbarian.”

Evolution Requirement Met: Kill Heaven Defying Immortal

Would you like to Evolve now? Yes or No

All hail the Divine Red Text! Without hesitation, the Lich selected the 'Yes' option.

Requirement Met: Death's Companion (evolving skill) has been updated.

Death's Companion has updated Holy Knight's Armor to Ebon King's Armor.

Death's Companion has updated Create Lesser Undead to Create Undead.

Death's Companion has updated Iron Maiden to Black Iron Maiden.

Lazarus looked at his new status:

Status:

Name: Lazarus

Race: Lich

Sex: Male

Class: Necromancer

Skills:

Death's Companion – Summon a Unique intelligent companion (evolving skill), Level 2

Summon Jet - Allows you to summon Death's Companion Jet back to the summoner. Level MAX

Create Undead – Create Animal undead that can follow basic orders. Create Human sized undead that can follow basic orders. Level 1

Pain Nullification – Level MAX

Mana Manipulation – Level MAX

Unarmed Combat – User gains access to martial skills (Requires the unarmed skill as a prerequisite). Damage increased while not wielding a weapon.

Charged Strike – Level 1

Spell Craft – Level N/A

Herb Gathering – Enables the user to have a greater than average success rate at gathering wild herbs or other plants. Level 1

Appraisal – Allows user to appraise information about anything connected to them or the world around them. Level 2

Intimidation – Put pressure on the target to force compliance. Level 1

Spells:

King's Great Sword – Create a better than average sword with aesthetic appeal. Mana cost: 500 per sword. If the sword is destroyed the mana will be returned to the caster. Level MAX

Ebon King's Armor – Garb the caster in full plate armor with Dark aesthetic and aura. If the armor is destroyed the mana will be returned to the caster. Mana cost: 700

Level MAX

Black Iron Maiden – Create 20 Iron spears to impale a targeted area at different angles. Remains materialized for 60 seconds. Mana cost 150. Level 1.

Magic Aptitude: Metal

Major Stats:

Level: 6 Elite

Heath: 2,000/2,000 Mana: 2,300/2,200

Minor Stats:

Strength:11, Dexterity:11, Intelligence:18

Wisdom:16 Charisma: 1 Luck:16

Lazarus marveled at the changes to his status. He spied a twinkle over by the body of the fallen Taoist. Around the man's neck was a strange necklace. The pendant looked rather like a miniaturized anatomically correct heart. He snatched it from the corpse's neck. As soon as it touched his hand he beheld the mighty Red Text once more.

Create your Phylactery? Yes or No

Again Lazarus selected the 'Yes' option. He felt it was the right thing to do, almost on an instinctual level.

Options scrolled across his vision.

-User is unable to interact with the outside world but will rebuild your body at an increased rate.

-User is able to interact with the outside world.

-User is able to cast magic in Phylactery.

-User is able to take over anybody that touches the Phylactery .

-Make the Phylactery indestructible.

-Turn the Phylactery into a familiar animal form until body can be created.

-Drain vitality from any who touch the Phylactery, increasing how quickly the new body is created.

-Camouflage as a tree while body is being rebuilt.

-Allow holders of the Phylactery to use one or more of your skills or spells.

Lazarus selected one of the most attractive options, and an explanation populated in a new field:

User is able to interact with the outside world.

-User will be able to see in a 360 degree view around the Phylactery within 20 feet. Purchase for 2 luck points. Yes or No?

So it will take stat points to create the Phylactery... well, there are worse things. Lazarus thought about the options available to him and decided to do so.

He then selected 'Yes' and picked another function:

User is able to cast magic in Phylactery.

-Cast spells with half maximum mana available to Lich.

Purchase for 2 luck points. Yes or No?

Absolutely. This way I will neither be blind nor defenseless.

Lazarus then selected 'Yes' and picked another function:

Make the Phylactery indestructible.

-No normal damage will be able to harm your Phylactery.

Purchase for 5 luck points. Yes or No?

An expensive investment, but a necessary one in his opinion. Probably the first choice he should have selected, but nevermind. Lazarus selected 'Yes' one last time, leaving the menu for Phylactery creation.

The other options seemed a bit sinister for my taste, really. Not to mention the stat cost makes me wary.