Ch.9: Slayer

"Civilian, I do not like having to repeat myself. Identify yourself immediately!"

Lorean struggled to pull himself out of the sand,

<Proceed with caution hollow one, judging by her armor she appears to be a Valkyrie, and a powerful one at that>.

The Afternoon sun shawn behind the woman making her somewhat hard to see. The woman wore a armored ball gown, the armor looked light weight and to be made from shinning steel. Her hands and arms were fully coverd in armor and small pauldrons covered her shoulders. The breastplate was one solid piece with a blue gemstone in the center that matched her eyes, the gown portion itself was lightly covered in chain main and portions of overlapping steel plate. She wore greaves and sabatons of the same style. Unlike Loreans armor however, there were clearly visible chinks in her armor and the high collared black and mint green gown was visible underneath. She wore no helm so her shoulder length raven hair, and porcelain face were easily visible. But her eyes, Lorean felt her sparkling sky blue eyes would bore right through him if he didn't act quickly.

**Crap what do I say?! alright ok say something cool, but mysterious at the same time. But don't try to hard.**

<Remember Hollow one a knight is always chivalrous>.

**Im not taking suggestions from the peanut gallery at this time**

She was beginning to loose patience, the woman tightened her grip on the huge mint green and black spear, pointing it right at Lorean.

"LAST WARNING" she said with a growl.

The tip of the spear was a massive arrow shape, with two smaller arrows shapes pointing out the sides and all wickedly sharp. Standing at his full height Lorean still felt rather small compared to her. He spoke with the deepest and manliness voice he could muster.

"My name and title are of little importance Miss, I am but a simple traveler".

After giving his armor another ounce over she furrowed her brow in displeasure.

"I highly doubt that". She straightened herself even more. "I am Knight Valkyrie Celia Skyfallen, of the 63rd Imperial Ariel Scouting Division. You Civilian are now under arrest for failure to cooperate with a Imperial Knight". She began to advance on Lorean.

"HOLD ON HOLD ON! You want my name?! Hehe I'm Lorean Shell. That's it no more no less!"

"Lorean Shell? That's a made up name"

"WHAT?! IT IS NOT!"

She halted her advance, "Very well 'Lorean Shell' what prey-tell are you doing out this far in the Dune sea? and don't even think of lying to me".

Lorean awkwardly scratched the back of his helm as if it was his head "Well im actually on my way to Dolor.. "

Her eyes narrowed and her gaze turned into daggers, her voice was a razor sharp hiss.

"What are YOU going to Dolor for?"

Lorean had to defuse the situation, otherwise who knows what she would do.

**I guess I'll just tell her the truth**

Lorean dramatically held out a clenched fist towards her,

"RIGHTEOUS RETRIBUTION".

His response surprised her, and her dagger like gaze softened a bit. She stared at him as if searching for any falsehood.

"Very well, carry on citizen". She turned and began walking away.

**Wait what?! Just like that she's letting me go?**

"Um was that all, m-miss"

"Yes, the Empire has no jurisdiction in Dolor. If you seek righteous retribution on there soil it's none of my business. Goodbye."

With that she began to slowly levitate into the air, and then a thin halo of light appeared above her head. A swirling vortex of air enveloped her and she rocketed into the sky with a explosion. The blast ounce again sent Lorean sailing through the air into the dunes.

The Sun was beginning to set, and Lorean was looking forward to the cool night air. The encounter with Celia Skyfallen was still churning in his mind.

"Hey Warden are there many different Knightly orders?".

<Not many, but there are a few. The orders of Knights operate independent of one another but all answer to the Empire>.

"Hmmm" Lorean hummed at the thought of this.

"Why is Dolor out of the Empires jurisdiction?"

<I have no idea, when I was alive The city of Dolor was the Empire's primary base of operations for expeditions into the Eastern Wastelands and the Northern Front. So the fact that it's out of their jurisdiction now means that it's most likely fallen under Ill-begotten hands>.

"Curiouser and Curiouser".

The next few days of walking were rather quiet aside from the frequent sand storms Lorean was constantly having to dig himself out of. He was becoming more and more thankful for the ability he picked up from consuming the scorpions soul ounce Celia Skyfallen had left. 'DIG' was not a very impressive name for a ability but a 25% efficiency boost to being able to Dig through sand and dirt was proving more and more useful.

Lorean climbed to the top of a rather large sand dune and looked off into the distance, he could just barely make out the rock hills of the Eastern Wasteland over the horizon.

