Chapter 29 - My Nights

"Staxius," A whisper, "Who is it," He asked. Undrar spoke from within. "What are you doing inside my mind so late at night?"

"I sensed your murderous intent, decided to come to check up on you. Guess I was worried for nothing, good for you Staxius, making them cry tears instead of blood."

"Don't mock me,"

Oblivious to how to make someone stop crying, he used the long and dirty sleeve to wipe away their tears which sparkled with the help of the moonlight as it pierced through the clouds. Calm and emotionally stable, he spoke, "I'm sorry I made you cry but it was necessary. I hope you can forgive your foolish master. Now Fenrir, please escort them back to the camp, I'll stay here for a while with Eira."

"As you wish, Master,"

Fenrir, a legendary wolf who only brings chaos and suffering entered a contract with the wielder of death. Taming such a beast took many tries but he succeeded. Hidden from unwanted stares, at night, both of them sneaked out and completed the ritual. As per the instructions he got from his visit to the hall of rebirth, making a pact with something inhuman and possibly divine, the one playing the role of Master had to give up his life or rather his soul. With the goal of getting stronger in mind, Staxius died over and over again until the three claw marks appeared under his neck. Fenrir swore her allegiance to his soul rather than Staxius's blood.

"Fenrir," He called. *Poof,* She emerged once again, still n.a.k.e.d. "Woof," out of habit her primitive side sneaked out. "I'm so sorry about that." Her attempt to clear up the atmosphere fell on deaf ears, Staxius stared further into the abyss called night. "Fenrir," He called out once again. "I'm here," She replied as her tail wiggled.

"Is my way of life that bad?" He asked rhetorically.

"…" Confused, she just stared. Few violent slaps to himself, he got out of the trance. *Pat,* He caressed her head and started up a conversation. "Fenrir tell me, how did you come here?"

"I'm afraid I don't remember much about how I got here. Last, I recall I was bound by chains. Then out of nowhere as I contemplated life, a strange purple light appeared in front of me. (Do you wish to be free); it asked, to wish I said yes. After that, I got transported here, I was weak, some people tried to tame me but I escaped. On the way out I heard murmurs about summoning other beasts from other realms. After that, you know the rest."

"I see, thanks for indulging my curiosity. Seeing as Eira is still sleeping, please take her to the camp, I'll go find breakfast."

"If you're going hunting then I can help master," Fenrir offered politely.

"Hunting, yeah for humans," He whispered.

"Sorry?"

"Pay it no mind. Please head to the camp with Eira, I'll be back before daybreak." He smiled. Denied, she headed back.

"Phew, finally alone, Undrar you still in there?"

"What is it?"

"Can you feel anyone's presence? Any living being or creatures."

"Not again, are you going human hunting, whatever, I don't feel anything at the moment. Remember the castle we passed by earlier, use shadow step and go there, maybe you'll get some

good loot."

"Damn that's far away but I can make it I think, thanks for the help."

*Death element activate; Shadow step,* A trip which took them three hours was completed in just five minutes. Savaview bridge was in sight, there were more guards than earlier. The Castle seemed to light up faintly, a feast was ongoing. "What perfect timing, feeding eight people isn't that easy, however, it's my duty as their leader. Can't believe I've been doing this ever since I met up with the Geua sisters. It all began with the village, then travelers and then bandits. Now I'm about to rob a castle." He sighed.

*Spell, Augment mana output activate,* Eyes turn deep black, body shrouded in a mist so black he became night itself, Staxius was now in overdrive. The time limit was fifteen minutes, all the mana he had stored up was being used more than it could be recovered.

"I feel lighter, thanks Undrar for gradually teaching me all the skills and spells required to fully master the death element. Now then, let's go." Like a gust of wind, he crossed the bridge and entered the castle without anyone noticing. The layout was too confusing to explore, using instinct, he randomly opened doors quietly and searched everywhere for supplies. People passed by him constantly, but he was hidden. *Time remaining ten minutes,* "I've got enough food to last us three days. However, the aura coming from that middle tower is more than ominous, I may be biting more than I can chew." Two guards stood in front of the door, using blunt darts, they were knocked out. Inside, he discovered the torture chamber as well as the main bedroom. (To my lovely husband, Sten Parcyvell.) A letter stood out, framed by the owner it was the centerpiece of various other work of arts. The bedchamber was very big and spacious; however, the door was blown open. Next to the bed, a chair with a corpse rested, flies circled around it. Despite having a torture chamber a floor below, why would anyone choose to do something so disgusting in a bedroom? Staxius wondered.

