Gainful Employnt 9
Rather than being discouraged at how unreliable Cadaver Absorption was proving to be, the Mimic quickly reminded itself it wouldnt even have the Warlock Job or either of its deeply useful familiars without it. The Skill provided it with the occasional Attribute boost and it even lifted Shield Mastery off a dead adventurer, not to ntion that ti it acquired Dagger Mastery. Indeed, the Skill was undeniably potent. Unreliable and random, but potent. Besides, tonight was still a pretty good night. It gained 2 Levels, the imnsely delicious nd Flesh Skill and earned itself 1,000 GP for completing both Quests. Therefore, the fact that Cadaver Absorption once again failed to gain anything from a powerful creature was really nothing to worry about.
Yep. It was fine. It didnt bother the Mimic.
HUUUUUCK!
It bothered it. It bothered it a lot actually, but it was too late to gripe about it now. Then it rembered all those explosives and potions that it had to go through during the fight and its mood got even worse. Was tonight really that much of a profit? It decided that yes, yes it was. Maybe not so much on the monetary side of things, but it kept telling itself that life would be much easier from now on.
Hey Boss, called out Kora. You okay?
Fine, answered Boxxy.
That was actually the truth. Now that both the thrill of victory and the disappointnt of losing a gamble were gone, it was actually left quite serene. Peaceful, even. Almost like-
Ack!
The Mimic quickly shook itself vigorously. That was close. It was so tired that it almost fell asleep right then and there. This place was far too dangerous to do that sort of thing, not to ntion exposed. Deciding it had better get a move on, Boxxy briskly walked out of the gigantic pile of black ash - the remains of the Murk Dweller Queen - and started checking the bodies of the lesser Murk Dwellers. A good bunch of them were turned to goop thanks to that explosion, but there were still quite a few of them left lying around that were mostly intact. It then started systematically using Cadaver Absorption on them, one after the other.
And was t, as expected, with a string of failures. Its fickle mood quickly started turning sour once more. It still kept using the Skill on one corpse after the other though, wouldnt want them to go to waste. So small part of it considered whether it should store so of these bodies for breakfast, but quickly decided against it. Objectively speaking, their at was pretty bad. Sothing in their green blood made it taste considerably foul. It wasnt poisonous, just disgusting. Without the taste of victory around to smooth things over, it really didnt want to-
Your Cadaver Absorption was a moderate success!
16% of the targets highest Skill Proficiency has been added to your own.
The bodys deteriorated condition has weakened this effect by 20%.
Proficiency level increased. Aci Spray is now Level 3. END 9. INT 9.
Oh! exclaid Boxxy.
A brand new Skill popped up out of the second-to-last corpse. It actually pulled through in the end, didnt it? Wait, sothing was off about that window just now. And what was this odd sensation it felt when it absorbed it? The Mimic quickly double-checked the Skill.
Aci Spray
Description: 3ErjfofR P#flB>taQg ;;;
Requirents: OVERRIDDEN
Type: Sustained
Activation Ti: 1 second
Cost: 80 MP/sec
Range: 7.999999999999994 ters
Effects: Emit a spray of corrosisisisive aci.
Increases the volu and potency of the released aci by 10% per Level of this $kill.
...
Okay.
This was new.
Actually no, it wasnt entirely new. The Mimic had already seen this sort of incomprehensible gibberish and weird squiggles once before. Back when it had summoned Nagnamor using Xera as a host, to be more precise. Attempting to view that Archfiends Status gave it a list of garbled nonsense that seed quite similar to this one. Perhaps it was sohow related? It had better double-check just to be sure.
1-800-7355-9687-7685
*Beep ... Beep Bee-*
*Click*
Hello, answered the familiar, raspy voice. You have reached Demons R Us, my na is Carl and Ill be your liaison for today.
Hey Carl. Its Boxxy.
Oh! Good to hear from you, buddy! What can I do for you today?
I got this weird Skill and I need so help.
Is it directly related to your summoning contract, bound familiars, the Beyond and/or eldritch abominations of terrible power?
... No.
Then that ans our company doesnt support it. Sorry, buddy, youre on your own.
But I saw the sa weird thing back when I had Punchy!
