Neberius’s Schemes

The air in the camp of the Dark Followers hung heavy with an otherworldly tension. The blackened skies above seemed to pulse with energy as Vecna, the newly anointed Apostle, stood before Amoract, the Archdemon who had chosen him for her cause. 

The demonic essence that surrounded them crackled with power, causing the very shadows to dance in an unholy rhythm.

As Amoract observed Vecna, a wicked smile played on her lips. His eyebrows initially furrowed in contemplation, now shifted upward in a subtle expression of surprise. The Archdemon relished in the changes she had instigated within the stoic demeanor of the fledgling Vampire.

["Quite the gift, isn't it?"] she mused, her voice a dark melody that echoed through Vecna's mind. The Archdemon chuckled, her eyes ablaze with an otherworldly glow. ["Do you like what you see, Vecna? The fruits of your allegiance."]

[Demonic Power]

* As the stat increases, User gains heightened sensitivity to demonic energies, allowing detection of demonic beings and disturbances. Additionally, the user can harness this resonance to strengthen his dark magic and demonic abilities.

* As the stat grows, User gains the ability to corrupt and manipulate the souls of living beings. This corruption might manifest as curses, draining life force, or even turning enemies into minions. 

* Demonic Power grants the User resistance against soul-based attacks.

★ Unique Stat Effect: [Infernal Dominion] - Increasing Demonic Power allows the user to establish a mental link with demonic entities. User can summon and command lesser demons, negotiate with demonic beings, and draw power from the infernal plane. This dominion also provides limited foresight into demonic events.

★ The higher the number, the more likely you are to enter hell.

* Stat points can't be distributed to this stat. The Stat will grow by interacting with the demonic influences or by killing Light's followers.

.

'This one is a Unique Stat, unlike the Primary Ones or the Rare ones I got from my Titles or Class Change.'

'It's promising. I should begin farming kills on Rebecca Church followers and raising the Stat to get the most of its benefits.' 

Vecna, though a master of concealing emotions, couldn't entirely suppress the intrigue flickering in his eyes as he observed the effects of the Unique Stat he gained from the 'Seed of Darkness'.

And yet, there was another gift from Amoract that attracted his attention. 

The Growth Blessing, a boon bestowed upon him by Amoract, promised tangible benefits for his journey into the depths of darkness. The additional experience gain, especially when confronting formidable foes, was a gift tailored for a being of his ambitions.

[Blessing of the Apostle]

★ Growth Blessing ★

Additional 10% experience gain when hunting monsters.

Additional 20% experience gained when hunting boss monsters.

Increases Dark-Type skill experience acquisition by 150%.

'Impressive. I can't retort that I might get into a debt here.'

The Archdemon continued to watch him, reveling in the subtle changes she had orchestrated. ["You will find these gifts to be quite valuable on your path. A small token of my appreciation for willingly joining my legion."]

As the Blessing of the Apostle unfolded its effects, a surge of power coursed through Vecna's veins, resonating with the demonic energy that enveloped him. The very essence of darkness seemed to acknowledge him as one of its own.

Amoract, pleased with the spectacle, spoke again, her words dripping with an ancient authority. ["Now, embrace the darkness within you. Let this be a harbinger of the power that awaits you as my Apostle."]

The dark energy lingered, tendrils of it caressing Vecna's form like an unseen hand, marking him with the indelible essence of the Archdemon's favor. 

The display, witnessed by onlookers, left no doubt—Vecna had been chosen by Darkness.

The aftermath of Amoract's blessing lingered in the air as Vecna, now marked by the Archdemon's favor, shifted his attention away from the unfolding effects of the Growth Blessing. 

His gaze returned to Amoract, the ancient entity that had chosen him to bear the mantle of her Apostle. Despite the newfound power coursing through him, Vecna's demeanor remained as frosty as the shadows that embraced him.

"Your gifts are acknowledged, my Lady," Vecna intoned with a measured coldness, his voice a low murmur that carried the weight of a thousand unspoken secrets. He extended a formal gratitude but layered it with an unmistakable chill, a subtle reminder that alliances with beings of such magnitude were rarely forged without a cost.

Amoract observed Vecna's response with bemused satisfaction. She, too, was no stranger to the intricacies of power dynamics and the unspoken agreements that bound those who dabbled in the arcane and the diabolic. Her laughter, a dark resonance, echoed through the ethereal space.

["Politeness, my dear Apostle, is a facade that crumbles under the weight of ambition,"] she remarked, her eyes gleaming with an ancient wisdom. ["You understand that the path ahead is paved with trials. The gifts I bestow upon you are not without purpose."]

