17. Blood Sword

Scott told them nearly a year ago when he found the information about this specific tomb, at that time he was out doing quests with his friends.

The burial ground of a general Acropash.

The general was cruel and notorious for his deeds. In his prime time, he had slaughtered enemies and innocents alike as if he was born for it. He won many battles as well as females, either with his might or using his force.

He always used his bizarre sword which he always carried with him, everywhere. It was widely known for its red blade as if dyed with actual blood. He had a rule whenever he brought up his sword he needed it to feed the blood either of its enemies or allies.

After his demise, he and his faithful servants were buried in this very place, naming it the Tomb of Acropash.

For a long time, nobody dared to enter his tomb, feeling it was cursed just like every single tomb around the Britannia. Even after his death people feared him and thus chose to stay away from the tomb but as time passed his name vanished as well as the real location was also forgotten. His name and the location of a tomb were only left intact in the documents.

It was the basic information that Scott had told them and what to expect in return, he specifically chose them because he considered Them his friends, his dear friends.

Other party members knew he had many friends as he was quite famous and a talkative person who was good at negotiations. Given thought, it was a great opportunity for them to get a quest like this because as far as they know it might change their whole life. The possibility that buried treasure or something precious could be found in there was well worth the risk.

Speaking about Scott, he was well-known for his most perilous quest where everyone got killed but him, by the terrifying creature they had encountered on their way home.

There were not many details because he had fainted while fighting the giant beast. The people who brought him back claimed he was lying around the corpse of the creature and some mutilated bodies of his friends and from that point on he got a name, Scott the Beast Slayer.

There were only scattered bones and broken skulls lying around without a single hint of life in them. It was obvious while raiding the tomb they needed to fight the skeletons and defeat the boss skeleton to get what they wanted but after seeing everything they were unhappy.

They were supposed to fight tooth and nail with these damned skeletons, they were preparing for months for this single quest, and yet it seemed their all efforts went in vain. To them, it seemed someone else had taken the opportunity to raid the tomb.

They walked through the dark cave until its mouth widened up taking them to a big opening where various graves were located.

Some graves looked dug open as a few skeletons and bones lay unmoved but what caught their eyes was a big stone grave in the middle which was placed on a higher ground than the rest of the graves.

Everyone brought out their weapons except Noah who was awe-struck by the scene.

He was drafted into thoughts. For him, It surely looked like a boss location in games but he did not expect it to be this oversized with visible light above the ceiling of the hole that landed on the stone grave in the middle.

He wondered what would have happened if they were to come by the night. A perfect place for ghosts to dance around.

Rex's weapon had an icy glint around the edges, he dared to approach the stone grave in the middle with silent steps.

Amalia summoned tiny flames in her palm, making sure she lit enough so they all could see more clearly than before as she also walked forth.

Noah hesitated distancing himself but making sure he sticks with Amalia.

Scott stood at the back with the trio. He neither moved and neither said a thing.

The grave was empty as if someone stole everything from it. A carcass lay further ahead from it, lifeless and treasureless.

It was the corpse of Acropash, the cruel and infamous general.

Noah shook his head, disappointed as he mumbled. "So much for a cruel asshat general"

But again he wondered if everything inside the tomb was looted then why did the system give this quest in the first place? Why did he need to survive if there was nothing to be afraid of...

"It's empty" reported Rex.

"Of course, it is" Replied Scott. He tightened his leather glove around his palm and then exhaled loudly enough so others could turn to him. He then summoned the red blade with a crooked smile on his face.

"Is that the sword of Acropash?" Exclaimed Amalia, surprised.

"Blood sword, this is the same sword that made Acropash who he was. A powerful human being" Scott announced, acknowledging the blade in his hand.

"what's the meaning of this?" Rex raised a question, unsure of what was unfolding before his eyes. "You have the sword! Does that mean you came here before us? If so then why are we all here?"

To Rex's questions, the bandit man replied. "To get killed by us"

Their thumping hearts stopped for a moment. Eyes glued to them as if trying to process what they had said.

Rena trembled as she took a few steps back, unsure of what to do and what would happen from now on.

Rex and Amalia both stood silent as if no words had come into their minds. They found nothing to say or ask, all they did was stay frozen.

It was the same case for Noah, he was baffled by the situation. He did not foresee this could happen in any way and his plan failed as if it had no solid foundation to begin with.

He had focused himself on the Bandits and how to frame them and make sure the adventurers killed them to the point he had forgotten there might different schemes at play.

His plan was simple with no different motives but things had taken a turn quite drastically.

There were many questions in their minds and the only one who could answer them was Scott himself.

"Scott the beast slayer. Huh! What a title but do you ever try to find what kind of beast I had slain?" He laughed while licking his sword. "Let me tell you from the start, please bear with me, my friends"

"That's gross, how can he lick it" Noah wondered. "Addiction...maybe who knows what else he likes to lick"

"Reachy Brought me here, we fought these damned things and finally managed to defeat the Acropash but you know everything changed when I touched this sword. This sword chose me, Not him but me. it spoke to me and told me how to be a true master of the very sword." He raised his voice. "Small sacrifices are meant to do for a greater good and they were those small sacrifices. I took them down right here just like the swords wanted. I did all the planning to make sure it would not be revealed outside."

"You mean spreading rumors and becoming a beast slayer" Rex had constricted on the hilt of his big axe.

The fellow members were trembling as they kept their heads high. They had never seen this side of their friend Scott, it was new as if he was possessed.

"Right, it was all a piece of cake but bringing you all in here was a truly difficult job. Convincing, traveling, hiring these guys, and much more" He continued. "Aren't I awesome?"

"But why?" Flames in Amalia's hand sparked even more, and her face twisted in anger.

"To be its master I have to slaughter ten of my companions right here as a tribute, this thing craves trustworthy blood" He smiled again. "but the good news is I have already killed eight of them. I only require two more so I am planning to spare one of you."

The group stood silent.

"What are you waiting for? If you side with me I promise to spare your life. Remember there is only one spot" He stepped forward. "Time is running"

They did not move but their eyes searched for their friend's faces.

If they agree to join Scott that will mean they have to raise their weapon against their friends and if they decide to do it then there will be no difference between him and them.

It was a tough choice. Either their life or friendship.

Seeing nobody was ready to take any action, Scott spoke up.

"Amalia! You are a genius and I promise we will rule this world. You will be my queen and I will be the king" Scott declared gradually and carefully making sure his words had an impact on her.

She hesitated.

Noah gulped hard, "What a typical aim of an evildoer but Amalia is a good choice..."

'Fuck my thoughts I am at the doorstep of death and this brain of mine forgets he was not here to comment anything but to survive the ongoing bullshit' Noah thought.

"I am waiting for your answer, Amalia" he spoke in a more intimidating tone.

She took a step back in anxiety.