2024-12-31 05:37:30Ferah finally released Vardy after what felt like an eternity. Removing her black great helm, she knelt before him on the grass, revealing her deathly pale face, similar to Vardy's, indicating her Undead nature.
She was a hybrid of Dullahan and Vampire, evident in her sharp, ferocious eyes with black sclera and glowing crimson red pupils. Her dark black hair was styled in a messy bob cut, partly obscuring her left eye with bangs.
"You look as good as ever," Vardy remarked, noting Ferah's stunning beauty, even more impressive in real life than in the game's graphics.
Vardy's Undead nature prevented him from being distracted by her appearance, focusing solely on his purpose. Risen Undead like them were driven by a single purpose, unlike natural Undead like Vampires or Dullahan, who experienced a wide range of emotions.
"I-I am grateful, my master," Ferah responded, closing her eyes briefly before meeting Vardy's gaze. "You too look splendid, my master. But I must ask - why have you changed your appearance? And why have you become Undead? And where is your equipment?"
"Your appearance has changed too," Vardy pointed out. "Your equipment is gone, and your level has been reset, despite remembering our past adventures."
Ferah expressed her confusion about the changes, prompting Vardy to inquire further about what happened after his departure.
"After we defeated the Howling Darkness together, we went our separate ways," Ferah explained. "I returned to my Keep in the Netherealm for rest while you addressed the United Council of our victory."
Vardy nodded, recalling the game's storyline. Ferah's return to the Netherealm after the final battle was expected, but what happened afterward was a mystery.
"And then?" Vardy pressed for more information.
"I do not know," Ferah admitted. "I fell into a deep trance, a sleep from which I thought I would never awake. In that trance, I dreamt of our adventures and our reunion."
Ferah's voice wavered as she recounted her years of waiting for Vardy's return. She had hoped he would awaken and call out to her, longing for their reunion.
"I'm sorry, Ferah," Vardy said sympathetically, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But we're together now."
"Yes," Ferah agreed, smiling at Vardy. "We are together. And I vow to never let you go again."
Vardy appreciated Ferah's loyalty but reminded her of the challenges they faced in this new world.
"You have to be careful, Ferah," Vardy cautioned. "This is a new world, different from the one you knew before. Whatever we do, you must listen to me."
"I am ready to follow your commands, my master," Ferah assured him.
"That means no "Blood Rage", unless absolutely necessary," Vardy instructed. He warned her about the dangers of losing control while in a rage, especially in this new reality.
"I understand, my master," Ferah acknowledged. "I will suppress my urges, but if necessary, I will quench my thirst outside of battle."
Vardy also introduced Ferah to Tracy and Luthor, explaining their relationship and requesting Ferah's respect for them.
"I will treat them with the utmost respect, my master," Ferah promised. "If they are your friends, they are mine as well."
Vardy felt reassured by Ferah's loyalty and took a moment to contemplate his choice of spells from the "Archive of Evil Arts Rank 2".
"Are you learning more spells?" Ferah inquired, observing Vardy's selection process based on their linked status.
"Yes, I am," Vardy confirmed. "I'll be taking "Nega Force", "Summon Undead", and "Demon Port"."
Ferah questioned his choice of "Demon Port", but Vardy explained its usefulness in interrogation, considering their new circumstances.
"I see, my master," Ferah responded, eager to assist in any way she could.
Vardy smiled at Ferah's enthusiasm, grateful for her unwavering loyalty as they faced the challenges of their new reality together.
"We gotta leave here soon," said Vardy, giving a long look at the Sign he'd made. He couldn't stick around, even if it meant leaving the Sign and the safety of the Apex Realm behind.
Soon enough, there'd be inquiries about Sly's death, and this part of the Vagrant forest was too shallow to hide in. For the next few days, at least, he had to clear out.
That meant no easy access to the Apex Realm, no quick refills on his "Restoration Flask", and no crafting until he got another Sign, which he'd get after finishing the first Trial Quest.
"You three," Vardy clapped his hands, commanding the Essentrias. "Scatter some of Sly's remains here and there. Leave tracks and claw marks everywhere."
This way, if anyone found Sly's remains, they'd just think he'd died to Vagrants.
Vardy had to figure out where to go next. There was no way he was going back to White Oak, not with him supposed to be dead and all.
