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57.79% Once Human, Now a Parasite β / Chapter 89: Dread

บท 89: Dread

"H-hey wake up!"

The robbed woman, one of the three cultists that appeared from their hiding spot to intercept Mort, was shaking her unconscious friend.

"He's a liability now. Leave him and focus on the task!"

Their leader, the old man, snorted and conjured his sinister magic.

A distance away, Lexander Biax stabilized himself and tightened his grasp on the sword.

Last but not least was Mort, who was blown away by the shock wave. He managed to protect Evelyn and land on his feet, but he felt dizzy and disoriented.

"You're a nuisance. I advise you to leave."

With a dangerously cold voice, Lexander stared at the cultists and uttered those voices. However, the elderly cultist ignored him and shot a swirling vine at Mort.

At that second, the vines were neatly cut by a silver-colored aura, which struck the cultist, literally cutting his body in two.

The woman, who was about to attack too, was left speechless and shaking as blood splattered on her exposed face.

She lowered her shaking hands, glanced at her unconscious friend, then hastily left. She was far weaker than her superior, and seeing him get killed in an instant had instilled an unimaginable dread.

She valued her life more than anything, so she abandoned her duties and her friend and fled as far as she could.

"Now. Isn't it time you drop the act?"

Mort didn't respond to Lexander, his hollow zombie eyes were fixated on the blade lying next to his feet.

One of Evelyn's weapons fell to the ground after the shock wave, and that was exactly what caught Mort's interest.

He felt a tingling and inexplicably sensation, something irresistible drawing him to that weapon.

With the maid on his back, he slowly bent down and picked up the short and double-edged blade.

****

Two days after the incident at Green's End.

Within the burned cave in Greenbell Forest.

Amare Na Xivia stood next to her second eldest sister, Elise Na Xivia.

Unlike her, Elise was a playful girl aged 31. She would dress in revealing clothes and had many connections across the three nations.

"I understand that Mother brought along… but why me?"

"I don't know. Maybe because you were lazing around at home?"

"Everyone needs a rest once in a while." Retorted Elise while pouting her lips and stomping the ground.

The two vampires were in the first 'room' of the cave, surrounded by nothing but ash, charred ground, and blackened walls.

A distance away from them was the Masked Queen, currently using Memoria to learn the truth and find what Rodrick had hid what she had been looking for.

Marjory wasted no effort to come here using a Teleportation Scroll. She wanted to personally ascertain the situation. Moreover, due to how dangerous Rodrick's secret could be, she thought it safer if she were to come with Amare and fend off any threat.

"So, how was it?"

Elise, who was taller than her youngest sister, leaned her head to the side and winked while asking.

"What was what?"

"You know! The meeting with the parasite? I'm actually jealous. I've never met a parasite."

"It was… annoying? He didn't strike me as a normal parasite, though."

"Really? When I think of a parasite, I think of a repulsive species that could mutate and gobble up everything."

"You're thinking of a Chimera."

"Aha… maybe? Hehehe. Anyway, didn't you notice anything strange?"

"Everything was strange, Elise." Amare crossed her arms and backed away from her overly-inquisitive sister. She didn't want to recount how she was tied to a tree and humiliated time and time again.

"I mean, perhaps he was lying? Maybe he found whatever Rodrick had. This might be a goose chase."

"We'll know soon."

Elise looked at her motionless Mother, pondering for a bit before thoughtfully remarking,

"Think again, Amare. Was there really nothing peculiar? Didn't he use a strange and strong artifact? Anything at all."

"What do you want me to tell you, Elise? I noticed nothing. He must've gotten his abilities from his victims. Besides that, he didn't use any artifact and traveled with his maid and the weird zombie."

"Weird zombie?"

"It's some sort of mutated undead. It was relatively strong."

"..."

As if she realized something, Elise opened her mouth wide open and fixated stared at her confused sister.

"That! It's that!"

"What?! Can you speak clearly?"

"The damn undead!"

Amare sighed and shook her head, "Come on, don't be ridiculous."

"I'm being ridiculous? Okay!" Elise put a hand on her hip and questioned, "What do you know about the undead? Where did the parasite get it from?"

"..."

"You said he separated he sent the zombie and the maid away. He must've known what we were looking for. He sent you here knowing that you will find nothing. And even if you go after him now, he'll be alone!"

"N-no. You're over-thinking things."

"Wanna bet? Mother will know for sure!"

The two girls looked at the tall masked vampire in the midst of glimpsing at the past.

Now that she was at the scene, Marjory was able to vividly see what happened in this cave.

Although she wasn't able to see everything, her Memoria was more developed than Amare's, thus allowing her to go further into the past.

She saw the hunchback Latif dissect the dead Rodrick and conduct dozens of tests, which were mainly about Vampirism.

