Chapter 50: Man vs Wine

Chapter 50: Man vs Wine

Walter Tyes shop was relatively crowded today.

More than ten clients strode through its shelves, each more sinister than the last: a golden, crowned skeleton sorcerer floating in the air through magic; some kind of Dracula cosplayer in black finery; a four-armed, archaic robot; and so many more. Basil and Vasi stayed clear of them all. Half of these visitors looked straight out of a horror movie and the rest minded their own business.

Besides, they had come for a delivery first and foremost.

What a fascinating device. Sitting behind his counter with his dullahan bodyguard watching over him, Walter examined the laptop with the joy of a child opening a Christmas present. A portable library machine truly fascinating. Ive heard that it can capture cat souls with pictures too.

Its the other way around, Basil replied with amusement. Cat pictures entrance viewers into giving up their souls.

Mmm, sounds like an oversight to me. Still, your worlds people are an ingenious lot. I would have loved to visit your civilization at its peak.

I havent seen you this curious since we discovered Nastrond, chief, Hagen mused.

How cant I? This computer technology presents a new field of science unknown to me. Walter offered Basil a nod of genuine gratefulness. You have done well to bring me this.

A deal is a deal, Basil replied with a shrug.

A man of his word, Walter said with appreciation. Good. The business world runs on trust. You will go far, Basil.

Quest: Forever Serpents Errands I completed. Your party earned 1500 Bonus exp (250 for you).

Bordeaux had roughly been a two-hour car drive from Seignosse before the apocalypse. Unfortunately, the worlds end shot down Frances transport system. Roads suffered damage from monster attacks or lack of maintenance, forcing Basils party to take detours. And for all of her might and determination, Rosemarine couldnt pull the Steamobile at his old Renaults speed.

The two-hour drive had swiftly transformed into a two-day one and the party stopped to scavenge supplies. Basil had found the laptop in an abandoned towns shop. It was relatively old as far as Dell wares went, but Walter looked happy with it all the same.

I usually pay my suppliers in rubies or gold, but I doubt youre looking for money right now. Walter set the laptop aside. What do you need? Spellbooks?

Maybe later, Vasi declined politely. Our holomachine contains enough spells to keep me busy until Tier VI.

Can it teach necromancy spells too? Walter smiled when the witch nodded in affirmation. Excellent. Then contact me once you reach Tier VII. I will lend you manuals to continue your progress. Congratulations on your successful ritual by the way.

I will need to form a coven for any future transformation, Vasi replied before putting an elbow on Basils shoulder. My darling will assist me in my quest.

It said something about how comfortable the two had gotten with each other that Basil didnt repel Vasis invasion of his personal space. Were still one person short, he pointed out.

Not really, Walter replied. You can fill the gap in a coven by enslaving a hags soul. If you dont mind the screams, it makes for an acceptable substitute.

He said that the way a normal person might comment about the weather.

Come to think of it, I think I have an extra one in storage somewhere. Walter looked into his counters shelves. Where did I put that hags soulstone?

Maybe in the attic with Thors head? Hagen suggested.

Oh right, I forgot about it Walter turned to his disturbed customers. If you give me a minute, I can fetch the soulstone for you.

Thank you Walter, but well pass, Vasi said. Behind the politeness and fake smile, Basil could tell that the idea of using an enslaved soul as fuel for power unsettled her as much as him. I would prefer a willing participant. More laughs, less pain.

Suit yourself, Walter replied, taking the rejection in stride. Anything else I can offer you?

Im looking for alchemical components and information. Basil presented his Jekyll & Stein manual to the shopkeeper. Im trying to craft a potion of invisibility, but I'm missing some ingredients.

Good book, Walter complimented them. Sure, I will reward your delivery with reagents. What information do you seek?

Have you heard of the Deathknight and Dragonknight classes? Basi asked him. Ive unlocked them both, but I dont know what Perks they possess.

Deathknight? Hagen chuckled darkly. At his side, Walter smiled ear to ear; an expression that Basil found immensely terrifying. Youve knocked on the right door.

You unlocked it yourself? Basil guessed. He should have expected it from a headless undead knight.

Of course I did. It might work a bit differently in your world but I can teach you the ropes. And as the most chivalrous warrior to ever live, Im also familiar with Dragonknights.

All the brave warriors you stabbed in the back might disagree about the chivalrous part, Walter mused.

Details, details, Hagen replied with a hand on his chest. I would not be so bold as to call myself an expert at killing knights, but Ive slain enough of them to learn their tricks. Do you have a dragon pet, Basil?

I have a giant flower lizard, Basil replied. Does it count?

Can it fly? Hagen asked.

No.

Oh. The headless knight sounded deeply disappointed. A shame. Any dragon-type will help, but you gain more benefits from that class if you own a flying mount.

A flying mount? Vasis eyes widened. Are you suggesting that he try to ride a dragon?

Uh, yes? Hagen sounded puzzled. What about it?