"Not far now Ward ol buddy?" Lorean said enthusiastically.

<Ounce we reach those hills it's only another week and half's journey>.

"So no"

<That is correct, no>

"Good lorddaahhhhhh!" The dune Lorean had been standing on was beginning to move. Lorean feared the worst and jumped off the dune reading his shield, prepping for another gruesome fight with a scorpion. That is until the dune kept rising and rising and rising. The Titanic beast kept rising from the sand, it's huge shovel shaped head blotted out the sun. Lorean figured it could devour one of those scorpions in a single bite.

<Hollow one>

"Yes Ward?"

<Do you have a plan?>

"No Ward"

<I suggest running>

"I agree Ward...."

<NOW!>

Lorean snapped out of it and began sprinting at top speed across the dunes. The massive Sand Dragon began to rumble forward, 8 pairs of huge stubby reptilian legs propelled its long millipede-like armored body. Like a colossal living train it tore across the sand at a speed thought impossible for a creature that size. The Sand Dragon launched itself into the air over Lorean and landed perfectly on top of him, consuming him whole. All in one swift motion.

All Lorean could see was darkness, and the ground beneath him was wet and squishy. "Well shit, I died again".

<No you fool, we are quite dead yet. We were just swallowed by a Sand Dragon>

"Oh is that all, well then why aren't we already dead?"

<Well we should be but your Living Armor ability is protecting you from the beasts stomach acid, regenerating your armor as fast as the acid can destroy it. But we don't have much time. Ounce your mana runs out we are done for. You may be poison proof but your definitely not acid proof>.

"Ward that's it! Your a genius".

Before the Warden could respond Lorean had removed his helm and opened his mouth wide taking in a huge breath. Then all at ounce Lorean began pushing the air out of his lungs, but it wasn't air. A noxious cloud of thick miasma bellowed out of his mouth and began filling the dragons huge stomach. Almost instantly the Dragon began to convulse, Lorean was knocked off his feet as the dragons stomach started churning and contracting in size.

<I think it's working!>

"NO WAY, what gave you that idea."

Then like a cannon ball being launched out of a slimy cannon, Lorean and all the contents of the creatures stomach were propelled up its esophagus and out its mouth. Ounce again Lorean found himself sailing through the air and wondered briefly if this was going to be a running trend before he smashed into the ground. The Sand dragon spun and contorted its body in pain, vile miasma spewing from its mouth like smoke from a volcano. Finally it raised to its full height and let out one last earth shattering roar before crashing to the ground dead.

Lorean couldn't help feel a bit sad for the beast, such a painful end to a fantastic beast.

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"Um what's happening!?"

<Do to slaying the Sand Dragon you have leveled up 32 times>.

"Seriously!? That's like 6 class upgrades!"

<How will you distribute your points?>

"Well first I'll dump all my core attribute points into Vitality, next I'll finish maxing Retribution, Stout Defense, Dark Binding, and Dark Harvest so I don't have to say their incantations anymore. That leaves 11 points remaining. I'll save those till I upgrade my class, see if I get anything really good. I'm thinking 2 points for each, so let's see what we get".

A flurry of window opened all at ounce.

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DEFENDER ABILITY UNLOCKED:

- Shield Charge -

• Charge Shield for 5 sec. and then Dash at target dealing blunt damage equal to shield AR + 50% of AR as Lightning damage.

• costs mana

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DEFENDER SPELL UNLOCKED:

- Summon Elemental Shield -

"My Soul is my Shield, and my Shield is what I will it to be. Come forth Elemental Shield".

• Summon Shield created from target Element

• Can summon one additional Shield per level

• Stats based of Rarity and strength of target Element

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———————————————————————LICH KING ABILITY UNLOCKED:

- Aura of Death passive ability -

"You are death incarnate, all those who enter your wake will know who you are".

• The Aura you give off is dark, ominous and constant.

• increases potency with mana use, all present are afflicted with Fear Paralysis, and are Terrified.

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LICH KING SPELL UNLOCKED:

- Summon Darkling -

"Let the Void itself bend to my will, the master commands. Heed my call, Come forth Darkling".

• Summon a Darkling Minion

• its stats are equal to 25% of yours

• Summon an additional one per level

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KNIGHT WARDEN ABILITY UNLOCKED:

- Wardens Blessing passive ability -

"Ask a question, get all the answers".

• When having a one on one conversation with a target, they can only answer your questions truthfully.