The answer was Haven city, where he could find more information about Dean and his gang, and where he could find some anonymity among the 300,000 people.
There, he could wait and gather information while hunting and leveling in the Vagrant forest outside the city walls.
The issue was getting to Haven. Vardy rummaged through Sly's bag, finding packs of pills and used syringes which he tossed away.
What was useful was Sly's Eye-Phone, but it was locked to Sly's fingerprints. Vardy had an idea.
He called over the Essentrias and had one of them vomit out a few of Sly's intact fingers. Using one of the fingers, Vardy activated the Eye-Phone, but it still required facial recognition.
"Hm," Vardy stared at the locked phone. He wanted to access it for information about Dean and his crew, maybe even use Sly's credits for transportation, but it seemed those options were not available yet. Yet.
Haven was a tier 3 walled city, not the highest tier but still better than living in the Wastelands.
Vardy knew there'd be black market technos capable of bypassing Sly's phone locks and forging IDs for him and Ferah. But the issue was what to do with the other undead. For now, hiding them in the forest was the only solution.
Vardy thought about becoming a Lich, which could store undead within them. But that was something to consider later. Right now, getting to Haven was the priority. Without easy transportation, he'd have to go by foot, traveling through the forest to avoid attention.
"What's that?" asked Ferah, peering at the Eye-Phone.
"This? It's called an Eye-Phone," explained Vardy. "But we can't use it. It's locked to someone I killed. Bound items are usable only by a specific individual."
"Incredible," marveled Ferah. "And I cannot even sense any magic from it."
"No magic here," said Vardy. "We're the only ones who can use magic."
"Then conquering this new world shall be no challenge at all!" declared Ferah.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," cautioned Vardy. "Humans here have evolved with unique powers, and there are monsters called Vagrants with their own abilities. We have to be careful."
"I'll always be on guard, my master," promised Ferah, raising her shield. "With this shield, I swear you will face no harm."
"Thanks, but I can handle myself," Vardy assured her. "But I'll count on you to cover me when I need it. Just like old times."
"Like old times," agreed Ferah with a smile.
"Alright, it's time to move out," said Vardy. "But first, I need to make use of this Sign before we leave."
"Create Undead", chanted Vardy, summoning Undead creatures to aid them on their journey. He created a Skeleton Archer, a Skeleton Rogue, and an Evileye for scouting.
"All done," Vardy announced.
Ferah inspected the new Undead and nodded in approval. "You all pass to serve my master."
"I'm glad they passed your screening," said Vardy. "Now, I just have one final stop before we go."
"You need something forged?" guessed Ferah.
"You're right," said Vardy. "I have to use that Soul in my inventory. If we're leaving the Sign for a while, I need to make the most of this final visit."
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The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 10: Forge of the Future
Vardy stepped onto the Sign, and the teleporting light him and everyone else. In a moment, they arrived in the dim interior of the Apex Realm temple, with its gray stone and tall gothic pillars."The Apex Realm. I never thought I'd be back here with you, master," said Ferah. She seemed happy at first, but then she squinted. "Something feels off about this place.""What do you mean?" asked Vardy."The Apex Realm is supposed to be a safe space created by the twin gods Amara and Sindri. It should have a warmth to it from their powers. But I don't sense it. It feels...dead," said Ferah. "It's like this place is just a copy, lacking the real 'life' but still having its powers.""I noticed that too," said Vardy. "My theory is that this isn't the real Apex Realm. It's just a replica, still holding its powers but lacking the true essence.""Is that so?" Ferah looked around warily. "As long as you trust it, I will too.""So far, it hasn't let me down," said Vardy. He leaped over the Wellspring
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 11: The Forest’s Secret
The Evil Eye observed a Vagrant approaching Vardy, likely drawn by the scent of blood and death. It stood three meters tall, with smooth white skin and a heavily muscular body. It moved with a hunched back, dragging its knuckles along the ground. Its appearance was almost unsettling, resembling an overly muscled mannequin from a horror movie.This creature was a Geist. Vardy remembered from his research in White Oak that Vagrants were classified into three categories. Natural Vagrants, like the Essentrias, adapted to nature and behaved like wild beasts. Geist Vagrants, on the other hand, were inexplicable monstrosities that were functionally immortal and had a relentless thirst for blood and flesh. Titans were monstrously powerful Vagrants of legendary size."We're leaving," Vardy declared. He wasn't willing to risk a fight with a C-rank monster at the moment. Ferah sensed his hesitation and agreed to follow his lead."Geists hunt living humans," Vardy explained. "So, as undead, we sh