I can count the number of dragonriders on one hand, Vasi replied. Its already amazing that Basil managed to earn a dragon follower, but to ride it in battle he would be pushing his luck. Those creatures are deeply proud and easily offended.

Come on, they arent gods. Theyre big lizards that like gold. Or magpies that breathe fire, depending on your point of view. Hagen shrugged his shoulders. If they wont let you climb on their back, you beat them into submission like any horse.

Vasi covered her mouth in shock as if the headless knight had suggested killing the Pope. Beat beat a dragon into submission?

Yes. You dont do that in your world? Hagen chuckled. No wonder your dragons have behavioral issues if you pamper them.

I feel I encountered a culture clash, Basil noted as Vasis face lost all color.

Walter interrupted the discussion. What Hagen means to say is that dragons are far less of a threat in our world than yours, Vasi. Great wyrms are extremely rare, and many lesser breeds have been domesticated.

Classes like Dragonknights are optimized to deal with the unruly ones, Hagen continued. The level 5 Perk grants them the Dragonslayer effect with all melee weapons. If you havent slaughtered dragons before, Basil, you will kill them by the dozens afterwards.

Level 5? Vasi tried to regain her composure, but this new information sent her back to square one. Thats early for such a powerful ability.

Higher Dragonknight levels mostly focus on dragon-riding, breath attacks, and bypassing that unfair damage reduction all ancient wyrms possess. Hagen grunted. Truly dangerous dragons often take less than fifteen percent damage from attacks. This de facto multiplies their health and makes them incredibly difficult to put down. And lets not talk about the critical hit and instant death immunities.

Fifteen percent damage?

Basil thought back of his fight with Steamslime. It had taken a lot of bombs and firepower to take down the snail-dragon; far more than opponents with a higher level like Apollyon and the Lalande Empire. Basil had blamed the beasts resilience on a high Vitality score and, well, him being a giant snail dragon, but the existence of damage reduction abilities explained it better.

Steamslime destroyed a city at level 20, so Basil shuddered to imagine what a level 50 dragon would be like. Yes, he would definitively invest in a class meant to slay them.

Blackcinders. The name echoed in his head. The astronauts video indicated that at least one Unity dragon was active on the moon and Basil doubted she would stay there forever. If she ever comes down, Ill be ready. The dark side of the moon will look like a happy place compared to what hell Ill welcome her with.

Speaking of dragons, one of Walters customersthe strange crowned skeleton from beforeapproached the counter with a serpent-shaped bottle of cologne.

I have a question, the skeleton asked. Does this dragonbane cologne work on godlike ones too?

It does, yes, Walter replied with an annoyed expression. Hagen chuckled darkly for a reason Basil couldnt fathom. The potent smell of poverty and lead repels them. You will be satisfied or reimbursed.

Good, Ill take it. The undead snapped his finger and a pile of colorful, skull-shaped gems appeared on the table. Heres your payment.

Thank you for your purchase, Mr. Furibon, Walter replied politely. Always happy to do business with you.

I cant wait to see the wyrms face, the customer replied before vanishing with a maniacal chuckle.

I Vasi cleared her throat. I need to reassess some of my beliefs.

You should, Hagen said. Anyway, youll never find a better dragon-hunting class than Dragonknight and its Perk will synergize well with Deathknights ones. You can do no wrong with these two.

Necromancy is the true path to freedom, Basil, Walter said with surprising passion. Deathknight will grant you the greatest power in the world: mastery over death itself.

Charming

New Quest: Forever Serpents Errand IIRecommended Level: 25.Walter Tyes journey down the cat video rabbit hole continues. Further the cause of online necromancy by providing him a neurotower server!Reward: 60,000 Bonus EXP.

I know, I know, Shellgirl replied, though her tone implied otherwise. Its just I got an awesome new body and abilities, but I still feel small. If that makes sense.

Youre not small, Vasi reassured her. Youre a start-up. You need time to scale up.

Shellgirl chuckled weakly. Theres always bigger business out there though.

I mean, even if that thing closes its hand, does it matter what we might die from? Bugsy asked. We could end up swallowed by the earth, drowned in a swamp, slain by the Apocalypse Force, maybe even eaten by bigger monsters. There are so many ways to die at any time, so whats one more?

Basil laughed.

His reaction drew everyones attention. Bugsy and Shellgirl looked at him in fear, Rosemarine with bloodthirst, and Vasi with curiosity.

Its rare to hear you laugh, the witch noted. A shame.

Speak for yourself, Shellgirl said with terrified eyes. He sounds like death itself!

Sorry Basil calmed himself. Its just youre completely right, Bugsy.

The centimagma blinked in confusion. I-I am?

I cant argue with your logic, Basil replied with a grin. With everything in that damn world trying to kill us, what was one more danger?

On the list of potential threats to his life, he would put universal annihilation right before Apollyon and after cancer.

Heres my advice, Shellgirl, Vasi said. Drink and forget about it.

Will it help? Shellgirl asked hopefully.

Not the drinking part, Basil replied dryly. The forget part, maybe.