However, after a while, the old man stopped everything and holed himself in his shabby cave room.

When she followed him, Marjory saw the small mountain of dirty clothes at the corner, the old and dusty books scattered on the ground, and the dazed undead dutifully guarding the entrance.

At first, she spared only a glance, but she realized something and approached it.

Much to her surprise, Mort stopped wobbling his head and beamed at her. He amicably waved his hand in greeting.

"Stop messing around and be on the lookout!"

The zombie skulkingly nodded his head and faced the forest.

'This is it! It was planted here! But how?'

Marjory turned her attention to the busy Latif.

"You're not meant to be here." Calmly stated the old man while rummaging through his documents.

Startled by this, Marjory glared at him and coldly asked,

"Who… what are you?"

"You need not concern yourself with me, Vampire. I'm about to die soon."

Just as he spoke those words, Marjory felt an oppressive and suffocating aura envelop the whole cave.

While using Memoria, Marjory wouldn't get hurt yet she felt an unimaginable dread, one that left her completely stiff.

From the corner of her eye, she saw the space tear apart and a figure emerged.

It was a person of a relatively short height, clad in a set of jet-black armor.

The boots were letting out a nauseating stench of fresh blood, ghastly whispers and a wisp of dark green mist were emitting from the spiked gloves. The chest piece was dented and missing a couple of tiny pieces, but it still let out sinister darkness that seemed to suck all light around it.

Last but not least was the helmet, which had a distinguishable shape; Two inclined spikes were erected from the top, and the front was covering everything but the eyes.

From within that tiny hole in the seemingly blurry and time-swept helmet, Marjory saw a pair of eyes that seemed to carry the abyss with them.

She had lived for thousands of years and faced supreme Gods, yet when she saw those pair of eyes, her mind became muddled and her body shook intensely.

As a quasi-immortal and someone with vast knowledge, the Masked Queen instantly knew who the black-armored knight was.

An unquestionably almighty being, someone who towered over all anyone and anything else. He had surpassed even the Creations Gods and stood at the top of existence itself.

One who governed over all the Darkness in the universe, the strongest living being; The Nameless Knight.

Without a second thought and sliver of hesitation, Marjory pulled herself out of Memoria.

The moment she got back to 'reality', she knelt down and coughed a mouthful of blood. She was covered in a cold sweat and her body was uncontrollably shaking.

She had stood in his presence for a couple of breaths yet she was affected this much, which only increased her fear.

"Mother!"

Amare and Elise ran to her and supported her, both shocked to see her like this.

Fortunately, Marjory swiftly recovered and calmed down her rapidly-beating heart.

"M-Mother… I think it was the Undead. I… I'm sorry."

Marjory nodded her head before declaring, "We will drop the pursuit. I want to hear nothing about Rodrick or the undead ever again. Don't associate yourself with it or do anything. Understood?"

"Yes, mother."

The two replied in unison as they exchanged confused glances, still in disbelief to see their mother react like this.

A couple of months ago, one hour before Latif was killed by Arthur.

Mort noticed the unexpected guest but, very much like the Masked Queen, was stricken with fear and couldn't do anything but stand there, trembling like a frightened chicken.

The only one affected by this was old man Latif. He stopped rummaging through the papers and faced the Nameless Knight.

"Did you come to put a leash on my neck?"

The Nameless Knight slowly marched toward the old man, stopping a meter away. Formless and bone-chilling darkness was emanating from his body.

"How Ironic of you to bring people to life. I'm sure Wolfram warned you not to meddle with this place."

"I haven't done anything. You've grown strong and now you think you can defy the very laws of existence? Tell me, Dark Knight, what do you hope to achieve?"

With a movement as swift as lightning, the Nameless Knight's hand struck Latif's hand and lifted his body.

An energy of decay and death burst forth from Latif, but it was consumed by the Darkness in an instant.

"You seem to forget that I removed your predecessor."

Latif's face turned purple as his flailing stopped and his resistance ceased.

He was released and fell to the ground, his body pressured by the unstoppable darkness.

"You and I have the same objective. However, you're going at it the wrong way. You are not eternal. In the end, Death will claim you. It claims everyone."

"Save your words and scram."

"Not before I accomplish what I've come here for. Look at it, isn't it familiar?"

Upon hearing this, the Nameless Knight glanced at the petrified undead before remarking,

"Sentiment will not work on me. Hand the body to the parasite and scram away from Astria. This will be my one and only warning."

After saying that, he ripped the space with his gloves and stepped into the rift.

Latif got to his feet and gritted his teeth, enraged about getting overpowered and ordered around by a human.


