Otherlife Nightmares: The Selfless Hero Trilogy Read online

The memory cleared and settled in place in his head.

  Putting his mind back to the task at hand, he thought about his situation.

  Given some money, a supply of materials, and a little bit of time, he could turn into a real OP bastard.

  Yet if I were to do the same to Katarina or Thana, they’d be unstoppable.

  With a quick shake of his head and flick of his finger, he opened his ability window. Quickly he sorted the physical abilities out from the magical. Then he started pulling the duplicates out and putting them in the back of the book.

  Unfortunately, many were simple flavor differences from previously existing ones, or slightly upgraded ones. He already had a sneaking suspicion that if he used Spell Weaving correctly, he could create permanent spells. Those would have far more potency than the starters or assigned ones, he imagined.

  On the healer side he’d picked up Bandage, Set, Revive, Heal(Doctor), Regeneration(Doctor), Antidote, Calm, and Poison. Two of those being simple upgrades.

  Revive seemed like it would be handy to have, if they ever managed to get some players to join them. So far the vast majority of players he’d run into were concerned with themselves or didn’t seem to offer him much.

  That and Runner couldn’t deny he had a tendency to avoid other players.

  Unfortunately Revive didn’t look like it worked on Naturals.

  Magically, the new additions were even more sparse: Fire, Lightning, Earth, Air, and Water/Ice. It seemed the game expected Elementalists to take what was given and expand on it on their own..

  Physically he had a number of upgrades as well as new abilities: Impale(Duelist), Slash(Duelist), Riposte, Precise Thrust, Disarm, Focus, Challenge(Duelist), Hamstring(Thief), Backstab(Thief), Throw(Thief), Flurry, Fade, Interrupt, Aimed Shot, Quick Shot, and Aim.

  Feeling a bit lost, he closed the page and rested his face in his hands. Today had been too much. Far too much. Without asking, he pulled three beetles from his inventory and handed them out, eating his own immediately. No sooner had he swallowed than he lay out on the wooden boards and let his eyes shut. His goals had changed since he started, yet they remained the same.

  Protect the crew and get them out. Protect the party and provide a home for them. Negotiate a deal with Srit for aid and safety.

  The problems kept piling higher.

  Avoiding being forced into a galactic zoo and the eventual human breeding programs. Maybe ending up being dissected. Accidentally getting everyone killed. The server getting turned off and ending this world and everyone in it. Getting any of the party or himself killed.

  All while acting the part of the CO of the army and Captain of the ship. Without a ship’s asshole or pogues.

  No pressure.

  11:47am Sovereign Earth time

  11/06/43

  For days they traveled under guard. Hannah, Nadine, and Runner were kept inside the wagon. Runner managed to keep himself occupied by enchanting and assembling simple weaponry to upgrade his Arcane Smithing and Item Assembly skills.

  Occasionally he heard Katarina or Thana nearby. They never strayed further than twenty meters from him at any time.

  Each morning he checked the graveyard, watching the number increase more with each day. Every time the number went up, another life had been lost to the game. Unfortunately, the rate at which they were dying had increased once more. Sixteen thousand, give or take a few hundred, were no longer sentient human beings. They were organ donors at best now.

  Finally, the crunch and slight hiss of dirt being ground under wagon wheels was replaced with the clatter of stones. Using his map and the alert he’d received when they’d crossed the border, Runner had confirmed that they’d entered the capital of the Sunless empire, Shade’s Rest. Having the time anyways, he’d been reading up on the capital, the ruling family, and any available information.

  He’d also been practicing his Spell Weaving and had it to a reasonable skill level of fifteen. In his testing he’d created a series of spells: Firestorm (Fire/Air), Sonic Boom (Air/Fire), Steam Engine (Water/Fire/Air), Fury (Fire/Lightning/Air/Water), Stunner (Lightning/Water), Lava shot (Fire/Earth), Mud pie (Earth/Water), Splatterhouse (Earth/Fire/Air/Lightning).