Vecna, with an air of indifference, acknowledged the underlying truth. The Archdemon, in her cryptic manner, hinted at the inevitable debts that would be called upon. ["Nothing in this world is free, Child of Darkness,"] she reminded him, her voice a haunting whisper that reverberated through the very fabric of reality.

The coldness in Vecna's expression deepened as he met Amoract's gaze. He spoke, his words a blend of gratitude and calculated detachment. "I appreciate your gifts, but I am not one to be indebted without purpose. What would you have of me, Amoract?"

Amoract, unfazed by Vecna's guarded demeanor, reveled in the dance of manipulation and power. ["Prove yourself,"] she declared, her words echoing with the weight of divine authority. 

["In time, the debts will come due. But for now, focus on your growth. You are too weak to be of any help to me."]

Vecna, with a stoicism that bordered on indifference, accepted the directive.["What I've done now is an investment in the future,"] Amoract explained, her eyes narrowing as she regarded the Apostle. "Baal has found a vessel in Thea. I cannot be the only one left out."

The exchange, shrouded in veiled intentions, concluded with a reassurance from Vecna, a pledge of loyalty to an entity that dwelled in the shadows between realms. "My Lady, I will not disappoint you," he assured, his words carrying a promise that hung in the air like an unspoken oath.

As Amoract prepared to depart, her avatar dissipating from the mortal realm, she cast a disdainful gaze at Neberius, the old Black Mage who bore witness to the unfolding events. 

The Archdemon's eyes, ablaze with an otherworldly fire, bore into Neberius as if peeling away the layers of his mortal guise to expose the depths of his ambitions. She regarded him with a disdain reserved for those who dared to manipulate powers beyond their understanding.

["You tread a dangerous path, Mortal,"] Amoract's voice echoed a dark cadence that reverberated through the very fabric of reality. ["Beware the consequences of your ambitions, for they may lead you to a fate worse than death."]

Neberius, a master of the black magic, felt a shiver crawl down his spine. The Archdemon's warning carried the weight of prophecy, and in that moment, the old mage realized that his clandestine machinations had not escaped the notice of a being far more ancient and powerful than he could fathom.

With a forced nonchalance, Neberius attempted to deflect Amoract's ominous words, his voice veiled in a mask of denial. "My Lady, you misunderstand. I am but a humble servant, navigating the currents of power for the greater glory of the Dark."

Amoract's response was a chilling laughter that cut through Neberius's feeble attempts at evasion. ["Deception is a frail armor, Mortal,"] she remarked, her voice carrying a foreboding certainty. ["The path you tread is known to me. Your aspirations move upon the edge of folly, and the consequences may be beyond your reckoning."]

The old mage, unable to maintain his composure, felt a surge of frustration and anger boiling within him. His carefully laid plans, his attempts to elevate himself to a position of dark prominence, were now laid bare before an entity who saw through the shadows with an unparalleled clarity.

Amoract continued her words cutting through the veil of deception. ["Consider this a warning, for the path you walk may lead not to glory, but to an abyss of your own making."]

Neberius, caught between the realization of his exposed ambitions and the infuriating awareness of his own vulnerability, could only muster a forced smile. "My Lady, I assure you, my loyalty to God Yatan is unwavering. I seek only to further our cause."

Amoract, unmoved by the theatrics of the old mage, cast a final, withering gaze before dissipating from the mortal realm. The warning lingered in the air like an ominous specter, and Neberius, despite his attempts at defiance, found himself shaken to the core.

- My Apostle, you have my blessing if you want to dispose of that rotten human who attempts to become a Lich. His heart is not with Yatan.

Receiving that telepathic message from Amoract, Vecna shifted his gaze at Neberius who was in his theatrical act, his crimson predatory eyes having an icy glint in them.

- Good boy. He doesn't amount much to my plans, use him as your Stepping Stone.

'That was my plan from the start.'

As Amoract's ethereal presence dissipated, Vecna's attention refocused on the corporeal world, where Neberius stood, a smug smile playing on his lips. The camp of the Dark Followers had returned to its usual activities, but Vecna was now marked by the Archdemon's favor.

Neberius, however, had different plans for the newly anointed Apostle. A glint of malice flickered in his eyes as he approached Vecna, surrounded by the subtle aura of Yatan's influence. 

The old mage's voice dripped with condescension as he addressed the stoic vampire.

"Vecna, our newfound brother," Neberius began, his tone carrying an air of superiority. "It seems the Pontiff has taken an interest in you. A fortunate turn of events, wouldn't you agree?"

Vecna remained silent, his expression unchanged, prompting Neberius to chuckle under his breath.

"Rest assured, this blessing comes with a purpose," Neberius continued, pacing around Vecna as if sizing him up. "I have a task for you, one that will test your loyalty and, more importantly, your usefulness to the Yatan Church."

