The Wielder of Death Magic

In addition to the flask getting filled with a red liquid, Staxius concurrently experimented with scrolls. Ones of offensive nature, the more one tried, the better he would get. Trial by fire, the more mistakes the more one learned, a simple mindset followed. No major accident had occurred yet, confidence grew. A few stray rats ran by and squealed, the first usable concoction was made. Using common-tiered medicinal herbs that were bought a few doors steps down the road, it finished. Alone, coming up with that combination would have taken time and effort. However, with the help of the preordained recipes listed in the books Undrar brought over – the task was immensely simplified. Though the quality remained a mystery, a test-subject was needed.

In the corner, a black shadow moved, ‘got you,’ he sighed. A rat, a big one at that, the perfect test subject. Cruel as it might have seemed, using a rat was better than what he had in mind. The first thought was to go out into the crowd, pick someone at random, punch said person, and use the potion. A small knife, *slash,* a shallow cut. Enough to bleed and not let said animal die. “Moment of truth,” Staxius stood from the chair, the hands slightly trembled not by nervousness – but with excitement. *Drip, drip,* it fell gracefully onto the wound. Normally, said potion would have been administered through the mouth – in case of a human being that is. But for a rodent, a drop on the body sufficed.

“No luck,” Staxius nodded in disappointment, the brew melted off said subject’s legs. Using one of the trial healing spells that were written during the concoction, Staxius healed the subject to full health. “It’s sad to see how much you are to suffer, but I care not,” the body sat back down, herbs with the addition of other items. A new process, different temperature, the addition of mana. Every possible combination was tried. It took time for a full flask to be filled, but one drop took only about five minutes; thus, testing advanced faster than predicted.

From the legs getting melted off, to instantly combust, growing and shrinking in size to exploding – the rat went through so much its eyes died.

“I’ve had just about enough,” all the books were read. All the information assimilated; the brew didn’t turn out anything remotely close to healing one’s body. A huge wall stood, the pathway to knowledge blocked once more. Deep breaths in, rather than experimenting on the rat, a notebook laid empty on the table. The rat was put in a cup and kept near the corner. “I’ll just let the subconscious take over.” The body relaxed, the atmosphere felt nostalgic, a déjà vu-esk state of mind. The place where all the answers became clear – Clarity.

Clarity, the realm where impossible became possible. Any normal human only at the peak of their field was permitted to enter this godly realm. However, Staxius had managed to enter it almost too easily. It was as if opening a door, with one turn, all became clear. Not to mention that the entry was given without even mastering the field he sought answers from. Unknown but present, the symbol beneath the left eye lit faintly.

.....

It felt like diving. The further one went, the harder the pressure became, it overwhelmed the mind. Almost to the point of breaking – though, this didn’t stop Staxius. The conscience traveled further down, much deeper than before. A strange distorted voice paved the way, a thin thread lit. At the same time, in the real world, the notebook filled rapidly with notes. The eyes were closed, the hand moved independently. They were possessed by an entity – someone familiar, the wielders of the death element. The various other death reapers, ones who came before; all the knowledge those powerful gods had amassed were at Staxius’s fingertips.

This was why entering Clarity felt so simple, Staxius was only but accessing the dormant memories and knowledge. It was to be expected, though he knew not why but how. A few hours went by, a hard snap to the neck stopped the trancelike state. It faltered, Staxius strayed off the path; once he went off too much, a hard slap brought the consciousness to reality. This was to avoid being engulfed by the ocean of information.

*Cough,* he awoke to a room filled with smoke. The flask overflowed, it melted the small table, ‘damn it,’ with haste, the would-be crisis was averted. It didn’t come without paying a price, the whole building felt like a burning mess. Smoke came out of each and every possible opening. People roaming about were quick to rush and see. “The situation is under control, thank you, everyone,” Staxius stood outside and told many that all was good. Some came with buckets filled with water, while others came to watch the spectacle. Despite being the reject’s area – the inhabitants had a sliver of humanity. Not because someone’s life was at risk, no, but rather, a fire would mean the intervention of the royal guards. A set of armor practically no one wanted to see around these parts ever again.

“Be more careful next time,” an older looking man with a tattooed face spoke in anger. The tone harsh and violent; one of the elusive leaders of God’s ale trafficking. A drug that could force just about anyone into utter submission and dependence. It was a quick way to make uncomplacent slaves obedient. Nevertheless, here in Hidros – the production of said ale was kept secret. It wasn’t wrong to use, but people were highly skeptical. The main continent was where this ale was forbidden from being sold or traded. Anyone who possessed it was automatically taken in for questioning.

This was where Hidros came into play. It was manufactured here and exported outwards. Many people with close ties with those organizations lived here, this island devoid of any law and regulation was a haven. Despite this freedom, many of those influencers stayed back and hid among the general populous. No reason was given to raise any commotion for even the royal family had ties with the dark guilds. One of the many reasons for their unimaginable wealth and power.