Killjoy, Vasi taunted him. Wheres your alcohol police badge?

In my inventory, Basil deadpanned back.

Oh, can I see it? Bugsy asked navely.

Shellgirl nodded, a frown on her face. Okaaaay Ill try one piece of advice and see about the other.

Basil was about to chide her for even considering drinking on the job when Plato bolted into the parking lot. The cat breathed heavily on arrival, which immediately worried his owner.

Whats happening? Basil asked with a frown. Plato? Did you sense danger?

Ah ah The cat caught his breath. You wont guess who I smelled on my scouting.

Basils heart skipped a beat. Kalki?

No, your police girlfriend! Plato sneered. Her and her silly dogs!

Neria? She was alive? The thought came as an immense relief to Basil. He feared she might have died after they lost contact. Where?

A few minutes away up the wine river.

The wine river?

Guided by Plato, the group immediately traveled on foot towards the Garonne. The sky darkened as they approached the river. Sinister, dark purple particles floated among the clouds and tainted the entire horizon. The effect superficially resembled a dungeons aurora, but more diffused. Basil likened the phenomenon to a drop of poison spreading into a sky blue sea.

A notification confirmed that something unnatural was at work in the region.

Dionysus-Orochis [God-Field: Liber Pater] changed the field to [Shinto Bacchus].[Mind], [Corrosion], [Water], [Earth], and [Mythic] elements are strengthened.[Fire], [Frost], and [Lightning] elements are weakened.Chances of inflicting the [Berserk], [Charm], [Drunk], and [Madness] ailments are doubled.Drinking alcohol will replenish HP/SP, and the [Drunk] ailment will buff up [Strength] and [Vitality].

Dionysus? God-Field? Basil had a terrible terrible gut feeling upon reading these words, which a look at the Garonne only reinforced.

Larger than the lAdour and taking its source in Spain, the river was almost synonymous with the Gironde French region. Bordeaux was located at its mouth and in ancient times drew its wealth from the trade it brought. The river made the land fertile enough for wine production.

But now, Bordeauxs people only had to take a sip to get drunk.

Basil stared speechlessly at the riverbank. The Garonnes waters had turned into a deep red wine streaked with white bubbles. An unnatural current carried dead fish away. The whole place stank of rot and alcohol.

This Vasi put a hand on her mouth. I love wine as much as the next gal, but this this doesnt look safe to drink

Is someone polluting the river? Shellgirl asked with a scowl of anger. Fools! I cant even swim in it safely!

What the hell is going on here? Basil didnt even dare to touch the wine; it looked a little bit too much like blood to him. He glanced up the river. Whatever phenomenon affected the skies spread from distant Bordeaux. Did a special dungeon pop up in the city?

Master Bohen! a female voice called out his name, followed by barks of happiness. It is you! Its really you!

Basil turned at the other side of the riverbank. Two dogs looked at him from the other side: a doberman and a basque shepherd. Basil immediately recognized them.

The Elissalde Sisters hounds of war.

Girls! Bugsy snapped his mandibles in happiness, as if meeting up with old friends. So glad to see you again!

I told you I smelled them, the doberman told her companion. The cats stench is unmistakable.

Hey! Plato complained. Its you dogs who smell worse than the wine!

So big the basque shepherd whispered upon noticing Rosemarine.

I killed a dinosaur! Rosemarine replied proudly. And I ate it!

Basil sighed in relief. If the dogs were alive and well, then officer Elissalde should be too. Is your mistress safe? he asked them. Is Kalki?

Mistress Neria is safe and sound! The basque shepherd replied, her canine expression darkening. But mistress Maya

Your Kalki friend fled the city, the doberman barked. They were after him.

Basil grit his teeth. Damn it, as he feared Kalkis visit to Bordeaux triggered a disaster of some kind. They?

Those Metalolypus jerks! The basque shepherd growled. Traitors, all of them!

Metal Olympus, her fellow dog corrected him. Their priests went berserk at the sight of your friend. They said he had to surrender to them immediately, or they would take him by force!

Basil clenched his fists. Shit. He knew the Apocalypse Force was looking for Kalki, as was the Dismaker Labs board. He should have expected other factions to know of his significance and try to claim him for themselves.

Letting him leave my house alone was a mistake, Basil cursed himself. Damn it, I should have followed Kalki the moment I saw that Main Quest notification.

But the big human chief, General Leblanc, hes big inside and out! the doberman shouted. He told them to shove it and let your friend go!

Where? Basil didn't know whether to feel relieved that Kalki escaped with his life or frustrated to have missed him. Where did he go?

I dont know, the doberman apologized. But Mistress Neria will!

We will lead you to her, the basque shepherd said. Shell be so happy to see you!

She will. The doberman nodded ferociously. We need your help to rescue mistress Maya! The city is in chaos!

Basil didnt need to be a genius to put two and two together. I suppose Metal Olympus didnt take the affront well?

They didnt, the doberman confirmed. They were furious. They cursed us and then and then...

The hound glanced at the wine river and whined.

They called one of their gods.