  He was especially proud of Splatterhouse. A solid chunk of hardened earth magic shaped into a shell. Coming out to roughly the size of his fist, it had a hollow point. That hollow point was filled with pressurized fire, air, and lightning magic.

  Realistically the detonation and subsequent explosion should be on par with plasma being released. Only testing could tell though.

  Using air as a propellant, he imagined it would reach some incredible speeds with a solid rotation. Almost like a rifled barrel from old ballistic weaponry.

  Or so he hoped. For all he knew it would go two feet, land at his feet, and sputter fire out onto the grass with a noise like a wet fart buried in a seat cushion.

  Real magnificent imagery there. Sure to really shock and awe the enemy.

  With any luck he could imitate some twentieth-century ballistic weaponry. Beam weaponry might be possible with some modifications to Fury, but nothing at the level of the world he came from.

  “Get out. You, take them all to the throne room. They’ll be presented to His Majesty and he can judge them accordingly.”

  Runner looked up, the voice of the Knight breaking him from his thoughts. He hadn’t noticed the wagon had stopped while he’d been daydreaming.

  “Huh. The service was awful. They didn’t even offer me complimentary anything,” complained Runner.

  He hopped out of the wagon and hit the stones with a pop. Stepping out of the way, he looked around, and then up, and up, and up.

  The castle was carved into a sheer rock face of darkened stone. Surrounding the city in three directions were mountainous elevations. Very little direct sunlight would reach this place and only during the brightest parts of the day.

  He looked around to get an idea of who was around. A man in livery stood nearby, staring at him, waiting. Hannah and Nadine dropped to the stones behind him, which was the extent of his group that he could spot. Thana and Katarina were listed at more than one hundred meters out and were nowhere in sight.

  “Lead on, sir. We’re in your care.”

  Runner gestured to the liveried man and smiled.

  Chapter 2 - Royal Fools -

  12:01pm Sovereign Earth time

  11/06/43

  “His Majesty, King Vasilios the Third!” proclaimed the herald. As the voice faded away, the massive double doors swung inwards on silent hinges. Inside lurked a large audience hall filled with brightly colored tapestries and banners. Beyond those decorations, the room was stylized in a modest manner. Simple stone throughout the room, though each had been carved by hand and interlocked precisely. It gave off an artistic yet orderly feel, noble but cold, obvious and hidden.

  Runner didn’t care for it. His paranoia didn’t like it either.

  Crossing the threshold without revealing his trepidation, he received a system message. It stated he’d entered the Throne Room of King Vasilios. Locking eyes on the ruler of the domain, he marched determinedly towards him. Hannah and Nadine flanked him, one at each side. Their boots thumped on the cold floor in unison as they approached.

  Sitting on the throne was a Sunless man in his mid years. Gray hair graced his temples, his black hair starting to turn to an ash color from stress, Runner presumed. His eyes were the same brown as many of his subjects but they looked tired. Very tired.

  He was dressed in dark finery and gave off a majestic aura. He was no doubt a king—and highly leveled since Runner was unable to get a read on him. It came back with question marks. Runner had the distinct impression that though the man was unarmored, he was not defenseless, and could massacre them all if he chose.

  That and Runner had noticed a large two-handed sword resting against the throne.

  Coming to a halt twenty paces from the dais, Runner dropped to one knee and bowed his head. Behind him he heard the
rustle of clothing as Nadine and Hannah more than likely imitated him.

  Stealing a moment to scan the audience, he found they all looked like members of the peerage.

  To the right-hand side of the king, standing apart from the rest of the nobles, was a small gathering of men and women. Perhaps they served as his advisers.

  Spread at even levels amongst the gathering were men and women who were clearly guards. Some were knights in full plate and others were in full robes with unconcealed rods. Security was high, visible, and tight.

  All traces of his humor and irreverence burned from his mind. This wasn’t the time for silly jokes, snide comments, or rude remarks. This was a very powerful man who could become an ally. Perhaps even a place to rest his head if given the chance.

  “Your Majesty, I, Runner Norwood, have come from a land far off in service to the crown. I successfully freed Princess Katarina and Lady Thana from their imprisonment. I have journeyed ever after to return them to their families and proper stations.”

  He’d spoken loudly and with confidence. In deference, his eyes were locked to the point where the dais joined the floor. Mentally leaning on the Persuade ability, he held still, waiting.

  You use Persuade on King Vasilios

  King Vasilios is Persuaded

  “Rise, Runner,” commanded the king.

  Standing smoothly, Runner bowed his head in thanks. Taking a quick look around, he wasn’t able to spot Katarina or Thana in the audience.

  “You’ve done us a great favor. Our cousin has been most worried over the disappearance of her daughter. We are to understand you were leaving Crivel as it was to fall?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty. We hoped to meet up with your royal army. Though I must confess, we did stop to purchase supplies and briefly train, sire.”

  “Ah, an economical man. A man after our own heart. There is nothing wrong in making use of available resources. In fact, you will continue to escort the princess on her journey west to our cousin’s side. We shall offer our own remuneration for your efforts as well.”

  Quest Updated

  “Escort Princess Katarina Home II”

  Experience Reward: 25% of current level

  Reputation: 25

  Money: 10 Platinum

  Do you Accept?

  Yes/No

  WARNING! Experience Reward is adjusted based on current level at turn in

  “It would be my honor and pleasure, sire,” Runner immediately agreed, bowing his head once more.

  Quest Accepted

  “We are well pleased. Now, it’s time to rest in your room and partake of some refreshment. We are having a reception for the return of our niece tonight and you shall be one of the topics of discussion, I have no doubt. We are sure our chamberlain will have clothes laid out for you in an appropriate style for you and your servants.”

  “A well-received boon and gift, Your Majesty, I thank you and could ask for little else,” Runner said, bowing his head yet again. He was starting to feel like one of those toys that bobbed along to nothing.

  “Economical and humble. We would have you return to us after your sojourn, Runner. We foresee you being of great assistance to the Commonwealth.”

  A Quest has been generated

  “Hail to the King”

  Experience Reward: 2% of current level

  Reputation: 2

  Money: 1 Gold

  Do you Accept?

  Yes/No

  WARNING! Experience Reward is adjusted based on current level at turn in

  “Of course, sire.”

  Quest Accepted

  An older gentleman in the livery of the king came and gestured him aside. He indicated back towards the entryway they came through. Smiling tightly, Runner preceded him, exiting the audience hall, then waited for further instructions.

  “If you’ll please follow me, I’ll escort you and your servants to your quarters.”

  The little man went down another hallway, Runner trailing along. Hannah came up beside him and quirked a brow.

  “I may be a jackass but I’m not stupid. Powerful men don’t tolerate fools. Very powerful men have them removed outright. It’ll only be for a few days before we get out of here and are on our merry way. It wasn’t the way I wanted to get out of Crivel and lose pursuit, but it’ll do fine.”

  “N-n-n-not a servant.”

  “No, you’re not, you’re my companion. Here though, in the land of the Sunless, it would seem Humans and half-breeds hold little to no status. Better my servant, guaranteeing you my protection and status, than a free person. It would seem Shade’s Rest is no better than Crivel. I begin to fear we’ll find no place at all where we’ll be accepted as a group. Princess included or not.”

  Hannah didn’t reply but eyed their surroundings like a woman on edge. She’d probably never fit in with anyone in her whole life, except perhaps this little strange family of theirs.

  Runner eyed Nadine as she shook her head out of sadness. He could only imagine it was a new experience for her. She’d suffered persecution and near constant rejection most of her life due to the damage to her face, but never because of her race. The way she carried herself with strangers, yet shied away from those she felt close to, stemmed from a lack of trust in those she would confide in.

  Thana and Katarina would be no different, shunned in any Human city.

  Katarina would have been treated like the princess she was by anyone in her own country. Until she left her kingdom that is.

  Growing up with that kind of deference created its own type of problems. Never knowing the truth of how others think of you. To wonder if they would say yes to your every whim for fear of upsetting a royal personage. Being forced to consider if those around you only sought to curry your favor or truly cared about you.

  Unexpectedly, Thana turned out to be the mystery card. No one had mentioned her in any way, shape, or form since they’d arrived. Almost as if she were beneath notice. It was a curious situation, one that he couldn’t properly understand.

  Arriving at an arched entryway, the man popped open the door and gestured inside. Walking into the room, Runner scanned it and found it empty of people. And windows. Feeling that mild sense of paranoia crawl upwards another notch, he wondered briefly if this might be an elaborate cell.

  It was well decorated and included a small dining room, a kitchen, a master bedroom, and a smaller servant’s bedroom.

  Yet it felt like a cell, all the same.

  No bathroom of course. Bathrooms don’t exist in games.

  “Clothes are in the wardrobe, sir. The reception will be several hours from now. Another in the king’s service will be by to fetch you.”

  The door clicked shut as soon as the last word was said. There would be no conversation or questions.

  “Shit like this makes me feel itchy. Feel like a prisoner. Thrice-damned shadow fuckers,” muttered Hannah, walking deeper into the room.

  “At least it’s n-n-n-not a wagon.”

  “Definitely not a wagon. We could escape the wagon easily enough. Check on the clothes. I’m going to work on building Thana’s staff. All that assembly line crafting in the wagon leveled me, but left me feeling a little droid-like,” Runner complained.

  His mind had been left to wander as he worked. He had taken the time to explore all the problems, possible solutions, and his life in general. The only problem had been the act of creating said items had been unrewarding.

  He left Hannah and Nadine and moved over to the dining table. He began withdrawing the bits and pieces he’d bought in advance for this exact situation.

  For the staff itself he’d found a model that was segmented and made of metallic cylinders. Each cylinder had a specific place and therefore would only fit in a certain order. Which meant they were unique and not duplicates.

  The bottom stood apart even more so than the rest, having a reinforced butt and a slightly different color.

  Runner sat down once he had all the parts he thought he’d need and
picked up the butt of the staff. Rotating it in his hand, he looked at the dark metal. It had no luster and could only be described as a dark gray—nearly black in truth if one were not in a strong light. Each segment was about five to six inches long and maybe an inch and a half wide.

  As he sat there contemplating, his mind began to change the direction of this planned weapon. Building up her damage would be great on paper, but terrible in practice. There was no aggro meter or threat bar for her to reference to determine her position on it.

  Having decided on a new plan, he focused on the piece in his hand and bound it with Fade. It was an activated ability that would effectively lower accumulated threat. It was one of his thief abilities, but he’d already proven he could distill thief abilities into potions. Why not equipment?

  A light chime sounded in his ear, signifying success. Smirking he set it aside and picked up the next piece of the staff. Rolling it in his palm, he considered his options.

  Selecting Silence, he bound it to the piece, then attached the two finished pieces together. With a click, the interlocking pieces joined together smoothly.

  Nodding to himself, he bound the third and fourth sections with Cleanse and Distract. Six sections, along with the wrapping, the headpiece, and its decorations, remained. As the smirk grew into a leer, he couldn’t help but be envious.

  He could push any of his party members up to an obscene level of ability, but he would never personally reach their heights.

  All six succeeding cylinders were imbued with Intelligence as was the bright red cloth he would use for wrapping. Runner locked the six pieces together and set the staff down at his feet. Runner pulled over the stave’s decorative crown and accentuating ornamentation.

  There wasn’t much artistry to it, and overall it spoke to practicality. Extending from the red connecting cap were three bars of dark gray metal, twisted and curving over each other to form a hollow, stylized spear point.