Corrupting the Automatons

[LINK HAS BEEN REINSTATED]

The room that was once filled with a squad of formidable foes was now scattered with the remnants of defeated adversaries.

With a brief respite amidst the chaotic aftermath, Vecna assesses the situation. Six Automatons still stand before him, each representing a different role in combat. His gaze settles upon one of the towering Guardian Knights, its imposing frame radiating an aura of strength and unwavering defense.

'Training under the attacks of six machines would be too risky. For now, let's cull their number slowly, and still benefit from the raise in Stat Points.'

'I might be a lost cause, but I'm lucid under pressure.'

Now that the Dark Chamber returned to its tense state, the air crackled with both an invisible pressure and a triumphant aura coming from Vecna as he emerged victorious three times in a fight that still raged on.

The Automatons returned to their own machinations being reinstated to their own 'intelligence' instead of being controlled by the Administrator scheming in the shadows and under the protection of being at a wall distance from Vecna.

'Focus and stay calm. Don't grow arrogant to lose this damn fight.'

Aware of the challenges ahead, Vecna takes a moment to steady his breath and recollect his focus.

The cooldowns on his skills weigh on his mind, reminding him of the tactical decisions he must make to ensure his victory. Blood Requiem, his devastating and macabre strike, is still in the midst of its eight-minute cooldown. Swift Strike and Blade Dance, his agile and deadly maneuvers, are available with their two-minute cooldowns.

'I need to take down one of the Tanks if I want an easy fight I can control.'

'Still, I need to analyze the situation again. That woman might have left, but who would stop her from doing a Patch Upgrade on their attack patterns?'

Understanding that speed and precision are crucial in this intense battle, Vecna swiftly analyzes the situation.

He discerns that the Guardian Knight, with its impenetrable defense, poses the greatest obstacle to his progress. To overcome this challenge, he pondered around on how he could make use of his Vampiric Agility and creative swordsmanship techniques.

'It's fine if I get touched by the Arrows and the Caster's spell. I have yet to use the Blood Bank.'

With a burst of supernatural speed, Vecna closes the distance between himself and the Guardian Knight. Just like he predicted, the long-ranged Automatons were not about to let him reach his goal unscathed.

The Sentinel Automaton drew its bowstring, releasing a barrage of arrows that streaked through the air with deadly accuracy. Each arrow carried the weight of its intent, seeking to pierce Vecna's flesh and halt his advance.

[You have lost 698 HP under the Skill <Multi Shot>]

An arrow pierced his right shoulder, weakening his grip over Knightsblade, but it didn't change his trajectory.

Vecna's Vampiric Instincts surged within him, guiding his every move. His reflexes, honed through countless simulations played in his mind, were pushed to their limits as he weaved and dodged, narrowly avoiding the oncoming onslaught.

Arrows whizzed past him, grazing his flesh and leaving behind shallow wounds.

[You have lost 356 HP]

But as the arrows rained down upon him, the Caster Automaton seized the opportunity to unleash a devastating spell. Fiery energy coalesced around it, growing into a massive orb of flames.

With a flick of its mechanical hand, the orb was hurled toward Vecna, hurtling through the air with immense force.

'Urgh, this will hurt a lot.'

'All or nothing.'

Vecna's crimson eyes narrowed as he glimpsed the impending danger. Without hesitation, he activated his [Split Second] ability, a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins.

Time seemed to slow as he calculated the trajectory of the blazing orb, and with a burst of speed, he maneuvered himself to minimize the impact.

The explosion of flames engulfed Vecna, searing heat washing over him in waves. The force of the blast sent him hurtling backward, his body tumbling through the air before crashing into the ground. But even as the flames licked at his skin and pain coursed through his body, his resolve remained unshaken.

[You have lost 1246 HP under the Spell <Blazing Nova>]

Such a spell would incinerate the enemies caught within its radius and leave behind only the scorched remains of the unfortunate soul.