Punchy? Oh right, High Overlord Nagnamor. You didnt summon him again, did you?
No.
Youre sure?
Yes.
The Mimic was quite confident it would know if it accidentally summoned a towering fire-breathing demon hell-bent on destruction and carnage.
Then how it is related?
The Skill, its all weird. Just like Punchys Status back then.
Is it? HmmI think I need to consult my manager, please hold.
*Boop*
Ah, there it was again, that oddly soothing music. Boxxys fascination with these tasty sounds was the reason it made so many music boxes for Artificer practice. It couldnt quite get the sound to be this good, though. At least, they sold moderately well, to the point where the Mimic could make a decent profit on them. Not to ntion that it felt oddly happy to be making sothing chest-shaped for once, even if it was just a toy.
*Boop*
Sorry for the delay, Boxxy. Send your Status and Ill see what I can do.
Okay. Sending.
Got it. And which Skill seems to be the issue?
Its the Aci-square Spray.
... What? Do you an Acid Spray?
Maybe?
Uh-huh One mont, please.
*Tak-a-taktak tak taktaktak*
Oh, I think I see the issue. That sort of thing happens when you see a Job or a Skill thats outside of your understanding.
So its normal?
Well, I dont know how normal it is for a Mimic to have a Skill from outside its species, but Monster Jobs arent too far apart so its probably fine. You still understand most of it, yeah?
Yes.
Then Id say youre good. The Skills description and whatnot should clear up later, so dont worry about it.
I see. Thanks Carl.
Hey, no problem. Glad you actually had a simple problem for once. Anything else I can do for you today?
N- Actually yes. Can I speak with Snack like I do with you?
Err
My familiar.
... Oh, right, the succubus. Well, its possible, but shed have to give you her soul number. And dont order her to tell you her soul number, okay? That could be grounds for contract termination. Especially with succubi, theyre quite touchy when it cos to that sort of thing.
I see.
Why do you need to speak to her anyway?
Just curious if I could.
That was it, nothing more, nothing less. After all, it was personally acquainted with only four demons. One of them was Carl and he was easy to reach through Demons R Us. Snack or Arms could just be summoned if they were banished, or contacted telepathically if they were present. As for Punchy, well, Boxxy had already made a deal to stay away from that guy. And it really didnt want to break off a deal with a demon.
Thanks, Carl. You were a big help.
Thats what Im here for, buddy. Buh-bye.
Bye.
*Click*
The Mimc double-checked its Skill List and it noticed that Aci Spray was now properly called Acid Spray. It would seem those squiggles really were just a problem with its perception of the Skill. The contents of the Skills window were still a bit ssed up, but Boxxy had all the relevant information it needed to spit acid just like those overgrown lobsters.
Ah, but it could actually do one better. Being a shapeshifter allowed it to instantly grow the relevant acid-producing gland wherever it pleased. It could shoot jets of that nasty stuff out of its mouth, its tongue, or even the tips of its arachnid feet. The liquid refused to fly further than 8 ters, though. The corrosive spray seed to evaporate into thin air the instant it went beyond that threshold. It also seed like only one acid gland could actually spit the stuff out at any given ti, so growing a lot of those at once turned out to be a disappointingly wasted effort.
Still that acid was quite devastating - sothing the shapeshifter had experienced first hand. Being able to use non-physical ans of attack without resorting to chanting magic was quite useful in and of itself, although Boxxy needed to be careful not to get splashed by its own juices. Unlike Murk Dwellers, the Mimics chest-y shell was not acid resistant. Ah, but even if it did injure itself, it would heal in seconds thanks to nd Flesh, so it probably wasnt that big a deal.
Having concluded its business in the marsh and, after forcefully dismissing Kora for whining about her missing limbs or so such, Boxxy made its way back to the outskirts of Erosa. It went into the city through its secret tunnel, crawled into its hideout, summoned both of its familiars for protection and finally allowed itself to sleep.
When Boxxy woke up, the day had already arrived and was just before noon. The ti right now was 11:34 AM according to the Mimics own hand- or rather, tentacle-made clock. As usual, its weekly dose of sleep lasted for almost 9 hours, but waking up feeling refreshed and full of energy was in itself pretty tasty. It quickly donned its disguise and set about its day, albeit with a late start. First order of business was to get paid.
