After the skeleton picked up an old axe that wasn't too dull and a shield that looked almost new, they decided to head toward the entrance with Three. By the way, Three had just taken the pickaxe and a shield with only a bit of mold.
I guess it's a dwarf thing, the pickaxe, or just a matter of familiarity.
Anyway, they eventually reached the entrance. It seemed the necromancer had planned to make more rooms gradually, because this tunnel was long. At least it wasn't going uphill or downhill, but there were reinforcements along the walls and sides.
I guess he didn't want it to fall on his head—smart move, old necromancer.
The entrance was dug into a hill… or the start of a mountain? Hard to say, because behind the hill, they could see a towering mountain peak. And around the entrance, there were three more skeletons with lumberjack axes this time. A few trees had been chopped down too. Not wanting to go too far without being better prepared, they decided to bring back the skeletons and the axes before heading into their cave.
…
A few hours later, the inside of the cave looked very different. The rations and other perishable supplies had now been tossed outside, about ten meters from the entrance. The entrance itself had been blocked with logs from outside and the necromancer's old bed. Not great, but it should help prevent unexpected visitors.
Just because we're skeletons doesn't mean nothing wants to eat us. Well, I think. I hope not, but we gotta be careful!
Next, the storage area had changed the most. With the rations gone, there was more space. And with the cloth lying around, they made a kind of "rest area." While their bodies didn't need it, their minds did. They realized that after hours of tidying up. And that's where they were right now, both reading one of the necromancer's books. Three had a book titled "Subterranean Architecture and Crypt Maintenance", an old book with corners slightly moldy from humidity and a blackened leather cover—probably not its original color. But judging by the state of the pages, you couldn't expect better. And the contents, which seemed to have been written by a very meticulous gravekeeper, explained how to properly maintain crypts. Useful for an inexperienced necromancer.
The skeleton, meanwhile, had a volume titled "Chronicles of the Bone War – A Survivor's Account". A thick book, written in tiny script. Unlike the other, this one seemed much better preserved: the red leather, though aged, was well-maintained, even with iron or steel corner reinforcements—hard to tell without knowledge of metals. The yellowed pages looked high quality, and miracle of miracles—no mold!
Okay, I'm not even a quarter through, and I already got some great info! First: there was some kind of invasion over several territories, including Mornelande, a barony in an unnamed kingdom, but whose young baron, Eridan Rochenuit, wrote this account.
Second: though the kingdom isn't named, a certain Sun King is mentioned—and not in a good way. He seems to have neglected the front. The author suspects it was to weaken noble influence in the region.
Third: the skeletons were commanded by a circle of necromancers whose exact number isn't known, though the crown at the time claimed they were all wiped out. But the author, who was at the front, seems to think some escaped.
And lastly, final info: a map of Morneland. But it doesn't seem to be where we are—there's no large mountain marked. Maybe useful later? We'll see.
After that hearty read, our favorite bag of bones picked up a phalanx from one of the bone crates and used it as a bookmark. He'd read the rest later. For now, he felt mentally rested and glanced over at his friend Three, who was still deeply focused on their book. He decided to go out for a stroll. After all, someone's gotta go out at some point, and that point is now!
Axe in hand and shield on arm, he approached the exit. But quickly, he heard—wait, heard? How? That doesn't make sense… Magic is weird.
Anyway, he heard a wet, slimy sound getting closer. So he braced himself, planted his feet, shield in front and axe ready to swing…
One minute later, the sound was still approaching…
Two minutes… really close now but still nothing… At least until a notification popped up.
[DING!]
Warning, a Bone Slug is attacking you
Without missing a beat, the skeleton leapt backward, and where he had just stood was now an enormous slug, easily 15 cm long, all slimy and squishy, as white as bones.
[DING!]
A Bone Slug is an enemy th…
"Hey, no! There's a book that'll help you back in your cozy little hideout, I'm not telling you more about monsters. Besides, I'm done warning you. Upstairs, there's been complaints that you're too well assisted… Nonsense, if you ask me!"
"Oh! Been a while since you popped in. I was starting to wonder… I guess the complaints were why you were gone? I thought maybe you were napping."
A chuckle—almost human—followed, as Zena replied:
"A divine assistant who sleeps? Please. Yeah, it was because of the help I gave you. I managed to negotiate one last assist, which you just used. In return, the other candidates got one more helper action from their assistants too. Looks like you're at a disadvantage now. But focus on what's in front of you… or rather, at your feet."
And sure enough, the slug was mere seconds from touching his boot toes. So he slammed his axe down, slicing its head clean in two lengthwise.
[DING]
Bone Slug defeatedExperience gained
Another new term… I guess that's important. Interface!
､-----------------------------------------------------､
Name: [ ]
Race: Skeleton
Class: Skeleton Chief
Level: 8
Exp: 47 -> 53/100
HP: 25
Mana: 13
Skills:
- Reconstruction Lv1 – Mastery: 0/100
- Fire Fist Lv1 – Mastery: 1/100
Skill Points (SP): 5
Divine Guardian: Azaël, God of Death
､-----------------------------------------------------､
"Zena?"
"When experience 100, you level go up. Same for skills. You understand?"
"Oh come on, I'm basically a newborn, no need to speak to me like that. Well, I guess I'll have to figure out how this slug got in and if there are more… Then I'll go check out that book you mentioned."
Hearing no further reply, he took that as agreement and cautiously made his way along the tunnel, weapon raised and carefully checking every surface. Two slugs and a few meters later, he found the entrance still intact—except for a trail of slime coming from the top of the "structure," where a tiny gap was visible.
"Great… I'm gonna have to figure out how to block that or keep those things out. Must've been a pain for the necromancer, all those slugs…"
"Oh no, he had spells to keep things like that away. But since he's dead…"
"We're getting swarmed by slugs that were just waiting to get in?"
"Exactly."