Yet, the Automatons weren't dealing with some pitiful being. Instead, they had on their hands an unleashed monster willing to sacrifice most of his health to achieve a complete victory.

[Health: 852/3,152 | Mana: 740/1,224]

The damage inflicted by the blazing inferno was significant, but Vecna refused to be deterred. He had long since shed the limitations of mortality, embracing his vampiric nature and the relentless pursuit of power. He rose from the scorched earth, his body battered but his spirit unyielding.

"Huhuhu. So this is how it feels to be burned alive. Don't wish it on anyone."

'Open Inventory. Grab. Book of Night.'

But within the depths of his darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. The Book of Night magically made its presence known as it was held by Vecna's left hand.

This malicious artifact pulsated with an otherworldly energy. Its black pages seemed to writhe with a life of their own, and the crimson eye emblazoned on its cover bore witness to the power that lay within.

In a calculated bid to turn the tide, Vecna's eyes locked onto the Book of Night, his mind filled with a single command. With a surge of determination, he willed the Legendary Item to unleash its hidden Vampiric Ability.

"Activate Blood Bank!" he commanded, his voice carrying a steely resolve.

In response, the Book of Night trembled in his hand as if responding to his call.

Sinister tentacles snaked forth from its pages, wrapping themselves tightly around his left arm. The crimson light that emanated from his veins intensified, pulsating with an eerie energy.

And then, with a resonating pulse, his body was bathed in a radiant glow. It was as if the very essence of his vampiric nature had been harnessed, revitalizing him with an unimaginable power.

The searing pain of the flames was replaced by a surge of vitality, as his wounds closed and his energy was restored.

[Your health has fully recovered!]

'Smooth, but can you slack on the BDSM play? I'm not into it.'

With a surge of dark energy, Vecna pushed himself forward once more. The flames that had sought to consume him now served as a reminder to the ones watching that he wasn't a normal person.

His eyes locked onto the Guardian Knight Automaton, and he charged forward, his blade gleaming with a malevolent light of crimson blood mana.

The long-ranged Automatons had underestimated their opponent. They had unleashed their onslaught, hoping to halt Vecna's advance. But what they failed to realize was that he was not some ordinary adversary.

He was a force of darkness, a relentless predator fueled by an insatiable hunger for power.

As he closed the distance, arrows whistled through the air, and spells crackled with intense energy. But Vecna, undeterred, wove through the chaos with a lethal grace. His sword pierced through the defense of the Guardian Knight, and as he pierced the Knightsblade deeper, he watched the eyes imbued with mana, with an evil expression,

The Guardian Knight tried to push Vecna back, but his Vampiric reflexes allowed him to deftly evade his initial strike, slipping effortlessly between its massive blows.

He maneuvers with precise timing, seizing every opportunity to strike at the exposed joints of his towering adversary.

Employing his Basic Swordsmanship, Vecna delivers a series of calculated and efficient strikes.

[Guardian Knight Automaton - LV. 65] (Elite) [10,529/35,584 HP]

His sword dances through the air, finding gaps in the Guardian Knight's defenses with each precise movement.

'Lightning Strike', a random skill at first sight, was the MVP in this whole fight, preventing the Guardian Knight from dodging or defending against Vecna's sword attacks, ensuring that every single strike found its mark, bypassing the Automaton's formidable protection.

"I'll end you before you get any help."

As the battle intensifies, Vecna's movements become a symphony of lethal grace.

He employs Soaring Leap, effortlessly leaping and flipping over the Guardian Knight's sweeping strikes, evading harm while maintaining his offensive momentum.

The automaton's attacks become increasingly frenzied and desperate, yet Vecna remains composed and focused, his every action calculated and precise.

With each strike, the Guardian Knight's movements become slower and less coordinated. Its once-impregnable defense crumbles under the onslaught of Vecna's relentless assault. Sensing the moment of vulnerability, Vecna prepares for his final decisive blow.

