(xxix.)

Lazarus was fucked.

The moment the apparent Grand Archon's foot arched to smash his skull time stopped. For what seemed like years the Lich stared at the descending boot, the sole that encased his entire fate within it. Oddly enough, he felt no rage, irritation, or regret. No. Lazarus felt only a single, lone emotion.

Curiosity.

What came next? What was after re-death, if re-death followed death? Was it oblivion? Absolution? Or was there something else out there, lurking amongst the pillars of destiny?

He wouldn’t find out. Not this time at least.

For the red text spoke.

Unique Requirement Met: Die Again, Twice

Title Granted: Bag of Bones

Level Up Granted

Would you like to apply your level up? Y/N

“The red text has spoken!” he cheered mentally. He quickly selected yes while wondering just what the Title granted him.

Race: Lich

Sex: Male

Class: Necromancer

Title: Bag of Bones

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: 7 Elite

Heath: 2,000/2,000 Mana: 50 /2,200

Minor Stats:

Strength:11, Dexterity:11, Intelligence:18

Wisdom:16 Charisma: 1 Luck:20

Lazarus took one look at the stats and his abilities and was perplexed. Nothing had changed except... “I… more luck? That makes no sense. Have you forsaken me, oh god of numbers?” he wailed.

But the mystery power behind the numbers must have heard him, as for the second time in what seemed a short eternity it replied.

Upgrade your Phylactery? Yes or No

Ecstatic, he immediately chose yes, slamming the choice mentally as hard as he could. Similar options to last time become available in a list format, but there was also a slew of… new options.

The 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 take over anybody that touches the Phylactery .

-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.

-Summon undead one level above your current limit if you do not possess a body.

-Savage the land around you with an aura of death.

-Oblivion awaits. Summon Demons.

The Lich needed options. Options that would allow him to survive the boot of death that was literally dropping towards him.

He mentally hovered over the Oblivion Awaits, wondering if that choice would save him:

Oblivion awaits. Summon Demons.

Summon an Arch Demon and an accompanying legion from hell. You do not control them.

This option was not for him. While he loved the idea of summoning forces to paste his enemies, remaining in control was a requirement for Lazarus. There would be no out of control demons in this region of the world. Not yet at least.

Thinking, he selected what seemed to be a borderline possession ability. If his body was going to be destroyed, maybe he could possess someone or something? Yes, that seemed a likely possibility.

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

Mentally dominate and possess anyone who is lesser than yourself that dares to touch your phylactery. Warning, should you lose the battle of wills you will become the dominated.

Cost: 20 Luck

Time seemed to lurch forward, the boot descending slightly. Yes. Yes, this was his one chance at survival and a comeback. Rebuilding a body, particularly with such powerful opposition nearby, would only result in him being destroyed or locked away for eternity. Was the ability insanely expensive? Yes. Yes it was. Did he have any choice? No. No he did not.

He quickly selected the ability and slammed into yes with every ounce of willpower he had. The option was chosen. It was done.

A sudden infusion of power burned in his necklace phylactery, but it seemed to go unnoticed by his opponent. Then the boot descended and he knew only blackness. An eternity of darkness before awareness slowly spread around him. Then he heard the voices as his phylactery abilities kicked in.

“Tree spirit, my apologies. I wish you a good day. Please, do not hesitate to call upon me if you need further assistance,” the Archon said, turning and striding away.

The Dryad nodded in respect and deference, “Of course, Grand Archon. Thank you… thank you for saving me!” she replied earnestly.

As she straightened, Lazarus watched her catch sight of the phylactery. She descended her tree in a rush of cautious momentum, landing next to him. Slowly she bent over and, with a pause that caused him to hold breath he wasn’t capable of retaining, picked up the necklace that held his soul.

The effect was immediate as he slammed his mental willpower through her defenses and into her mind, her eyes opening in horror.

“Hello there,” said the Lich directly into her mind as her eyes bulged out in terror.