It walked the now familiar streets and went inside the rcenary Guild. The place was practically deserted, unlike at breakfast. In fact, the only ones present here were the dwarven receptionist and what appeared to be a male elf nursing a headache in the corner.
Ah! If it isnt the illustrious Mister Morningwood! called out Grog as the Mimic approached his bar. It replied by simply nodding in response. The dwarf put away the glass he was pretending to clean and turned to properly face his custor.
What can I do for you today?
Quests.
Hmm, dont tell youre giving up!
No. Im done.
Done? You an you already killed all those crabby bastards?
Yes.
Hah. Hahahahaha!
The aged dwarf burst into a hearty laugh.
Hey! called out the elf in the corner who was still nursing his hangover. Keep it down, Grog! My heads about to burst!
Ah, sorry Lint. Its just that mister Morningwood here has just made a whole lot of gold!
Gold?!
Boxxys eyes shone fiercely at the G-word.
Oh! exclaid Grog. Now theres a look I can relate to! Dont worry, just a friendly wager between and so of the lads on whether youd make it back.
He smiled widely, not surprising considering it was plainly obvious which side of the wager he had bet on. There was more to it than that, though. Grogs personal opinion of the hard-working Boxxy T. Morningwood had only improved during the past week.
Lets make it official, shall we?
The dwarf reached behind the counter and brought out the Quest Logger, placing the crystal orb on the counter. He then promptly confird that Boxxy T. Morning did indeed complete the two Murk Dweller related Quests that were accepted the day before. He excused himself and went into the back room to prepare Boxxys paynt as per usual and ca out with two particularly heavy satchels and two much smaller pouches.
Here you go, mister Morningwood, he said while setting them down on the counter. Please confirm the amount.
Boxxy nodded and opened up the bags. It quickly confird the full 1,100 GP was there and hid the bags underneath its cloak.
Oh and, said the bartender, pulling out a 50 GP coin and sliding it across the counter. This is for being a good sport about the wagers. I made a killing off you, so I felt it was only fair to give you a little sothing. No hard feelings, ey?
Holy shit! scread Lint from the corner. He got up from his seat and started running across the restaurant with his hands in the air.
Grogs giving away money! A storm is comiiiing!
He then promptly ran upstairs, likely to hide under his bed covers.
Storm? It will rain? asked the Mimic with a hint of worry in its voice. It did not like storms.
Nah, nevermind him. Hes just being overly dramatic.
Okay.
Boxxy gladly pocketed the extra gold and wordlessly left the rcenary Guild. That Grog was a good sort. The Mimic would make sure to savor him later. But before (or even if) such a ti ca, it had to restock its supplies. Hmmmm, co to think of it, why was it spending all this money in the first place? Surely it can just take what it wants, right? Now that it had nd Flesh, couldnt it take all those crummy guards and loot the city however it pleased?
No, those were dangerous thoughts. Its MP was not bottomless, but it still hurt to get so much tasty gold only to spend it almost imdiately. It only had 1,404 GP with todays paynt, which was not a lot. Well, at least it wouldnt need potions any more, right? No, there were potions that restored MP rather than HP, surely those would be a wise investnt, right? Actually those seed to be slightly cheaper than their healing counterparts. Then there were the enhancent potions called elixirs.
Gah, why was earning money so much more difficult than spending it?
Well, first things first. It stopped by the sa elven apothecary it always visited and bought four blue-tinged potions for 95 GP each. The Alchemist claid they filled 200 MP per dose, so they would serve very well in an ergency. Boxxy also bought two of those 300 HP potions, just in case. The old elf even gave him a discount on those, at only 175 GP each instead of 190. This put Boxxy in a very amiable mood. Everything was going its way, today!
Next on the shopping list - explosives. Those were very handy to have in a pinch and their non-magical nature made them more reliable than those Spell Crystals, though perhaps not as flexible. Having made up its mind, it idly walked towards Fizzys Fidgety Widgets, arriving without much incident. People on the street were giving it frightened and/or curious looks, but that was pretty much an everyday occurrence. One would think theyd get used to seeing it around town by now
*Ring-a-ding-ding*
It entered the familiar shop as per usual.
Ack! