Chapter 48: Sacrificial Ritual
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Chapter 48: Sacrificial Ritual
"Sure, their army might be reluctant to fight," DicingDevil said, "but I'm sure many DeathGang members are as well. Our guys might also want to flee, once the battle starts."
Cael shrugged. "Well, they'll have no choice, since the hills are blocking their retreat."
"Shameless plan. Good. They will fight like cornered beasts."
"The enemy, however, will have more open space behind them. We can ambush them as they retreat, but they will still be tempted to do that once they meet the larger force in the North. Retreating will disorganise them. This is the first war around here, so a lot of them will be on edge once they realise what they've gotten into."
"You're right. A lot of our guys will also be reluctant, but they'll have no choice but to fight."
"Exactly, and we can rout the enemy once they turn to flee. Anyway, here's Kruxol. I only see one guy patrolling the North. I guess they're not that concerned about patrolling around the town by this point. No DeathGang showing up."
"Yes, and the game doesn't allow many players to guard the town boundaries. They probably won't recognise you, since you're a Mage and not in DeathGang. You walk towards the town first, then I'll run in."
"Sure."
Before going, Cael painstakingly wrote a rune on a piece of paper next to him, using [Illusory Quill Pen]. Re-tracing the lines several times, he seemed to almost etch the rune into the paper, using a lot of his MP. He walked towards town with a poker face, wearing a blue coat over his usual Mage robes. He tried not to appear rushed, and noticed that the patrolling player didn't seem to pay much attention to him. As he neared the town, he heard the player call out to him, saying, "Hey there! Any sign of DeathGang up North?"
Cael made sure to take a step past this player, towards the town, before turning backwards to answer. He was now facing towards the trees North of Kruxol, and the level 57 player duly turned around to face Cael. Cael saw that DicingDevil was now making a few preliminary movements towards the town, preparing to sprint into Kruxol. This was possible because the player patrolling Kruxol was no longer looking North.The roots of this story extend from novell bìn origin.
"I did not see many DeathGang, but I did see one named Darys," Cael said, trying to put on an accent that would suggest he was not familiar with the English language.
The level 57 player's eyes raised. "Oh? I know that name. Tell me, where did you see him?"
Cael waited for DicingDevil to find a safe hiding-spot, behind a thick bush near the edge of the trees, then said, "I think I remember. I do not know what place is called, but I can tell you direction."
He held up his arm past the level 57 player, pointing straight towards the North-East.
"It is there!" Cael said.
The level 57 player turned back towards the North, to see where Cael was pointing. Cael waited until the player was looking towards the tree-line, then cast [Conjure Light], using the option to spend extra MP for an especially bright light. However, no light appeared in his palm. Instead, he smiled and ran quickly into the safe zone of Kruxol, as a level 85 [Apparition of Light] materialised right in front of the level 57 player.
"While we're waiting for the war, could I borrow the level 32 player to sharpen my blade?" Crucis offered. A few DeathGang players gave muffled, amused grunts at the tone of this offer.
"Yes, that is fine," said DicingDevil, "I have observed your skill at these things. Shall we put the level 35 to death immediately, or does anyone have any plans for them?"
"We can leave him to bleed out," said a level 45 DeathGang player named [Akshel].
"Alright, go ahead."
Akshel grabbed the level 35 player by the throat, and used a fierce [Silent Stab] to cut cleanly through the front of the player's throat, followed by [Dagger Twist] to deepen the bleeding wound. Finally, he used [Black Spot] to cut a slit across the wound, causing heavy bleeding to soak the player's throat.
The level 35 player was kicked to the cold ground, and left to die.
The weaker, level 32 player was kicked to the ground in front of Crucis, and Crucis kneeled down to apply a loose [Chokehold]. Crucis calmly drew out his [Skeleton Dagger, level 0]. Imitating Akshel slightly, he used [Silent Stab] to pierce through the front of the player's throat. However, Crucis deliberately stabbed in a less professional manner, hacking a messy, bleeding wound in the front of the player's throat. The player tried to scream, but could not.
As Crucis' dagger struck, he saw a faint, dark mist rise from the wound. The [Nightmare] effect. He had been hoping for this. He continued with a [Black Spot] to deepen the wounds on the player's throat. The player had still not lost any HP from these attacks, due to Crucis' choice of weapon.
He then moved on to striking at the spine with a [Panoramic Strike], while pressing the level 32 player's neck wounds into the slightly muddy ground. Some mud was smeared into the throat wounds. After a [Ripper] towards the spine, the wounded player seemed to be trying to writhe, but failing to move his limbs. Crucis saw with satisfaction that a thicker black mist was arising around him, and spreading through the area around him. His hand now appeared covered in an array of lizard-like oil-black scales instead of skin. He could sense a slight red-black glow from his eyes.
Crucis met a smidgeon of resistance from the player, but quelled this with a few harsh strikes below the ribcage. Blood was by now pouring from the level 32 player's mouth. Crucis returned to a focus on the player's mangled neck, using [Ripper] to carve up what remained of it. He continued persistently striking the player for 10 minutes, watching as the air of the surrounding area became thick with an almost-suffocating black mist. Once he was satisfied that the mist wasn't getting any thicker, he drew out his [Vile Toxin Gas] and sprayed it over the wounded player, then used a [Silver Crucifix Dagger] to slash the player's throat with [Black Spot]. He left the player, frozen in an agonised expression, to die from the [Bleeding] status.
"Here's your mist," quipped Crucis, as he saw DicingDevil walk by to check on the blaçk mist.
"When did you become a faceless lizard?" DicingDevil replied. He had noticed the gradual, intimidating transformation in Crucis' appearance as the mist spread. However, he was mostly pleased that there was now a clear mist covering the area, making his task much easier.
"Took some adrenochrome. Kidding, that's an effect of the mist."
"I see, Mr. Icke. Actually, I have heard of something like that."
Crucis noticed that - in appearance at least - his face had mostly been replaced by a black, gaping void, with round eyes - like a komodo dragon's - suspended in the centre. The eyes were black, with a slight red tint, and emitted a faint red glow. He noticed that his black scales were often interspersed with blood-red scales in swirling patterns, something which hadn't happened in Athur's throne room. After 30 seconds outside of battle, he began to revert automatically to his usual appearance, and he joined the rest of the group.
"Alright, guys," DicingDevil said, "Word is in from our scouts, a small group from the [Communion] Guild are heading just to our East. They are searching the area around the [Arts Building], because Darys is generally seen around there and they want to take him by surprise at the beginning of the war. They are trying not to raise attention, so they are moving in a group with only 8 [Communion] members and 3 elites from other Guilds. Most of their other forces are following the path, because they aren't familiar with the area, so those won't be running into us. We should go East, and wait in ambush."
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Chapter 48: Sacrificial Ritual
"Sure, their army might be reluctant to fight," DicingDevil said, "but I'm sure many DeathGang members are as well. Our guys might also want to flee, once the battle starts."
Cael shrugged. "Well, they'll have no choice, since the hills are blocking their retreat."
"Shameless plan. Good. They will fight like cornered beasts."
"The enemy, however, will have more open space behind them. We can ambush them as they retreat, but they will still be tempted to do that once they meet the larger force in the North. Retreating will disorganise them. This is the first war around here, so a lot of them will be on edge once they realise what they've gotten into."
"You're right. A lot of our guys will also be reluctant, but they'll have no choice but to fight."
"Exactly, and we can rout the enemy once they turn to flee. Anyway, here's Kruxol. I only see one guy patrolling the North. I guess they're not that concerned about patrolling around the town by this point. No DeathGang showing up."
"Yes, and the game doesn't allow many players to guard the town boundaries. They probably won't recognise you, since you're a Mage and not in DeathGang. You walk towards the town first, then I'll run in."
"Sure."
Before going, Cael painstakingly wrote a rune on a piece of paper next to him, using [Illusory Quill Pen]. Re-tracing the lines several times, he seemed to almost etch the rune into the paper, using a lot of his MP. He walked towards town with a poker face, wearing a blue coat over his usual Mage robes. He tried not to appear rushed, and noticed that the patrolling player didn't seem to pay much attention to him. As he neared the town, he heard the player call out to him, saying, "Hey there! Any sign of DeathGang up North?"
Cael made sure to take a step past this player, towards the town, before turning backwards to answer. He was now facing towards the trees North of Kruxol, and the level 57 player duly turned around to face Cael. Cael saw that DicingDevil was now making a few preliminary movements towards the town, preparing to sprint into Kruxol. This was possible because the player patrolling Kruxol was no longer looking North.The roots of this story extend from novell bìn origin.
"I did not see many DeathGang, but I did see one named Darys," Cael said, trying to put on an accent that would suggest he was not familiar with the English language.
The level 57 player's eyes raised. "Oh? I know that name. Tell me, where did you see him?"
Cael waited for DicingDevil to find a safe hiding-spot, behind a thick bush near the edge of the trees, then said, "I think I remember. I do not know what place is called, but I can tell you direction."
He held up his arm past the level 57 player, pointing straight towards the North-East.
"It is there!" Cael said.
The level 57 player turned back towards the North, to see where Cael was pointing. Cael waited until the player was looking towards the tree-line, then cast [Conjure Light], using the option to spend extra MP for an especially bright light. However, no light appeared in his palm. Instead, he smiled and ran quickly into the safe zone of Kruxol, as a level 85 [Apparition of Light] materialised right in front of the level 57 player.
"While we're waiting for the war, could I borrow the level 32 player to sharpen my blade?" Crucis offered. A few DeathGang players gave muffled, amused grunts at the tone of this offer.
"Yes, that is fine," said DicingDevil, "I have observed your skill at these things. Shall we put the level 35 to death immediately, or does anyone have any plans for them?"
"We can leave him to bleed out," said a level 45 DeathGang player named [Akshel].
"Alright, go ahead."
Akshel grabbed the level 35 player by the throat, and used a fierce [Silent Stab] to cut cleanly through the front of the player's throat, followed by [Dagger Twist] to deepen the bleeding wound. Finally, he used [Black Spot] to cut a slit across the wound, causing heavy bleeding to soak the player's throat.
The level 35 player was kicked to the cold ground, and left to die.
The weaker, level 32 player was kicked to the ground in front of Crucis, and Crucis kneeled down to apply a loose [Chokehold]. Crucis calmly drew out his [Skeleton Dagger, level 0]. Imitating Akshel slightly, he used [Silent Stab] to pierce through the front of the player's throat. However, Crucis deliberately stabbed in a less professional manner, hacking a messy, bleeding wound in the front of the player's throat. The player tried to scream, but could not.
As Crucis' dagger struck, he saw a faint, dark mist rise from the wound. The [Nightmare] effect. He had been hoping for this. He continued with a [Black Spot] to deepen the wounds on the player's throat. The player had still not lost any HP from these attacks, due to Crucis' choice of weapon.
He then moved on to striking at the spine with a [Panoramic Strike], while pressing the level 32 player's neck wounds into the slightly muddy ground. Some mud was smeared into the throat wounds. After a [Ripper] towards the spine, the wounded player seemed to be trying to writhe, but failing to move his limbs. Crucis saw with satisfaction that a thicker black mist was arising around him, and spreading through the area around him. His hand now appeared covered in an array of lizard-like oil-black scales instead of skin. He could sense a slight red-black glow from his eyes.
Crucis met a smidgeon of resistance from the player, but quelled this with a few harsh strikes below the ribcage. Blood was by now pouring from the level 32 player's mouth. Crucis returned to a focus on the player's mangled neck, using [Ripper] to carve up what remained of it. He continued persistently striking the player for 10 minutes, watching as the air of the surrounding area became thick with an almost-suffocating black mist. Once he was satisfied that the mist wasn't getting any thicker, he drew out his [Vile Toxin Gas] and sprayed it over the wounded player, then used a [Silver Crucifix Dagger] to slash the player's throat with [Black Spot]. He left the player, frozen in an agonised expression, to die from the [Bleeding] status.
"Here's your mist," quipped Crucis, as he saw DicingDevil walk by to check on the blaçk mist.
"When did you become a faceless lizard?" DicingDevil replied. He had noticed the gradual, intimidating transformation in Crucis' appearance as the mist spread. However, he was mostly pleased that there was now a clear mist covering the area, making his task much easier.
"Took some adrenochrome. Kidding, that's an effect of the mist."
"I see, Mr. Icke. Actually, I have heard of something like that."
Crucis noticed that - in appearance at least - his face had mostly been replaced by a black, gaping void, with round eyes - like a komodo dragon's - suspended in the centre. The eyes were black, with a slight red tint, and emitted a faint red glow. He noticed that his black scales were often interspersed with blood-red scales in swirling patterns, something which hadn't happened in Athur's throne room. After 30 seconds outside of battle, he began to revert automatically to his usual appearance, and he joined the rest of the group.
"Alright, guys," DicingDevil said, "Word is in from our scouts, a small group from the [Communion] Guild are heading just to our East. They are searching the area around the [Arts Building], because Darys is generally seen around there and they want to take him by surprise at the beginning of the war. They are trying not to raise attention, so they are moving in a group with only 8 [Communion] members and 3 elites from other Guilds. Most of their other forces are following the path, because they aren't familiar with the area, so those won't be running into us. We should go East, and wait in ambush."
Chapter 48: Sacrificial Ritual"Sure, their army might be reluctant to fight," DicingDevil said, "but I'm sure many DeathGang members are as well. Our guys might also want to flee, once the battle starts."Cael shrugged. "Well, they'll have no choice, since the hills are blocking their retreat.""Shameless plan. Good. They will fight like cornered beasts.""The enemy, however, will have more open space behind them. We can ambush them as they retreat, but they will still be tempted to do that once they meet the larger force in the North. Retreating will disorganise them. This is the first war around here, so a lot of them will be on edge once they realise what they've gotten into.""You're right. A lot of our guys will also be reluctant, but they'll have no choice but to fight.""Exactly, and we can rout the enemy once they turn to flee. Anyway, here's Kruxol. I only see one guy patrolling the North. I guess they're not that concerned about patrolling around the town by this point. No DeathGang showing up.""Yes, and the game doesn't allow many players to guard the town boundaries. They probably won't recognise you, since you're a Mage and not in DeathGang. You walk towards the town first, then I'll run in.""Sure."Before going, Cael painstakingly wrote a rune on a piece of paper next to him, using Illusory Quill Pen. Re-tracing the lines several times, he seemed to almost etch the rune into the paper, using a lot of his MP. He walked towards town with a poker face, wearing a blue coat over his usual Mage robes. He tried not to appear rushed, and noticed that the patrolling player didn't seem to pay much attention to him. As he neared the town, he heard the player call out to him, saying, "Hey there! Any sign of DeathGang up North?"Cael made sure to take a step past this player, towards the town, before turning backwards to answer. He was now facing towards the trees North of Kruxol, and the level 57 player duly turned around to face Cael. Cael saw that DicingDevil was now making a few preliminary movements towards the town, preparing to sprint into Kruxol. This was possible because the player patrolling Kruxol was no longer looking North.The roots of this story extend from novell bin origin."I did not see many DeathGang, but I did see one named Darys," Cael said, trying to put on an accent that would suggest he was not familiar with the English language.The level 57 player's eyes raised. "Oh? I know that name. Tell me, where did you see him?"Cael waited for DicingDevil to find a safe hiding-spot, behind a thick bush near the edge of the trees, then said, "I think I remember. I do not know what place is called, but I can tell you direction."He held up his arm past the level 57 player, pointing straight towards the North-East."It is there!" Cael said.The level 57 player turned back towards the North, to see where Cael was pointing. Cael waited until the player was looking towards the tree-line, then cast Conjure Light, using the option to spend extra MP for an especially bright light. However, no light appeared in his palm. Instead, he smiled and ran quickly into the safe zone of Kruxol, as a level 85 Apparition of Light materialised right in front of the level 57 player."While we're waiting for the war, could I borrow the level 32 player to sharpen my blade?" Crucis offered. A few DeathGang players gave muffled, amused grunts at the tone of this offer."Yes, that is fine," said DicingDevil, "I have observed your skill at these things. Shall we put the level 35 to death immediately, or does anyone have any plans for them?""We can leave him to bleed out," said a level 45 DeathGang player named Akshel."Alright, go ahead."Akshel grabbed the level 35 player by the throat, and used a fierce Silent Stab to cut cleanly through the front of the player's throat, followed by Dagger Twist to deepen the bleeding wound. Finally, he used Black Spot to cut a slit across the wound, causing heavy bleeding to soak the player's throat.The level 35 player was kicked to the cold ground, and left to die.The weaker, level 32 player was kicked to the ground in front of Crucis, and Crucis kneeled down to apply a loose Chokehold. Crucis calmly drew out his Skeleton Dagger, level 0. Imitating Akshel slightly, he used Silent Stab to pierce through the front of the player's throat. However, Crucis deliberately stabbed in a less professional manner, hacking a messy, bleeding wound in the front of the player's throat. The player tried to scream, but could not.As Crucis' dagger struck, he saw a faint, dark mist rise from the wound. The Nightmare effect. He had been hoping for this. He continued with a Black Spot to deepen the wounds on the player's throat. The player had still not lost any HP from these attacks, due to Crucis' choice of weapon.He then moved on to striking at the spine with a Panoramic Strike, while pressing the level 32 player's neck wounds into the slightly muddy ground. Some mud was smeared into the throat wounds. After a Ripper towards the spine, the wounded player seemed to be trying to writhe, but failing to move his limbs. Crucis saw with satisfaction that a thicker black mist was arising around him, and spreading through the area around him. His hand now appeared covered in an array of lizard-like oil-black scales instead of skin. He could sense a slight red-black glow from his eyes.Crucis met a smidgeon of resistance from the player, but quelled this with a few harsh strikes below the ribcage. Blood was by now pouring from the level 32 player's mouth. Crucis returned to a focus on the player's mangled neck, using Ripper to carve up what remained of it. He continued persistently striking the player for 10 minutes, watching as the air of the surrounding area became thick with an almost-suffocating black mist. Once he was satisfied that the mist wasn't getting any thicker, he drew out his Vile Toxin Gas and sprayed it over the wounded player, then used a Silver Crucifix Dagger to slash the player's throat with Black Spot. He left the player, frozen in an agonised expression, to die from the Bleeding status."Here's your mist," quipped Crucis, as he saw DicingDevil walk by to check on the black mist."When did you become a faceless lizard?" DicingDevil replied. He had noticed the gradual, intimidating transformation in Crucis' appearance as the mist spread. However, he was mostly pleased that there was now a clear mist covering the area, making his task much easier."Took some adrenochrome. Kidding, that's an effect of the mist.""I see, Mr. Icke. Actually, I have heard of something like that."Crucis noticed that - in appearance at least - his face had mostly been replaced by a black, gaping void, with round eyes - like a komodo dragon's - suspended in the centre. The eyes were black, with a slight red tint, and emitted a faint red glow. He noticed that his black scales were often interspersed with blood-red scales in swirling patterns, something which hadn't happened in Athur's throne room. After 30 seconds outside of battle, he began to revert automatically to his usual appearance, and he joined the rest of the group."Alright, guys," DicingDevil said, "Word is in from our scouts, a small group from the Communion Guild are heading just to our East. They are searching the area around the Arts Building, because Darys is generally seen around there and they want to take him by surprise at the beginning of the war. They are trying not to raise attention, so they are moving in a group with only 8 Communion members and 3 elites from other Guilds. Most of their other forces are following the path, because they aren't familiar with the area, so those won't be running into us. We should go East, and wait in ambush."