Activating Blade Dance, Vecna unleashes a whirlwind of deadly strikes. His sword becomes a blur of motion as it cleaves through the automaton's joints and armor. Each strike is imbued with his vampiric strength, shattering the Guardian Knight's defenses and leaving it vulnerable.

[Guardian Knight Automaton - LV. 65] (Elite) [3,711/35,584 HP]

'Fuck yeah. This sensation is priceless. To think this metal fortification would be so pathetic after getting pushed around.'

In a crescendo of violence, Vecna's final strike lands with devastating force. He activated his [Swift Strike] washed along with the flow of battle, not thinking about the consequence of his action, only having in mind dispatching the annoying Guardian Knight.

[Critical!]

[You have dealt 3981 damage to the target.]

His blade pierces through the Guardian Knight's chest, shattering its mana core with an explosive release of energy. The automaton crumbles to the ground, its once-mighty form reduced to a heap of broken metal and shattered dreams.

'Argh, noo. My Mana Gem! I didn't hold back on the finishing combo.'

[You have defeated an 'Advanced Mana Automaton', gaining the following rewards.]

[You will gain: 46,880 EXP; Plate Armor of the Sentinel; Amulet of Shielding]

[You have leveled up.]

[You have leveled up.]

[You have leveled up.]

With the Guardian Knight defeated, Vecna stands amidst the wreckage, his breath ragged, slightly displeased that he didn't get the Radiant Mana Gem but relished in the victory.

The remaining Automatons now recognize the true threat before them, their mechanical eyes gleaming with a mixture of fear and determination, uncertain if this was the Administrator watching the Malicious Being that stepped inside an Honorable Place of Trials.

'Let's not bother assigning the status points. I've passed the threshold where I was in constant danger.'

'Still, the number is rather large for having a stable practice session. Next ones are that annoying Rogue and Berserker.'

Undeterred by the mounting odds, Vecna readies himself for the next phase of the battle. The struggle against the remaining foes will be fierce, but his determination burns bright, fueled by his desire to claim victory.

Deep down, he also wanted to prove himself as someone that claimed the Legacy of an Evil God vanquished from the annals of History as a defeated being.

'After this fight I will have to put a Pause to this Quest. Too much mental stimulation doesn't bring any benefits to me.'

'And it is not as if I'm that addicted like those kids spending their whole time brainlessly going at it with Satisfy.'

With the Guardian Knight vanquished, Vecna's attention turns to the agile and elusive Rogue Automaton. Anticipating its swift movements and deceptive tactics, he readies himself for a battle of wits and precision.

'Ohh, you're eager to get killed? Impressive and foolish at the same time.'

As the Rogue Automaton lunges forward, aiming to exploit any opening in Vecna's defense, he counters with a swift and calculated strike.

His technique of lightning-fast slashes proves instrumental in intercepting the automaton's nimble attacks. Each blow lands with precision, disrupting the rogue's rhythm and leaving it vulnerable to Vecna's relentless assault.

The Automaton attempts to retreat into the shadows, seeking refuge in its stealthy nature.

However, Vecna's Vampiric Sight pierces through the darkness, granting him the ability to track the rogue's every move. From Vecna's perspective, the attempts of the Rogue were useless, and instead of pleasing him, it only angered him for wasting his time.

'You're not the only one who can do Parkour.'

'Uncanny Grip.'

Vecna didn't enjoy playing hide-and-seek games, and immediately went for the jugular. Uncanny Grip allows him to cling onto any surface, granting him an advantage in maneuvering the Dark Chamber where he felt in his own element.

His sight was perfectly matched for this Suppression Chamber even if it got lighted by Mana Crystals.

He uses this skill to swiftly scale the walls, evading the Rogue Automaton's attempts to strike from unexpected angles.

Employing Split Second, Vecna capitalizes on the briefest of opportunities, slipping past the automaton's guard to deliver precise strikes at its vital joints.

