Chapter no.25 Dark Souls

Read advance chapters of all my works or want to support me.

https/www.p.a.t.r.e./Adamo_Amet

Join us on discord:

/DXv2nkTB

••••••••••••••••••

Chapter no.25 Chains of the Covenant

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Alexander kicked the undead toward the well-shaped hole near Firelink Shrine, watching as it slumped over the moss-covered walls, finally dead. The familiar sensation of the soul being absorbed into his body washed over him, like a cold breeze he'd felt countless times. Then, one of those rare moments occurred—a piece of humanity floated up from the corpse.

"Must be my lucky day," he thought, though the sarcasm was thick. It didn't really matter. Humanity, while incredibly valuable, wasn't going to change anything for him.

Yesterday had been a blur—one moment, the Crestfallen Warrior was cutting down undead, the next, they were swarming in numbers he hadn't anticipated, all drawn to Naruto's soul drop. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time—being alive and afraid—like in his earlier days of adventure through this cursed land. Killing them wasn't even the hard part. Cleaning up afterward, though? That was something else entirely. It's easy to forget that even the weakest undead can catch you off guard. But not him. That's how he survived while so many others... fell.

"Why do I even bother cleaning up?" Alexander wondered to himself.

He didn't want to owe Naruto anything. He knew that connections in this world, relationships of any kind, were nothing but traps waiting to turn into tragedies. So, he sent Naruto off to explore the temple while he cleaned up the mess. It was better that way. He could get this done, and they could both move on.

The Crestfallen Warrior scanned the area. No more undead in sight. Finally, a moment of quiet.

And then he felt it—the unmistakable sensation of the Way of White's baptism. He knew it all too well. He'd witnessed it more times than he could count during his travels with her.

Her. His partner. The love of his life.

Alexander closed his eyes, trying to block out the memory, but it was no use. He could still hear her screams as she used the Homeward Miracle on him, sending him to safety while she... she was swarmed by ghosts. That was the day he lost her. The day his world shattered. She didn't even have a name, not one that mattered here, but she had given him purpose. She gave him a reason to keep going, to not go hollow.

But now? That purpose was gone. Time had become meaningless. Everything felt empty without her. He blamed the Way of White for it. Of course, he did. Why wouldn't he? They were nothing more than a cult of self-righteous snakes, demanding souls from the undead as their "duty." Their covenant was built on greed, masked behind a veil of holy purpose.

The Way of White. The Crestfallen Warrior sneered, thinking how perfectly the name fit their greed for souls. The color white—pure, clean, but underneath, they were just as filthy as anyone else.

But why would they let Naruto join? That was the part that didn't make sense. The Way of White didn't just let anyone in. You either had to complete some impossibly hard task or have connections in high places.

And then it hit him.

Naruto's armor. The elite set from Astora. Astora, where the Way of White was practically a state religion. Of course, they'd let him in the moment he showed even the slightest interest. No questions asked.

"Why didn't I think of that sooner?" Alexander cursed under his breath and rushed toward the temple ruins, his thoughts racing. He wasn't about to let Naruto get exploited by that damned covenant. No, this wasn't about Naruto. It had nothing to do with him. He just didn't want the Way of White sinking their claws into an otherworldly invader.

Yeah, that's what he told himself. It had nothing to do with Naruto.

But deep down, he knew he was lying to himself.

Alexander arrived just as Naruto was handed a scroll containing his first miracle. The person explaining it spoke simply but with reverence: miracles were the power of faith given form, drawn from devotion and prayer to the gods. They weren't just stories or rituals—they were belief made real, divine power channeled by conviction.

Damn it.

Without thinking, Alexander rushed forward, grabbing Naruto's hand. The boy yelped in surprise, "Oi!" but Alexander didn't stop. He dragged Naruto up the stairs, not caring if Petrus noticed—or if he cared. The so-called holy man didn't even bother to stop them.

"What are you doing?" Naruto demanded.

"Did you join the covenant?" Alexander asked, his voice harsh.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I? My master was a warrior of the Way of White," Naruto explained, as if that made everything okay. Alexander clenched his jaw, trying to keep his frustration in check. Of course, Naruto would trust blindly. That's how it starts—trust, faith, and then the exploitation follows.

Alexander took a deep breath. He had to make sure Naruto didn't get sucked back into that damn covenant.

"Based on what?" Alexander challenged. He needed to gauge how much Naruto actually understood.

"Because he was a knight of Astora," Naruto repeated, like that explained everything. Alexander sighed deeply. The kid didn't get it.

"Not all knights of Astora are part of the Way of White. It depends on the household they're from," Alexander explained. "Your master could've very likely been from the Covenant of the Warrior of Sunlight."

Naruto blinked in surprise. "There are more covenants?"

Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting the urge to scream. "Why do I have to deal with a child?" he muttered to himself. Naruto had no idea what he was stepping into, no idea what these covenants were capable of.

"Hey, at least I got a miracle," Naruto said, sounding way too optimistic for Alexander's liking. He frowned.

"Show me," Alexander said, needing to confirm something.

Naruto started reciting the prayer, bringing his fists near his waist before stomping his foot into the ground… and nothing happened. Not even a spark.