ความคิดของผู้สร้าง
TheCrow TheCrow

The Nameless Knight is the protagonist of my other story (Re; Hell Gate). It shares a universe with this one but you're not required to read it if you're not interested.

Only a few chapters are available on Royal Road, but you can find the full 480+ Chapters on another site.

Thanks for reading!

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บท 90: The Duke's Frustration

"You… who are you?"

Lexander Biax felt his body stiffen, his instincts were warning him to run and not look back. Still, he resolutely held into his sword and glared at the dazed zombie.

The second Mort held Evelyn's blade and lifted it, his aura completely changed. The all-too-familiar aura of sword-users enveloped the glistening silver blade, invisible yet pure. It was purer than anything Lexander had ever seen.

Mort casually sliced the air, causing an unstoppable blast that ravaged everything and sent Lexander flying to the back.

The old Knight's body reacted in time and defended against the razor-sharp aura, but even with that, he was overpowered in an instant.

"Ugh.."

The elderly turned his head and looked at his left arm, which was lying a couple of meters away. Blood was profusely gushing out of his shoulder and even his head was severely bleeding.

Experienced as he was, Lexander didn't panic. He took out a strange black talisman from a hidden pocket and slapped it against the gaping bleeding wound.

A sinister aura stopped the bleeding and covered the skin in a slimy matter, which burned Lexander.

The knight bit his intact hand as he endured the pain. Eventually, he managed to recover from the fatal wound, but the shock and disbelief were still shown on his pale and tired face.

"An undead Sword Saint? A-...Am I dreaming?"

The stance Mort was stuck in disappeared when he let go of the weapon. Panicking, he turned to look at the paralyzed maid,

"I was defending myself! You saw that, right? No one can blame me. You.. you're my witness!"

Then he picked up the bags he dropped and sprinted away, his speeding increasing until he turned blurry.

The drug Evelyn had been fed wore off sooner than expected. However, she didn't turn back to look for the parasite. She was silent as she headed to South with Mort.

She only took brief rests to eat or sleep and ran non-stop, passing settlements and ignoring anything and anyone.

Within a week, she reached the Sanguine Valleys, which were East of Greenbell Forest.

"When we arrive, you'll have to leave." Said the gloomy Evelyn as she stared at the bored undead.

Mort stopped wobbling his head and gave her a dumb look before hideously smiling,

"I take you there then I hide. I will follow what Master said."

Seeing him so nonchalant and relaxed, Evelyn sighed and asked,

"I still don't understand why you're so obedient. He's not even your real Master."

"What do you mean? Master is Master. He gave me these too… hehehe.."

Mort revealed a small stash of Blood Crystals, which he treasured and protected at all cost. He would eat one once every couple of days, but there were no apparent changes in his appearance.

Evelyn wasn't able to gauge his strength, but since she had witnessed his display of destructive power against Lexander, she was both wary and relieved.

The duo's journey continued for almost 50 days, during which they barely conversed. Mort would stick close to Evelyn, never leaving her side, guarding her day and night.

On the 50th day, right after they had crossed the border and entered the swampy forests of the South, Evelyn's condition became worse.

While she was running, she suddenly groaned and fell down. Her body rolled on the ground a couple of times as she gasped for breath and clutched the tattoo above her right breast.

It was glowing with an ominous black and grey light as if letting out a signal.

Mort approached her and was about to carry her only to hear a shout.

"Eve?"

"Evelyn, you okay?"

Four figures appeared out of nowhere, they were all dressed in tight black clothes with masks covering the lower part of their faces.

Two of them, Jack and Rebecca, respectively Number 24 and Number 34. They were clearly worried for their friend, but with the unusual undead next to her, they didn't dare get close.

"What the fuck is this?" Spat one of the unfamiliar assassins, drawing a black spear and pointing at Mort.

"Peace. I come in peace."

The zombie raised his arms in surrender while edging closer to Evelyn.

"I-I'm fine."

Fortunately, Evelyn recovered and sat up, motioning her old colleagues to lower their weapons.

"He's not an enemy."

"An undead? Seriously? We've sensed your arrival and came to pick you up. Are you trying to screw us over or what?"

The spear-wielding assassin didn't hold back as he rebuked the maid and refused to lower his weapon.

"I can explain… but not here."

Mort eyed them curiously then cackled joyfully, "You're friends, right? Good good!"

While ignoring the threats, the undead faced Evelyn and performed a clumsy bow.

"Godspeed to you. Till we meet again!"

Then, he crouched down and kicked the ground. The assassins were left dumbfounded as the undead left only a small cloud of dust behind. Within moments, he was hundred of meters away, quickly vanishing between the over-grown weeds and plants.

"You definitely have some explaining to do, Eve. But for now, let's get you home."

Jack and Rebecca supported her before they all quietly left, leaving no traces behind.