“Sure,” Staxius waved, “Whatever kid,” the man sighed and left. The dark guilds, an organization with its reach now invading the main continents and other nations. As to how powerful said organization was, no one really knew. Nothing was ever made public, all moved in the shadows. Thunderstain, though now hidden as well – probably had ties.

‘That man looks interesting,’ the crowd dissipated – Staxius stood and watched. Interest was piqued long ago, the underground, the place where monstrous things happened. If one were to take control of said organization, said person could honestly rule the world. Every king, queen, prince, princess, nobles, anyone, and anything would be at their fingertips. ‘Just a dream, I’d better head back inside – maybe I should try and check out those elusive organizations for once.’ The inside grew breathable, most of the smoke had vanished.

The notebook had been filled, all the steps – recipes and other necessities were written. “Alright,” after a quick read, all the missing puzzle pieces were learned. Without regret, using the same faulty potion – Staxius melted the book. “Don’t want to repeat the mistake father did,” he referred to the book Gallienne had. The book about how to create an artificial element.

“FINALLY,” nighttime crawled in. The potion was brewed to perfection, one of common quality. The rat got freed after the hours of torture and testing. “Good job for sticking by,” Staxius spoke as if the rodent would understand. Strangely, the test-subject replied with a squeal.

Beat from all the hard work, Staxius slept. Through the night, Avon drove without stopping. The mana boost given from master earlier had rendered the spirit unable to rest – energy overflowed.

At the break of dawn, the town came in view, the party arrived. At first glance, no one could say that a monster threatened their peace. The buildings were beautifully made. A work of art – and not to mention, costly. The dissimilarities about how lifestyle differed from the other provinces were shown in bold. Said town was of people without noble blood- however, their wealth spoke volume. A road went through the middle. The drive slow and steady, the garment many wore were of high quality. Practically everyone had clothes that fetched 80 silvers at minimum. In comparison, one could live in a tavern and afford a meal with 1 silver and 2 coppers per night. Which meant at least 60 days to live without worrying about food and shelter.

About a few kilometers yonder, the other gate came in view. The place where the attacks were reported. Warriors and soldier alike patrolled said perimeter. All had a look of despair and distress. “Time to go scout out the surrounding,” Achilles got out first.

“Miss, I’d ask you to please stay away from this area.” One of the guards rushed to stop her advancement. “Thank you for the warning, however,” she pulled out her necklace, “my companions and I are here on guild business.” To that, the man slowly backed away with a smile. Reinforcement was here at last. “That lady is bronze?” rumors spread. The smell of blood still lingered around; the body turned towards said direction almost subconsciously. “Over here,” she called out to Undrar and Avon, whomst slowly made their way to her.

“Please,” another adventurer came to stop the march; “the guild masters have asked to meet the leader personally. I’m guessing that you’re said person?” he pointed at Achilles with good reason. Bronze rank was rare and not to mention a sign of power.

“Sadly, the leader isn’t here at the moment,” Undrar spoke, the adventurer stumbled. “Whatever do you mean, if bronze isn’t the highest rank then who is said master?” he voiced in utter shock. “Worry not, I’ll speak on his behalf,” she took out the silver ranked badge. “I-impossible,” the boy’s breathing stopped. “v-very well,” a few seconds was needed to get back the bearing. “Follow me this way please,” he led the way.

“Undrar,” Avon spoke quietly. “Yes?” she asked. “I’m going to head back to Rosespire, you have everything in control. I’ll teleport back, just in case, Void will be on standby. If anything urgent comes up, please use it to communicate with me.” In a blue mist, the spirit vanished. ‘Or I could just speak to Staxius directly,’ they didn’t know about the telepathy.

A few twists and turn later, the guild came into view. Three buildings to be precise, the same design but different crests. “This way,” the finger pointed towards the middle building. *Click,* the door opened, what greeted them wasn’t the living, but the dead. Bodies kept hidden with a white blanket. The smell overwhelmed everything, it smelled so bad the young guide nearly threw up. The eyes teared, a smell so dense the gag reflex kicked in instantly.

“Over here,” another guard signaled, the trio walked. “This is horrible,” Achilles added. “I agree, I don’t get why they haven’t been buried yet?” Undrar spoke in turn, she was confused.

“Greetings fellow adventurers,” a charismatic man spoke, he sat beside two others. “Guild master, some of the reinforcement has arrived,” the young guide introduced and left. “Before we begin,” Undrar spoke abruptly, “-I’d like to ask why those bodies haven’t been buried yet. The decay process has begun, said smell is only going to intensify. What’s the purpose of doing such an inhuman thing,” she finished and breathed.

“I understand what you mean,” the man spoke, “-I’d like nothing more to put them to rest. However, we haven’t the time nor manpower to dig graves. This town stands close to collapse, Gritt is more trouble than the smell. I’m sure that those who gave their lives in exchange for us to have a chance at defeating that monster would like it that way,” he sat back down, the tone revealed more than he could express and that was sadness.