Vecna's crimson eyes locked onto Neberius, acknowledging his words without uttering a single syllable.

"I need you to accompany me on a little expedition," Neberius explained, a sly grin forming on his face. "A meeting with none other than Gorruk Bloodmaw, the Warchief of the Orcs."

This revelation caught Vecna's attention, though he kept his emotions well-hidden.

"You see, Gorruk is a formidable force, and I intend to sway him to our cause," Neberius continued, relishing the opportunity to exert control. "You, my dear Vecna, will be my witness and, if necessary, an instrument of persuasion."

Vecna's stoicism remain unshaken, but his mind began to churn with possibilities. The intricacies of Neberius's plan were unfolding before him, and he could see into Neberius intentions from miles away, reminding him of some old troopes from the previous generation novels.

"Consider it a test, a chance to prove your commitment to our cause," Neberius added with a mocking smile. "Fail, and the consequences within the Yatan Church won't be pleasant. Succeed, and you may find yourself ascending in influence."

With that, Neberius handed Vecna a small, ornate amulet inscribed with the symbol of Yatan—an emblem of authority within the Church.

The vampire, still cloaked in his emotionless façade, received the quest details through a mental interface that projected the information directly into his consciousness.

[(Quest Title: Follow the Order of the Cardinal (A)] 

Neberius, still hostile, wanted to keep the newcomer in check, and what better way to do that than bringing him along to the meeting he would have with the Warchief of the Orcs. 

This would be an awakening moment for the newcomer, who could perceive the Cardinal's authority and influence even against monsters that could topple down the Saharan Empire.

Quest Clear Condition: Successfully witness Neberius's attempt at corrupting the Warchief.

Quest Reward: Nothing

Quest Failure: - 500 YCP, Reputation Loss within the Yatan Church

The consequences of failure loomed like a shadow over Vecna. The Yatan Church, an entity built on hierarchy and obedience, did not tolerate shortcomings. The loss of influence points and reputation within the church could prove detrimental, further complicating Vecna's standing among the Dark Followers.

'Heh, you're already trying to bully me? I don't even have Church Points to talk about, but my Reputation … I did get some after sparring with Arthur and ensuring the safety of the Followers.'

'Hmm, this System of Investing Points is not bad. Amoract sure likes to invest into players from what it seems.'

[Yatan Church Investment System]

As players progress through quests, challenges, and contribute to the Church's goals, they accumulate YCP, which can then be invested to unlock specific benefits.

* Yatan Church Points (YCP):

Players earn YCP by completing quests, demonstrating loyalty to the Church, and achieving significant milestones aligned with Yatan's objectives.

YCP serves as a form of currency within the Yatan Church, representing the character's influence and standing.

* Investment Categories:

The system offers different categories for investment, each focusing on a specific aspect of character development or Church influence.

* Skill Enhancements:

Players can invest YCP to enhance their skills related to dark magic, necromancy, and demonic powers.

Increased damage, reduced cooldowns, or unlocking advanced abilities can be achieved through skill enhancement investments.

* Faction Reputation:

YCP can be allocated to improve the player's reputation within the Yatan Church faction.

Higher faction reputation unlocks exclusive quests, access to restricted areas, and the ability to command lower-ranked Church members.

* Artifact Acquisition:

Players can invest YCP to gain access to rare artifacts or items with potent magical properties.

These artifacts could provide unique buffs, resistances, or even unlock hidden abilities.

Influence Points:

YCP can be used to increase the player's overall influence within the Yatan Church hierarchy.

Higher influence grants special privileges, such as attending exclusive meetings, receiving personal quests from high-ranking members, or having a say in critical Church decisions.

* Divine Blessings:

Investing YCP in this category allows players to seek additional blessings from Yatan or other dark entities.

These blessings may enhance physical attributes, provide protection against specific types of enemies, or grant temporary boosts during critical moments.

* Rank Advancement:

Players can spend YCP to climb the ranks within the Yatan Church hierarchy.

Higher ranks come with increased authority, access to more potent spells or abilities, and the ability to command lower-ranked followers.

* Secret Knowledge:

Investing YCP in uncovering secret knowledge grants access to hidden lore, forbidden spells, or ancient rituals.

This category may provide players with a deeper understanding of the dark arts and unlock unique narrative paths.

[Users YCP: 0 | Reputation: 250]

Still engrossed in inspecting the boons of the Yatan Church, he didn't feel his choice was betrayed at all, and continuing to plan ahead, his attention was disturbed by the old mage.

"Wear this," Neberius commanded, "and let Gorruk see the mark of Yatan upon you. It will set the stage for our little diplomatic endeavor."

Vecna accepted the amulet with a nod, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. As Neberius walked away, a wicked grin spread across his face, for he knew that Vecna's journey had only just begun within the twisted hierarchy of the Dark Church.