Militant Capital, 2 months after the incident at Green's End.

1st Royal Street, top floor of the Silver Spire.

"You bunch of heartless bastards!"

Terden Sidus, the Seat of War, glared at the nine others, his face red and veins almost popping out due to rage and anger.

"Calm down, Terden. This is for the best for all."

Olivia Vir Divitiae, the Seat of Nobility, had a smug and proud look on her wrinkled face as she leaned back.

"Spectral Steel has thrice the population of Blackcrest. You may not agree with our decision, but it's the least damaging."

"Damaging? You worthless whore! Damaging to who? The civilians or yourself? Don't try that bullshit with me. You want me out of the Consortium."

"We never said that." Retorted Kirn Sparrow, the Seat of Deliverance. "You're a valuable member and a powerful leader. Blackcrest might be gone but you will govern over another territory."

"The legacy of my family is there! It is my home. I will not obediently step down and let you raze it to the ground to fulfill your modus operandi."

"Fool! The plague will kill everyone if it's not neutralized. Stop thinking about yourself!" The Seat of Protection, who was a loud and erratic old man, banged his fist on the table, as was her wont, and angrily shouted back at the furious Duke.

"Piss off with your righteous talk. You want me to think you have a shred of conscience? Hah!"

Terden spat on the ground and stood up, his fists clenched and his face livid.

"Terden, please calm down. This is for our nation, the Militant Syndicate. If we show any weakness, the South will not spare us."

"Sulong, even you.."

Sulong, the Seat of Order, was an old friend of Terden. However, even he agreed to Olivia's plot, which is both devious and insidious.

"I, for one, agree with Terden. We have still some time before things escalate. We can still find a way to get rid of the plague. Blackcrest is one of the four pillars of our nation, moreover, we will be forcing hundreds of thousands of people out of their homes. It may be an irreversible loss."

The Seat of Purity, a calm and beautiful middle-aged woman spoke up with a soft and melodious voice. After saying her piece, she nodded toward Terden and then returned to her usual silence.

"Fuck! I hate it to admit it but Purity and the brainless buffoon are right! Blackcrest is not just a city, it's a symbol and a line of defense. We would be fools to abandon it."

"Everyone, don't forget that it was a unanimous decision. It was a fair vote."-Olivia

"How was it fair when I didn't even get the chance to vote, huh? I'm telling you, I will not tolerate this."-Terden

"Since you're the ruler of Blackcrest, it's clear that you will be biased. We need an objective and logical decision, not an emotional and subjective one. It's all for the prosperity and stability of our beloved Militant Syndicate."

Out of the nine seats, only the Seat of Purity and Sancha sided with the Duke. Ironically, and despite their grievances, Sancha was against the idea of blasting Blackcrest into nothingness.

"Fine. You want to nuke it? You can try."

While huffing and puffing, Terden uttered those words and then stormed out of the meeting room.

Five days later, in the towering castle at the center of Blackcrest.

Terden was sitting behind his desk, resting his forehead on his raised hands, his head was facing downwards and his eyes were closed and twitching.

"It didn't go well, right?"

Tired and frustrated, Terden raised his head and looked at the innocent-looking boy standing a couple of paces away.

"There was no way I could convince them. Besides Sancha and Purity, the rest are either idiots or have been bribed."

Halric sighed and said, "I wasn't going to tell you this but… Vanessa warned me about their plan a while ago. She offered to take me with her."

"Oh? Okay."

Seeing the disheartened Duke, who was neither angry nor expressively responsive, Halric sat across from him and slumped back on the comfortable chair, enjoying the silence for a bit.

"You're my employer, Terden. Still, I'm also here to remind you not to be stupid. Accept whatever 'compensation' they will offer you and move on."

"I don't want lectures or words of wisdom, Halric."

"..."

"What are you going to do?"

The boy chuckled and shrugged, "You already know, do you not?"

Eventually, after a long bout of silence, the duke let out a heavy sigh, "Can you start arranging for my family to leave? The least I can do is get safely get everyone outside."

"Sure."

Just as the young-looking Alchemic responded, a magical orb on the Duke's desk lit up. It was a communication device between the Ten Seats, but using it required a ridiculous amount of crystallized Mana.

'The shit? Is this thing broken? Hello?'

Hearing the unpleasant voice of Sancha, Terden rolled his eyes and injected his Mana into the device.

"What do you want?"

'First of all, I ain't doing this for you, got me? However, Olivia is a crazy bitch and I hate her more than you. I will buy you approximately two extra months. Fix this mess of hot shit or find a Sage that could counter the translocation. I'm not involving myself more than this.'

"...." Terden sat there, surprised and confused.

'Ah! And you owe me for this. Don't forget that!'


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