———————————————————————-———————————————————————-

KNIGHT WARDEN SPELL UNLOCKED:

- Chain Prison -

"Be confined body and soul, your freedom is penance for your sins. I cast Chain Prison".

• Target is Immobilized , and is Silenced

• Benefits for Sealing buffs

———————————————————————

———————————————————————

MOTIF GAINED: Desert Warlord

• +45% Heat res. when in Desert Terrain

———————————————————————-

"Well shit.. that's a lot of stuff"

<Indeed>

"But before I get carried away, I need to do something". Lorean walked over to the Sand Dragon corpse, the creature was immense.

He placed his hand on the creature.

"I'm sorry you had to go out like that" his voice but a whisper. "Dark Harvest..".

There was a massive wave of power, similar to with the goblins but infinitely more powerful. Ghostly light enveloped Lorean to the point where he thought he would drown in it. Then as soon as it had begun it ended. Lorean took a step back looking at his hands. He felt changed some how, more powerful then he'd ever been. A window popped up.

———————————————————————

ABILITY GAINED:

- Sunder -

"Your will is a landslide and your rage a quake, let the heavens and earth feel your furry".

• Cause Sunder

• +75% Damage against Buildings and Structures

———————————————————————

"Well that could be rather useful. Time to try out these other abilities, but first I'll distribute what points I've got left." He ended up putting 8 into Chain Command and 3 into Magic Barrier.

Lorean held his hand out and felt the pull of magic as he spoke the incantation. "Let the Void itself bend to my will, the master commands. Heed my call, Come forth Darkling". The sand on the ground turned inky black as dark mist began to raise and swirl. Then a creature began to take shape from the mist, it looked similar to a goblin but was pitch black in color in fact the only things that weren't black were its rows of gleaming white pointed teeth in its oversized maw, and the blood red crosses that were its pupils in its large almond shaped eyes. The creature stepped forward, it's extra long pointed ears bobbed as it moved.

"Ello milllord" it spoke with a thick accent that was difficult for Lorean to understand.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, oi am at you umble service master. Absolutely anything you need its moi joi to do it for you". Giving a deep lavish bow as he finished.

"Umm.. T-thank you"

<Employing a creature such as this is most definitely not Knightly>

"It's a pleasure milllord"

"What are you?" Lorean leaned in studying the little creature, it had a similar pointed little nose as a goblin, and it was much more muscular. It's arms were long enough that it's knuckles dragged on the ground. Black corse hair covered large portions of the creature and a long reptilian like tail swished back and forth behind it.

"Why oim a Darkling milllord, a creature of shadows, a manifestation of your Dark will". Sensing that Lorean was still confused, he continued. " Koind of like a imp or a goblin except noit stupid and useless, hehe".

"Ah i see, what can you do then? Like what do you specialize in?"

"Well milllord as you can clearly see oi am of smoll statura, and so front line combat is not moi forte. But oi rather excel at information gathering, assassination and subterfuge".

"Hmm I suppose I could use someone like you then".

The Darkling began to dance and jump for joy, "Oh thank you milllord; a thousand thank yous. You'll not be disappointed boi moi performance, oi promise you that".

"Very good, now do you have a way you can like hide or something? If people see you they might um.. freak out you know?".

"Oh yes of course milllord of course". With that the Darkling transformed into a black cloud of and dove into Loreans shadow. It's voice was now a shadowy whisper the echoed into his ear.

"Is this form pleasing to you milllord?"

Lorean looked around briefly, "Yup that will do".

<You are taking all this remarkably well>

**What do you mean?**

<You have a Hell-spawn living in your shadow!>

**Technically he'd be a Void-spawn**

<That's not the point>

**I see no problem**

All the warden did was grumble in response. Lorean clapped his hands loudly "Well time to test out that cool shield ability" Lorean aimed his hand towards the sand. "My Soul is my Shield, and my Shield is what I will it to be. Come forth Elemental Shield". The Sand began to swirl and solidify until a square sand colored shield appeared in Lorean's hand.

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SAND SHIELD:

"A shield made of sand, that's it"

~ COMMON ~

• +10 AR

• Can be reverted back to sand

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"Interesting, very interesting". Lorean said think aloud.

"Well done milllord, a masterful use of magic if I've ever seen wan".

"Wait" Loreans eyes widened, a plan was forming.

He spun around looking at the Dragon corpse. The Sand Shield reverted to sand in his hands. I devious smile crept onto his face. He place a hand on the dragons body.