'I'm curious to see if he can corrupt that pig bastard. If he is corrupted that easily by Neberius … then I'm fucked. My plans for screwing with that old man will get overcomplicated.'

Soon enough, the time for Neberius's visit came up, and Vecna forced by the Quest tossed by the old mage at him, trailed behind Melior and Saria while Neberius walked with an arrogant strait in the front.

The atmosphere in the heart of the Orc camp became increasingly tense. Orcs, in their brutish strength, bowed their heads as the trio passed, a display that seemed to amuse Neberius but left Vecna unfazed. 

The Vampire moved with silent grace, his crimson eyes scanning the surroundings, calculating every detail.

'Their settlement structure is similar to what those nerds strategized online. I should revise those videos, maybe even DM one of those guys to give me some ideas.'

The crude sounds of the Orcs' war-drums echoed through the camp, setting a rhythmic backdrop to the unfolding events. Neberius, his cloak billowing behind him, reveled in the acknowledgment of his authority. His cold laughter rang out, taunting not only the Orcs but also Vecna, who remained stoic in response.

The trio reached the imposing War Tent at the center of the camp, guarded by massive Orc warriors. Gorruk Bloodmaw, the Warchief, glared at Neberius with undisguised irritation. Vecna observed the Orc leader, a hulking figure with scars etched into his brown skin, a testament to countless battles fought.

[Gorruk Bloodmaw - LV. 236] (Gold) (Boss)

'Not bad, this bastard is growing too, and at a rapid rate.'

Neberius, in his typical arrogant fashion, gestured for Gorruk to allow entry. The massive hide entrance of the War Tent was pulled back, revealing the dimly lit interior. The air within carried a mix of the Orcish musk and the faint scent of dark magic.

As they stepped inside, Vecna's sharp senses took in the surroundings. The War Tent was adorned with crude trophies of conquered foes, and a large table dominated the center, scattered with maps and war plans. Gorruk Bloodmaw sat at the head, eyeing Neberius with distrust.

The old mage wasted no time and began discussing war plans and strategies with the Orc Warchief. Vecna, maintaining his composure, listened intently to the conversation. Neberius, however, had more than just war on his mind. The black vials containing the demonic essence were carefully placed in Saria and Melior's hands who were hidden under their robes.

Neberius signaled Saria to unseal one of the vials, releasing the essence of the Archdemon into the war room, Vecna couldn't help but marvel at the intricate dance of power unfolding before him. The essence permeated the air, a malevolent force seeking entry into the very core of Gorruk's being.

In the midst of Neberius's attempts to corrupt the orcish Warchief, Vecna's attention was drawn to the ethereal particles released into the air. Demonic essence, potent and suffused with the essence of Amoract, permeated the war tent. 

'That's an interesting way of using the Demonic Essence against a Guarded Foe, but the efficiency has dropped a lot.'

'Hmm? Why is my body all fuzzy again?'

Unbeknownst to Neberius, each particle absorbed by Vecna contributed to the Vampire's growing Demonic Power.

[You have absorbed a particle of the Demonic Essence.]

['Demonic Power' has increased by 2]

A notification flickered before Vecna's eyes, signaling the absorption of a particle of Demonic Essence. 

Whereas Neberius's attempts to corrupt Gorruk unfolded, Vecna's expression remained impassive, yet beneath the surface, a subtle grin hinted at the Vampire's comprehension of the unfolding dynamics. The old mage, engrossed in his schemes, remained oblivious to the currents of change that stirred within the very air he sought to manipulate.

['Demonic Power' has increased by 2]

A faint, triumphant smirk played on Vecna's lips. The unexpected gain in Demonic Power, a consequence of the ritualistic corruption attempt, provided him with an advantage not foreseen by Neberius. 

'Let's not suck it all from the start. It will make it too obvious.'

It was a subtle manipulation of the situation, turning an ostensibly passive role into a strategic advantage.

Gorruk, on the other hand, felt the uncomfortable surge of the demonic essence but, to Neberius's frustration, resisted its corruptive influence. The orcish Warchief's resilience disrupted the carefully laid plans, adding an element of unpredictability to the unfolding scenario.

Vecna, maintaining his stoic facade, continued to absorb the lingering particles of the Demonic Essence. Each intake further fueled the wellspring of his own burgeoning power, an unforeseen consequence of Neberius's attempt at manipulation.

['Demonic Power' has increased by 2]

Neberius sensing that the first Vial didn't have effects on Gorruk signaled Melior to open his vial, continuing on flooding the room with the intangible and invisible to the naked eye, demonic essence.

In that moment Vecna's mind raced with a new scenario that included certain risks he was willing to take.