He continued going through the lord's stuff, a chest hidden behind the bed was spotted. Locked, he broke it open. Inside, countless letters all signed by a single person, Millicent. So many clues before him, Staxius began connecting the dots, having a picture of the one he was carrying around like dead weight did help. *Time remaining Five minutes,*

"Who stands there," Someone asked sternly behind him. White hair, skin as fair as snow, red eyes, Princess Gallienne waited. "Eira… It can't be," Anger, as well as doubt, began to build up. Both were now staring into each other's eyes, one filled with pride and murderous intent while the other empty. Dart in hand, he vanished and reappeared behind her. "I don't care who or what you are, using magic against me isn't going to work. Judging from how you present yourself you think that you're better than anyone else, however, if I ever cross your path once again. That belittling gaze of yours will turn blank. Before I leave, I'll leave you with a present," V I L E was engraved onto her chest by Staxius. "I see you can resist pain, no matter, I'll be taking everything you own." With a snap of his finger, gone, as well as her clothes, everything disappeared.

Gallienne stood, n.a.k.e.d and bleeding from the words inscribed onto her. Her mind was thrown into a loop, it was the first time someone ever treated her so poorly. Instead of feeling angry, she laughed. "I felt powerless, who was that man, I want him." She smiled as she slowly licked her own blood using her finger.

*Time remaining three minutes,* Staxius made it unscathed outside. In the distance, the sound of sword clashing could be heard. Having gotten everything he came for; he ran back to camp. *Time remaining ten seconds.* "Come on, the camp is right there, just a little more." Fearing that time will run out on him, he leaped. The last drop of mana disappeared, still in midair, entering the carriage, he left all the goods and went crashing down on the opposite side. *Bam,* Boned shattered, the momentum from the jump injured him gravely, however, before feeling the pain, the body was already dead. All the mana was used up beyond normal levels.

Feeling Staxius's presence reappear and disappear, Undrar woke. "That idiot never listens does he, dead once more. What is wrong with him, well he'll wake in an hour or so, I'll sleep." She nonchalantly went back to sleep.

Moon replace by his companion the sun, the day finally started. Birds chirping, the trees dancing with the wind as their partner, Staxius woke after two hours. "I died again; this is stupid but I love it." Every time he died, the inscription on the pentagram got more complicated, which meant more power.

"Guess I'll prepare breakfast before everyone wakes, maybe a stew." Using the same fire, the food was ready in forty-five minutes.

*Clap, Clap,* "Adelana, Ayleth, Ancret, Alyson, Annet, Fenrir, Undrar and Millicent. WAKE UP." He shouted. Halfheartedly, they replied with yes.

"Morning master," Adelana woke, it was unusual for her to oversleep hence today being the first time ever.

"M-morning m-master," Ayleth, still shy hid behind Adelana.

"A good morning to you," Ancret whispered slowly into his ears. "It's too early for your jokes now

go wash up," Staxius softly kicked her away.

"…" Alyson just nodded.

"Morning Staxius," Annet gave him a quick hug.

Still n.a.k.e.d, Fenrir rushed him for a big embrace. "Morning to you too Fenrir," He patted her head as if it were normal. "Also, I've gotten some clothes for you, check the carriage when you're ready."

Undrar softly tugged onto his shirt, she was enjoying the role of little sister a bit too much. Once he greeted everyone, the persona changed from cool leader to a caring dad instantly when Eira woke. "Everyone, I've made some stew for breakfast, get yourselves ready. We are going to Dundee today, Adelana, I'm leaving you in charge of the preparations, also wake Millicent up, she's still asleep."