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 12: Shadows over Haven
Vardy and Ferah walked up to the Odinsons base. Odinson members stood up from tables and tarps where they enjoyed the shade to talk or play cards or inspect tech and put their hands to their hips, thumbing Bolter pistols.All of the Odinsons notably had an artificial blue left eye - a signature marking for their gang. Among this were tattoos that evoked the image of old Norse runes."What do you want, Mr. Mask?" An Odinson, a big guy, probably easily six foot two (~188cm), came up to Vardy and Ferah. He scratched his rough blonde beard with a mechanical hand and smiled at Ferah. "Or are you here to sell her? Cause' if you are, I'd buy in a damn heartbeat. Promise I won't rough her up too much, either. Gotta make sure you can keep her fresh to put food on your table, right?"A nerve became visible on Ferah's forehead, and Vardy immediately raised a hand in front of her as he sensed a lethal punch coming."No, I'm no pimp," said Vardy. "I'm here to buy tech.""Yeah?" said the Odinson. H
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 13: The Dark Soul
Quiet aftermath settled over the mobile home like a heavy shroud. Ferah stood amidst the chaos she had created, her eyes aglow with fierce inner light. Blood residue dripped from her weapons but her focus remained sharp. Vardy scanned the room with a calculating gaze - he knew they shouldn't be around here long. Odinsons might have reinforcements nearby.His voice low but urgent.”Get what we need”, Vardy ordered “quickly” Ferah nodded, her sharp eyes scanning the cramped tech room already. The kinda small Dimly lit, cluttered space was a maze of cybernetic parts, various tech forgeries, weapons and scattered equipment across the workbench. Some Burnt circuitry's acrid smell mixed with remnants of their battle, pungent odor hanging heavy. Vardy's Evil Eyes swept over the room, collecting data on every device with frenetic intensity. He needed an edge - something to aid his quest, in the impending battle.“We will need a tech card and some tools,” Vardy said, moving toward a corner wh
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 14: Unveiling the Dark Warlock
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The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 15: The Fight for his Soul
The air crackled with dark energy as Sly’s desperate attack surged through the room. Vardy’s senses were on high alert, unimaginable thought circles him, the full weight of his power pressing down on him. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to unleash more force, to overwhelm Sly and end this madness once and for all. But a part of him hesitated,just for a moment. The darkness that roamed within him was potent, but it was not the only force inside of him now.The warlock’s magic stared and twisted, striking out in waves that threatened to swallow everything in its path. The walls around them cracked and splintered, the very foundation of the chamber groaning under the weight of the unleashed power. Luthor gritted his teeth, his bow pulled tight, eyes scanning the battlefield for any opening.“You can’t win, Vardy,” Sly growled, his voice filled with maddened conviction. “You will never control it. You will be mine, just like everything else.”Vardy felt the pulse of Sly’s dark e
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 16: The Rebirth of the Dark Storm
The cold wind outside the destruction of Colossus was very thick with the smell of burnt iron, more metallic odour and charred earth, though high in the sky, the sun seemed dimmer, as if the earth itself was holding its own breath. Standing at the edge of all that has been ruined, Vardy stared at the whole situation for a while, his hands still glowing dimly from the intended Magic he had unleashed moments before. The power was still with him, but it was no longer a burden, it was now a part and parcel of his life, an extension of his will.Farah on the other hand, was the first person to break the silence, That was… totally different master, you didn't just win, vardy. You changed the whole game", her voice held a note of praise and admiration, but there was something else lingering in her eyes, curiosity, perhaps. Or probably fear. Fear of what Vardy was going to become. Vardy didn't respond immediately, caution his thoughts were far gone, lost in the imp
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 17: The Forces of Shadows
