Chapter 80: Returning (5)

Chapter 80: Returning (5)

Dale stood at the entrance of the temple.

As always, it was a shabby temple.

Dale left Harty waiting at the temple entrance and slowly walked down the stairs. The usual scene unfolded in the pitch-black temple without a single ray of light.

The skeleton swinging its sword through the air in a corner.

The smiling head priestess with a blindfold that was always standing in the same spot like a temple structure.

The air was cool and calm.

But this tranquil atmosphere was shattered by the sound of Dales iron boots striking the ground.

Erielles gaze turned his way.

She saw Dale and greeted him with a smile on her face.

Sir Dale, youve arrived. Ive heard the news. Youve vanquished the resurrected Ganiagos.

It was resurrected just recently, so it is hardly worth calling a demon.

Still, a demon is a demon. Youve elevated our temples prestige, Sir Dale. The goddess is greatly pleased.

Dale nodded his head.

Having faced Ganiagos personally, Dale knew the creatures power was insignificant compared to other demons.

But to most people, such details were irrelevant.

What mattered was the fact that he actually defeated a demon.

Erielle spoke with delight.

It was during a council meeting that we heard of Sir Dales triumph over Ganiagos. The sight of the churchs bishops with their downcast faces was immensely satisfying!

She went on about trivial matters, such as the increase in those wishing to join the followers of the night due to this event, and how it allowed them to walk with their heads held high.

Dale half-listened to her talk while waiting for a moment to interject and steer the conversation elsewhere. It was then that something caught his eye as he glanced around.

The skeleton that was swinging its sword as always somehow drew his attention. Its dimly glowing eye sockets and frail form stood out.

More precisely, it was the movements and actions that captivated him.

One hundred fifty million, three thousand seventy-one. One hundred fifty million, three thousand seventy-two.

The skeleton raised its sword above its head, then slashed diagonally downward. Following this, it thrust forward, lifted its arms to slash through the air again, and then brought the sword down once more.

This routine was repeated endlessly by the skeleton.

The movements were basic, and simple even.

Yet, they were far from ordinary.

For some reason, the skeleton reminded Dale of Kristen whom he had faced before.

The lethal aura that only a swordsman dedicated to a lifetime of training could emit seemed to emanate from the skeleton.

Perhaps, it was even a higher realm of skill

Sir Dale? Are you listening?

Ah.

Sir Dale scratched at his helmet. Erielle pouted for a moment before smiling again and speaking.

It seems my story wasnt very interesting to you.

I was distracted by that skeleton.

Are you referring to Master Ludwig?

Ludwig. Dale had surmised from his skeletal form that Ludwig had been male in his human life.

Dale asked her,

Who raised that skeleton? Was it someones doing, or did it arise naturally?

Undead beings fall into two categories.

Those resurrected through dark magic or witchcraft, and those who arise naturally due to some anomaly.

The former are controlled by the one who revived them and cannot defy their master, while the latter often act on their own instincts.

Erielle responded,

If I had to guess, Id say its the former. Master Ludwig refused death through his own will.

He wanted to become undead? But why choose to be a skeleton?

Skeletons are considered the lowest tier among the undead.

Without muscles, bones alone struggle to exert much strength.

Erielle shrugged her shoulder.

Perhaps because becoming a lich or a death knight requires much preparation and effort? Im not entirely sure of the details myself.

Hmm.

Dale looked at the skeleton closely. He must have been an outstanding swordsman during his lifetime. Dale narrowed his eyes sharply and envisioned the swordsman holding a sword. But now that he had become a lesser undead, he could no longer glimpse intelligence or wisdom from the skeleton.

Regret. Or perhaps obsession.

These seemed to be the only reasons one would turn to undeath.

Dale looked away from the skeleton and asked.

Id like to offer a prayer.

Ah, all the rooms are vacant now; feel free to enter any.

Dale nodded his head and walked down the corridor. He put down the cursed sword in front of the prayer room, opened the door, and entered.

An altar and a silver candlestick stood in the narrow prayer room. When Dale knelt and removed his helmet, smoke rose from the unlit candles.

The smoke transformed into white feet and flowing hair that started cascading downwards.

I have arrived.

[Welcome, my proud son!]

The goddess always welcomed Dale warmly, but today, the sentiment was heightened.

The adjective proud was added to her welcome.