Fresh and ready, the party set off to Dundee, nothing interesting happened on the way there. The conversations were idle and made to pass the time. Fenrir finally had some clothes on, tight pants with a button-up shirt which barely held her massive chest. It looked as if they were about to explode at any minute. Fearing the worst, Staxius kindly proposed that Fenrir used some bandages to help support her b.r.e.a.s.t. She quickly agreed and the button-up shirt was saved. Everyone played around with Eira, they all had fun.

"Master, we've arrived at our destination." Just like she predicted, the trip took five days in total.

"Alright, take some of this and go find us a good place to stay at, I'll get off here, and I'm taking Eira with me." He threw a sack of gold he stole off earlier. "Yes master, see you later." The carriage rode further into town. Saying Dundee was a small town was an understatement, the place was massive, thriving with people. Everyone here was up to something, looking from left to right, traders shouting, people having the time of their lives as well as bargaining turned south. It was if not bigger than Claireville academy's town. The buildings were massive, two to three-story high which went on till it reached the town square. Staxius was standing in the middle of the commercial district.

Dundee was divided into four areas. Commercial district, where Staxius was now. Residential, located in the southern end of the town. You also had a district for guilds, merchant associations and other establishments relating to the kingdom. Lastly, the slums, far away but close enough. The town square was the center point of this place. Head there and you're guaranteed to get anywhere you wished.

"People, there are so many people in this commercial district, maybe I'll do some window shopping. You got merchants on the streets as well as big shops, this place truly is a trader's town."

"AYE Mister, come here, we've got supplies for all the daily necessities, why not have a look." Everyone ignored his bloodstained clothes which turned brownish red.

Disregarding everybody, he continued browsing until he came across a shady looking shop.

"Excuse me, I'd like to do some business," He entered, Eira in arms with his backpack filled with stolen goods.

"Welcome traveler, how may I help you." The owner asked, a man small in stature with a crooked nose. He wore an expensive-looking coat, on his fingers countless golden rings as well as other expensive looking accessories.

"For a shop this small you sure are rich," Staxius hinted at backhanded business.

"We here sell everything you desire, for the correct price we'll get you anything." He replied. After making Eira sit on the counter, he unloaded everything he had. From jewels to precious stones and family heirlooms as well as armor, Staxius showed it all off. His nights of preying on unsuspecting travelers. "How much will this fetch me; I only accept gold coins."

"My, my, you've been busy my dear sir. Sadly, I can't give you a correct estimate of these valuables you brought me. Most of them are unknown and rare."

"Cut the crap merchant, I don't care for bargaining, take it or leave it, my price is ten thousand gold

pieces."

"TEN THOUSAND GOLD PIECE, ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?" The merchant shouted, "Do you know how much money that is? Let me put it into perspective, you can buy a mansion and live happily ever after." He added.

"Listen to me, I said I don't care for petty bargaining, you in or not?" The merchant began trembling, "Five thousand," He replied. "I'm basically selling him shit, how did he take my offer seriously, let me milk this guy even more," *Dark Arts, Emotional Control.*

"Eight point five thousand and a car." He replied.

"A CAR? THOSE GO FOR A FORTUNE, come to think of it, I do have one which some people brought back. Want to go check it out?" Picking Eira up, he followed the shady guy further into the building. *Foup, Foup, Foup,* "Did you really think setting an ambush would kill me? I'll have you know I'm an A-rank sorcerer, now if you don't agree with our terms, I'm afraid I'll have to close down shop for you." Using his left hand, he conjured a black fireball.

"I APOLOGIZE, PLEASE FORGIVE ME, here I'll give you ten thousand, just leave me alone."

"I'm glad we could come to an agreement, by the way, I'll be staying here for the next week or so. If you got any job I'll happily help." Using the signature hand gesture, he left.

"Who the f.u.c.k was that psycho, he just took out three of the best-known assassins in the Thunderstain. Boss isn't going to be happy, sorry boy, your death is assured." The merchant spoke out loud.

"Now that was money well earned wouldn't you say Eira," Staxius casually walked towards the residential district where his party awaited.