The air vibrated with the energy of the coming storm as Vardy stood in the center of the battlefield, his mind sharp and focused despite the trouble around him. He could feel the plump of his own magic, a force that rolls just beneath the surface, ready to be unleashed at the slightest command. But now was not the time for reckless power. Now, it was about control.The Aegaon soldiers, And their dark robes swirling like smoke in the wind, took their positions, their cold eyes fixed on Vardy alone.He could see their hands twitching, preparing spells of their own, arcane energies that could destroy the entire cities. But Vardy was no ordinary opponent. He had faced foes like this before, but none had the power of the Aegaon, nor the unyielding drive that they carried."Vardy, the Dark Warlock," one of the Aegaon leaders spoke, his voice a smooth, almost hypnotic tone. "You have the blood of the ancient warlocks flowing through you, through your vain. You are dangerous. But you are also
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Chapter 27: Mysteries Unfold
The five set out to find leverage against Sly and his goons but little did they know it was under their nose the whole time. The group still sat in the War Room late into the night with candle light around the room. Losing hope and as exhaustion overtook their bodies, they sat down around the table with sighs of defeat. Vardy glanced at his staff and felt for the light within. It was dim, more than it had been in recent days. "The light.....seems to be more dim than usual...." Tracy observed. Inside Vardy was in a panic with no idea what to do but outside, he held his face and body in the same loose, confident and poised manner. He nodded. "It is. I don't know how to fix it." His voice came out even as he spoke. Tracy sat there, thinking and mentally Flipping through books she had been reading for research purposes and remembered a particular spell book that had caught her fancy just earlier that day. Scrolls and ancient diaries sat open and scattered across the table making it hard
Chapter 26: Shadows Rising
The calm in Oak Academy was deceptive. Though the city was beginning to rebuild, the team couldn’t ignore the growing tension in the air. The darkness that lingered wasn’t just Sly’s presence,it was something deeper, an under flow of unease that warned them of what was to come, Vardy, Ferah, Luthor, Tracy, and Jesse gathered in the academy’s war room, still looking at the map searching over one maps and ancient texts in the rom. The flickering candlelight danced across their faces, their expressions stood with determination.Jesse leaned over the table, tracing his finger across a map of the region. "Sly’s words weren’t just bravado. He’s not working alone. The Dark Warlocks have been rebuilding their forces in the shadows. If we’re going to stop them, we need to find their stronghold."Luthor crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "We can’t just charge in blind. Sly’s been one step ahead of us every time. If we’re not careful, we’ll walk straight into a trap."Tracy nodded, her fing
Chapter 25: The Unbelievable Return
Days have passed since Aziel’s fall, and the city began its slow recovery. The people were freed from the darkness that had shadowed them, they all started to rebuild, unite, and see each other once again, and the air was lighter than it had been in years. But Vardy and his team knew better than to think the war was over. The presence of the Dark Warlocks lingered like a shadow on the horizon. Despite Aziel’s defeat, there were whispers of power far greater, a force that had been pulling the strings from the shadows for age's.One evening, as the team gathered in their makeshift headquarters at Oak Academy, the familiar figure of Sly appeared on the horizon. His silhouette was unmistakable,tall, confident, and exuding an aura of pure malevolence. His face was partially concealed by a hood, but his eyes gleamed with the same unyielding determination that had marked his every step since the beginning of this journey up till the moment."Sly," Vardy commanded, his voice filled with a m
Chapter 24: The Light against the Dark
The citadel, once a monument to Aziel’s reign of terror, stood silent in the wake of his fall. Sunlight filtered through the cracks in the stone, casting long beams across the ruin. The oppressive darkness that had once hung heavy over the city was gone, but the cost of victory weighed heavily on the survivors. Vardy, Ferah, Tracy, Jesse and Luthor stood at the heart of the shattered citadel, the echoes of the battle still roaming through the air.Vardy’s chest rose and fell in labored breaths, the toll of the final confrontation taking its toll on him. The light within him had faded, leaving a hollow emptiness in its wake. He had given everything to defeat Aziel, but in doing so, he felt the last of his strength slip away.Ferah knelt beside him, her gaze soft but unwavering. "You did it, Vardy. We did it. The city is safe because of you."Vardy’s eyes met hers, filled with both gratitude and sorrow. "It doesn’t feel like we are done yet," he admitted, his voice soothing the situatio
Chapter 23: The Confrontation of Vardy against the Dark