He frowned and tried again, but the result was the same—nothing.

"Don't bother," Alexander muttered. "You need a talisman to perform miracles. The talisman acts as a conduit, channeling divine power through your faith and focus. Without that connection, it's impossible to manifest a miracle."

Naruto frowned. "So, it's like... a middleman?"

Alexander gave a dry chuckle. "If you want to call it that."

Naruto nodded. "Oi, Petrus! Give me a talisman!"

Even though Petrus didn't bother coming up, his voice echoed from below. "That would be 1,000 souls."

"Seems reasonable."

Alexander grabbed Naruto's arm before he could move. "No, it's not," he growled.

Naruto blinked, confused. "But I got the Force miracle for 4,000 souls. Isn't that a good deal?"

Alexander's expression darkened as he clenched his teeth. "You got scammed."

"Scammed? But I thought—"

Alexander cut him off, his tone sharp but measured. "Listen carefully. Souls are the most important thing in this world. People like him—clerics, sorcerers, anyone offering power—they'll do anything to take yours. That Force miracle? It's bait."

"But I can't even use it without a talisman!"

"Exactly," Alexander said, his voice dropping lower, almost conspiratorial. "That's how these covenants work—power, miracles, even the ability to use them… it all requires payment. They hook you in with promises of strength, but in the end, they just want your souls. The talisman is just one piece of the transaction. No faith, no talisman, no miracles. Simple as that."

Naruto frowned, staring at the ground. "So, it's all a trap? Even the talisman wouldn't help unless I had enough faith…"

Alexander nodded. "Exactly. They set you up to fail so you keep paying, keep handing over your souls, chasing power you might never be able to use. That's the game. And in this world, your souls are your life. Lose enough of them to scams like this, and you might as well throw yourself off the nearest cliff."

Naruto tightened his fists, the weight of Alexander's words sinking in. He muttered under his breath, "I'm not letting anyone take advantage of me again."

Alexander gave him a hard look, then placed a heavy hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Good. Learn from this. Here, trust is rare, and survival depends on keeping your wits sharp. Souls are power. Don't give them away lightly."

The Crestfallen Warrior pointed up. "There's a tunnel that leads back to Firelink Shrine. Go," he ordered, leaving no room for argument.

Before Naruto could protest, Alexander added, "I'll deal with this scammer."

Naruto hesitated but eventually nodded and made his way toward the tunnel. Alexander watched him disappear before turning his attention back to Petrus.

Alexander descended the stairs, the weight of his anger growing with each step. When he reached Petrus, the man didn't even look concerned.

"Where is the boy?"

"Checking out the upper portion," Alexander replied, not bothering to hide the venom in his voice. He raised his hand, forming souls into an orb. "I'd like to buy a simple talisman."

Petrus's eyes narrowed. "Oh, then are you part of the covenant?"

"No. I don't believe in the power of the gods."

Petrus's face twisted in shock, like he'd just been slapped. "I can have your tongue removed for that blasphemy," he threatened.

"Well, if the gods can give their powers to a disgusting sinner like you—a fallen cleric—I don't think they'll mind my blasphemous words."

Petrus's face darkened as he pulled out his mace and swung it down with fury. Alexander was ready. His shield met the mace with a metallic clang, the force reverberating through his arm. In one swift motion, Alexander's sword sliced through the air, stopping just short of Petrus's earlobe.

Alexander smiled, a slow, dangerous smile. "I just want the talisman, cleric. No problems. Or do you want to fight until one of us is put down for good? The bonfire is close. We could keep this going as long as it takes."

Petrus's grip on his mace tightened, but he knew the truth. Fighting was pointless. They'd both just reform at the bonfire, stuck in an endless battle until one of them went hollow. With a sigh, Petrus lowered his weapon and tossed Alexander a simple talisman, taking the souls Alexander offered in return.

As Alexander turned to leave, Petrus spoke again. "How did you know I was a fallen cleric?"

Alexander paused, glancing back. "I didn't," he said coldly. "I guessed, based on how all the undead who listened to you went missing. Thanks for confirming it."

"I have my companions," Petrus grunted defensively.

"Yeah, I'm sure they'll be thrilled to support you when I tell them the truth."

Petrus's expression shifted, fear flashing across his face. He didn't want his secret exposed.

"Don't worry," Alexander said, turning away again. "I'm good at keeping secrets."

Petrus relaxed slightly, but Alexander wasn't done.

"As long as you do one thing for me."

Petrus hesitated. "And what's that?"

Alexander didn't turn around, but his voice left no room for argument. "Stay the hell away from Naruto."

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

[ Personal Note: First off, thanks a ton to all of you for sticking with this story. Seriously, you guys are awesome. Now, if you're interested in supporting me on P treon, let me just say that over there, I post these massive 5k-word chapters. But heads up, if you're jumping to P treon, you'll need to start from Chapter 14, since that's where this chapter lines up with the content there.

To everyone here just reading along, please don't forget to leave a comment! Honestly, your comments make my day, and they let me know you're as invested in this story as I am. So yeah, thanks again, and I hope you have an amazing rest of your day!