[You have dealt 1004 damage to the target]

His blade moves with a deadly grace, severing the connections that allow the rogue to move with such agility. The Rogue Automaton's movements become sluggish, its once-elusive nature now exposed and vulnerable.

[Rogue Automaton - LV. 65] (Elite) [2,821/24,584 HP]

With the Rogue Automaton incapacitated and rendered powerless, Vecna surveys the remaining foes, but before doing anything about them, he locks his crimson eyes on the helpless Rogue.

"Let me release you from your defeat."

He stabbed his hand inside its chest, and withdrew it back holding the Radiant Mana Gem that he was so fond of.

[You have defeated an 'Advanced Mana Automaton', gaining the following rewards.]

[You will gain: 38,560 EXP; Shadowstrike Dagger; Skill Book: Vanish ]

…

[You have reached level 34]

Nodding to himself, his eyes slowly fell upon the imposing Berserker Automaton, an opponent that he didn't hurt too much because of a rudimentary ability that this class of the Automaton possessed, Berserk.

Each time the Automaton would lose its health, its strength would grow along with each blow it receives.

Recognizing the threat it poses, he understands the importance of eliminating it swiftly now that there was no choice but to face it.

'Rabid Junk, you're the only trash standing in my way. I was careful thus far because I didn't want to get infected in your rust, but now?'

'Huhuhu, what will you do? The long-rangers are slowing down considerably, the Guardian Knight is slow and sluggish. It's only you and me.'

Looking closer at the Berserker, with his crimson eyes analyzing the best options he had in approaching this fight. Aware that engaging it in prolonged combat would only fuel its rage and power, he devises a strategy that focuses on precision and control.

[Berserker Automaton - LV. 65] (Elite) [20,821/26,584 HP]

'It needs to die as soon as possible if I don't wish to get bitten up my ass.'

The air crackled with tension as Vecna faced off against the raging Berserker Automaton. Its metallic form exuded an aura of unrestrained power, and its eyes glowed with an unhinged fervor.

The ground trembled beneath the Berserkers' thunderous footsteps, creating fissures that threatened to swallow anything in their path.

With a swift motion, the Berserker Automaton lunged at Vecna, its massive blade whistling through the air. Vecna's instincts kicked in, his vampiric agility allowing him to evade the deadly strike by a hair's breadth.

The force of the Automaton's attack sent vibrations rippling through the air, causing a shockwave that threatened to throw Vecna off balance.

As the Berserker Automaton continued its onslaught, relentlessly swinging its colossal blade, Vecna moved with a grace that defied his apparent frailty. He relied on his basic swordsmanship, his strikes precise and calculated, each movement made with the utmost efficiency.

Every swing of his longsword aimed for the vital points of the Automaton, seeking to exploit its weaknesses.

But the Berserker Automaton was no pushover. Its enhanced strength and endurance allowed it to weather Vecna's strikes, shrugging off the damage inflicted upon its metallic frame. The Automaton's relentless assault intensified, its attacks growing fiercer with each passing moment.

[You have lost 1420 HP,]

'Motherfucker. He hits like a truck.'

Sensing that time was running out, Vecna made a fateful decision. With a deep breath, he called upon his darkest powers, embracing the macabre nature of his vampire lineage. The crimson veins on his body pulsed with an otherworldly energy, as if awakening the dormant strength within.

'Deactivate Potence,'

[Potence has been deactivated]

He deactivated his Discipline to boost his Strength and double his Critical Strike Chance under the bright conditions of being in a Dark Environment which was fulfilled even though it wasn't total darkness.

'Deactivate Celerity,'

Similar to Potence he did the same with Celerity, now gaining a boost to his Agility of 10% increase, and also double Movement Speed under a Dark Environment. Taking them down was something he wasn't used to because it was draining his Mana for no reason, afterall, he was constantly using the skills of both Disciplines regardless of fights.

'Puff. 200 MP lost into nothing.'

Still, it wasn't for nothing.