[Well done! Youve done marvelously! That vile serpent was a dreadful being that should never return. Had it been left unchecked, it would have surely destroyed this continent. Youve done well.]

I was lucky. I encountered it just as it had resurrected. Had more time passed after its revival, I wouldnt have stood a chance.

It was exactly as he said.

Had Ganiagos regained more strength, Dale could not have won. In fact, he wouldnt have even considered fighting but would have fled instead.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Without the help of Esther and the other priests, victory would have been impossible, and if the hunched-back man had not noticed Dale, the ritual might have been delayed.

Victory was the result of several coincidences converging.

Yet the goddess remarked,

[When coincidences align, its called destiny. And Dale, youve seized that destiny. Take pride in your achievement.]

Dale nodded his head.

Then he said,

Since some of the original abilities of the corpse could also be used, it was different from summoning undead by a necromancer.

Furthermore, should the skill evolve in the future, it might be possible to demonstrate incredible power on a battlefield with many enemies involved.

Dale made his decision.

I will learn Soul Domination.

[Are you sure?]

Yes.

A shadow flickered through Dales mind. He learned how to use Soul Domination.

The abstract feeling was etched into his consciousness.

[Do you grasp how to use it?]

Yes, thanks to you.

Great. I hope this new skill will be of aid to you my son.

All that remained was to allocate his stat points.

As always, Dale invested heavily in Strength followed by his Soul.

Soul Domination not only consumes a great deal of magical power but also depends on my mental strength.

Strengthening the soul would boost both magical power and mental strength.

And if he wanted to make good use of Sould Domination, it could be said to be a necessary investment.

Afterward, Dale invested the remainder in Armor and reviewed his stats.

Dale

Grade: 4

Class: Dark Knight

Strength: 72

Defense: 45

Magical Power: 32

Stamina:

Mental Strength: 22

[List of Acquired Skills]

Life Force Absorption

Black Mist

Soul Domination

Traits

Half-human, Half-undead

Unholy Senses

Blessing of the Goddess of Night

Titles

Demon Slayer

His grade had now reached 4 while boasting strength and defense that far exceeded expectations for his level.

My magical power has greatly increased too.

Drinking the blood of Ganiagos and strengthening his soul had borne fruit. Now Dale could handle vastly more magic than before.

It was satisfactory growth.

These numbers proved that Dale was at least not going in the wrong direction.

The goddess too expressed her pleasure,

[Well done, truly well done my son. Keep going. Then your wish will come true. And you will reach your desired wishes and the truths you seek.]

Dale bowed respectfully in gratitude and, having finished his business, turned to leave without any regrets.

I shall take my leave now.

[Why leave so soon? Stay a bit longer and talk with me.]

. Im just swamped with work right now. I promise to stay longer next time I visit.

The night goddess reluctantly accepted this. And Dale hastened his steps to leave.

As always, the goddess spoke to Dales departing back with a wistful tone.

[Do visit more often, my son. It saddens your goddess to be sought out only when theres a need.]

Her voice then took on a slightly cold edge.

[If you dont visit more often, I might just send an oracle to Eriel to forcefully bring you back.]

Dale pretended not to hear and hurried out of the prayer room.

As he walked, he pondered over the new powers he had acquired.

I wonder how well I can wield them right away. The problem is, I have no one to test them on.

It wasnt something he could just try out on others without reason.

If only there was a suitable opponent

Just then, Dales eyes landed on the skeleton swinging a sword.

One hundred and fifty million, four thousand and eighty-three.

Dale thought to himself.

Come to think of it, soul domination doesnt have to be used solely on humans. Its also possible to take control of the undead summoned by necromancers. In that case

Dale fixed his gaze on the skeleton.

The glow within his helmet flickered and the magical power emanating from his body rippled outward in waves.

The magic enveloped the skeleton. The hollow eye sockets of its skull trembled precariously.

Dale was uncertain if he had succeeded or failed and so he commanded,

Come here.

Then the skeleton turned its head and walked quickly towards Dale with its sword hanging down.

Then it held the sword and bowed its head in front of Dale.

Oh.

To Dales own surprise, his first attempt was a clear success, almost to the point of being disturbing.

It was a casual try, more of a practice attempt without much thought

Did that actually work?

The next moment, Erielle who witnessed the scene exclaimed in alarm.

Sir Dale! What are you doing?

Dale then found himself enduring a lengthy sermon from Erielle on why one should not dominate the souls of fellow believers.