Vardy kept on pushing in, giving all he could to stop all of this, he knew. He was no match for what was ahead of him, but should he just. Give in, after all, No he can't do that, not if it was him alone in this,, but for the precious sake of, the one around him, I'll rather die by my hand than give in to this forsaken darkness lurking inside, I won't accept defeat not so soon,His heart was still pounding, it looked more like the dark could listen to everything he was saying, and with every step they took towards the citadel, the depth would always yawn to park them in, but was not a match for the three skills and what they had encountered so far..The air inside the citadel was thick with the weight of dark power, pressing down on them like an invisible hand. The walls seemed to pulse with energy, their surfaces slick with shadow, as though the very structure of the citadel was alive. The distant echoes of Aziel’s laughter vibrate through the halls, mocking and sticking, but Vardy
Chapter 22: The Heart of Darkness
The air was alive with crackling energy, and the very earth beneath Vardy's feet seemed to hold with a dark, unyielding power. Tendrils of shadow reached out from the cracks in the ground, twisting and writhing like serpents with a mind of their own. Each movement sent a shiver through the city, as though the streets themselves were groaning under the weight of an ancient, forgotten force.Aziel’s figure loomed above them, the faint glow of his eyes illuminating the darkness. He stood unaffected, unrestricted, not to be destroyed, his confidence over shadowing him, his hands raised in a commanding gesture. The dark energy swirled around him like an obedient pet, bending to his will. His smile, cruel and knowing, sent a shiver down Vardy’s spine."You still don’t understand, do you?" Vardy. Aziel’s voice was soft, almost coaxing. "This power, and this darkness,is your inheritance, Vardy. It has been waiting for you. All this time, waiting for your presence just to embrace, you’ve fough
Chapter 21: Eyes of the Dark Storm
Now, dark and cold, tired and weary, the city loomed ahead like a dark stain on the earth surface, its towering spires reaching up to the sky like cracking teeth, sharp and unforgiving. Vardy could feel the oppressive weight of its presence pressing on him, the air thick with a sense of looming danger that seemed to emanate from the very streets.Ferah, Luthor, and Vardy walked in silence, their footsteps muffled by the dirt road beneath them. The wind had picked up, circling dust and debris around them, as if the very world was preparing for something monumental."We’re getting close," Luthor said, his voice low, almost as if speaking too loudly might provoke something hidden in the shadows. "This place… it feels wrong.""I can feel it too," Ferah agreed, her expression tense. "Something's off about this city. It’s like it’s been waiting for us."Vardy said nothing, his mind consumed by the storm of thoughts swirling in him. The darkness within him, the pull of Aziel’s words, the ch
Chapter 20: The Daring Choice
The reality is now and here, a way forward is all I can only think of, I don't care about myself, but for those who have journeyed with me up till now, Vardy spoke to himself in silence, I can't put them down, I can't give up on them, he said to himself.Vardy’s heart raced, the weight of Aziel’s words pressing down on him like a thousand stones. The very idea that the darkness, something he had fought so desperately to escape, was a part of him was too much to comprehend. His mind reeled, struggling to understand how he could possibly be connected to the very force he had always seen as an enemy.Aziel’s gaze held steady, watching him closely, almost as if he were savoring Vardy’s internal conflict. "You’re torn, I can see it. You want to deny it, push it away, but you can’t. You’ll come to understand, eventually. We all do."Vardy shook his head, trying to clear the fog clouding his thoughts. "You’re lying. I’m not like you."Aziel’s lips twisted into a cruel smile. "You think you’r
Chapter 19: The Depth Unraveling Threads
The Oracle’s words continued striking Vardy as he and his companions began their journey from the mountain. The cold, thin air had stung their limbs, but the weight of the Oracle’s prophecy hung heavily on their hearts. He had expected guidance, a path to follow, but what he had received was a riddle, a cryptic warning that left more questions than answers.Ferah, ever monitoring, noticed Vardy’s troubled expression as they walked. "You’re still thinking about what she said, aren’t you?" she asked, her voice low and steady.Vardy glanced at her, then nodded. "She’s right. It’s all tied together. The darkness... it’s not just some evil force. It’s alive. It grows. And it has a price. But what does that mean? What exactly is the cost?"Luthor, who had been walking ahead, turned to face them, his eyes seen in thought. "The Oracle speaks in riddles. The truth isn't always easy to see, especially when it’s buried in layers of metaphors, unknown words and heart-pounding questions.""True,"