"Ounce again you will help me out. I'll make sure your body doesn't go to waste". The mana pull was as immense as the dragon, Lorean felt like he was pouring everything he had into the spell.

"MY SOUL IS MY SHIELD AND MY SHIELD IS WHAT I WILL IT TO BE. COME FORTH ELEMENTAL SHIELD!" There was a huge shake as the entire dragon began to shift and move. Smaller and smaller it contorted and changed until the ounce massive Sand Dragon was now a impressive looking Scale shield.

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UNDEAD SAND DRAGON SHIELD:

"A immensely powerful shield created from the body of the Ancient Sand Dragon Gol'Klodu".

~ LEGENDARY ~

• AR - 350

• Grants Sonar Sense passive ability

• Can be reverted back to Undead Sand Dragon Mount.

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"YES OH YES wonderful milllord, simply wonderful a true work of aart, if oi eva saw one".

"Haha You know I should right a book, the title will read. HOW TO DEFEAT A DRAGON IN UNDER A HOUR. Step 1. Get eaten by dragon, Step 2. Kill dragon, Step 3. Eat dragons soul, Step 4. Recycle body".

"How cleaver milllord, yes oim sure it'll bey a best seller milllord".

Lorean slung his new shield over his shoulder, it was a the same length as his other shield, but more shovel shaped, it was a sandy color with hard underlapping scales tuning down the bulk of the shield.

"Yo Ward, what's a Motif?"

<Do you know anything? It's a special type of Alteration magic. It layers overtop of your armor changing its look and shape. You can use it by casting it like a spell>.

"Ok cool"

Lorean proceeded, with using the Motif. In a flash his armor and Tower shield looked completely different. His helm had turned from a Magus Helm to a dark rough grey Armet Helm. Both the Pauldrons were the same size now and where smaller and rounded. Underlapping rough iron bands ran down the upper arm and stoped at the elbow. The forearms were covered in the same bands, continuing into the gauntlets and covering the fist. A sandy brown cloak wrapped around his neck and hung just off the ground. A sandy brown tunic was visible underneath a small Iron Brestplate. A Sandy brown tasset hung in between his legs, that where coverd in iron banded cuisseses. His ounce massive tower shield had transformed into a rough Iron round shield with chains covering it in a cross shape.

"Well I don't know about y'all but I've had enough of this sand". Lorean held up the Undead Sand Dragon Shield, he released the power from within. There was a massive explosion of sand, when the dust settled Lorean could only see the towering Dragon looming over him. Now full resurrected, it's eyes glowed a ominous putrid green color and wisps of miasma plumed from its nostrils. Lorean took a few nervous steps back.

"Worrie noit milllord, the beast is unda your control. He bends to your will".

"O-oh of course I new that , hehe".

Lorean took a moment and looked out over the Dune sea. **Time to get the hell out of this oversized sand box** he thought as he climbed on top of the Dragon.

"Let's Sally forth!" And just like that Lorean began racing across the desert at breakneck speeds.

~ Knight Valkyrie HQ Fort Haven ~

Celia was wiped, she had just returned from her mission to survey the entire Western Wasteland for the Hunters Guild. Now it was time for some much needed relaxation.

"Miss Skyfallen!" A young Valkyrie came rushing down the stone hallway waving her arms like a child, her long brown hair bouncing as she ran.

Celia dawned a tired smile. "Hello, Stelcey how are you doing?"

"I'm fine Miss Skyfallen, was your mission successful?"

"Why yes Stelcey I believe it was."

"That's wonderful to hear Miss Skyfallen, but I have some bad news. A emergency mission from the Hunters Guild."

"You can't be serious?!".

"Im afraid so Miss, the Grandmaster asked for you specifically. I tried to petition for another Valkyrie to do go but she insisted."

Celia furrowed her brow in frustration and let out a long sigh. "All right what's the mission".

"The Hunters guild needs you to track down the Ancient Sand Dragon Gol'Klodu in the Dune sea. Apparently the magic tracers they placed on it disappeared a few days ago. So they are worried something has happened."

Celia rubbed her chin, "this is indeed troubling news, I'll leave immediately".

"Yes of course Miss Skyfallen I'll let the Grandmaster know right away".

"Oh Stecey one more thing. I need you to head to the various Guild Archives and track down a person for me."

"Of course Miss Skyfallen, who is it?"

"A dwarf by the name of, Lorean Shell".