With a sudden burst of speed, Vecna closed the distance between himself and the Berserker Automaton. His movements became a blur when the darkness was deeper, his sword dancing through the air like an extension of his own body.

Each strike was devastating for the Berserker who roared with a broken mechanical tune that could creep out the majority of a population. He was doing great in exploiting the Automaton's vulnerabilities with ruthless strikes.

[Berserker Automaton - LV. 65] (Elite) [9,821/26,584 HP]

'I'm not certain of this. But it's worth a try.'

'Activate Skill. Blood Requiem.'

[Skill 'Blood Requiem' has been activated. You have sacrificed 10% of your Vitality for the use.]

And then, with a chilling resolve, Vecna unleashed his ultimate technique: Blood Requiem. The air around him grew heavy with an eerie stillness as he channeled his dark powers into a single devastating blow.

His Knightsblade shimmered with a malevolent crimson glow, infused with the essence of his vampiric bloodlust, and suffering from an unique transformation of itself.

'I don't care about his Core. Corrupted or Destroyed. I'll earn more from the rest.'

With a swift and deadly strike, Vecna aimed directly for the heart of the Berserker Automaton.

The blade pierced through the Automaton's defenses, finding its mark with unerring accuracy. A surge of energy coursed through the Automaton's metallic body, disrupting its inner circuits and severing its mobility.

The Berserker Automaton shuddered, its movements faltering as its systems began to fail. The once-unstoppable force of destruction now stood weakened, its berserk rage subdued. It teetered on the edge of collapse.

As the final echoes of the battle reverberated through the chamber, Vecna stood amidst the wreckage, his body bearing the scars of the intense fight. Blood trickled from his wounds, but they would heal soon enough, leaving the former mark of battle on his body to be just an illusion.

Only his fierce crimson eyes would bear the mark of battle.

"I deserve a glass of boiled wine with cinnamon and black pepper. Ahh, gosh. This was a headache."

Saying that, Vecna dodged the projectiles released by the Sentinel Automaton, followed by the Fire Spell of the Caster Automaton that lost on its grandeur, a sign of its weakening Mana.

He didn't even give them his attention, instead turned to look at the Berserker Automaton, now rendered motionless, lay defeated before him. The once-ferocious enemy was reduced to a mere hunk of metal and wires, its threat extinguished.

[INITIATING … SELF…]

[SYSTEM HAS BEEN CORRUPTED. SEQUENCE CAN'T BE LOCALIZED]

"Huhuhu, not so fast. Why ruin my celebration with your nonsense? We're past the age of Kamikaze People who would blow themselves up."

[Health: 1.056/3,372 | Mana: 340/1,304]

He wasn't terribly low on his HP or MP which were bound to recover quicker than normal by default, and such was in a great mood watching the Berserker Automaton fail at its last job, to Detonate itself.

"So sad. Almost in tears."

"You know… I'll tell you a secret junk bot. You would have been able to kill me if you would have let your allies wound you to … maybe 30-40% of your Health."

"The me who came inside this room was far weaker than what I'm right now. It would have been so easy to squash me. Like a cockroach."

"Hahaha, but this happens when you don't kill a cockroach. You soon get an infestation once it has laid its eggs."

With a mixture of emotions, he did a final sarcastic taunt on the Berserker Automaton who had sparks of crimson mana flying around, a sign of the corruption his Blood Requiem Skill caused.

[You have defeated an 'Advanced Mana Automaton' gaining the following rewards.]

[You will gain: 46,560 EXP; Skill Book: Bloodlust]

[You have reached level 36.]

Having his small break of fun, Vecna retrieved his dagger from the fallen Automaton's core. The battle was over, and as he stood amidst the wreckage, a creeping silence washed over the Dark Chamber as only three Automatons were left standing alive.

"Hehehe, it seems you've been left alone to rot with me. Don't worry. We'll train for a bit, I will squeeze you out of everything you can offer, and later send you off to your Empress."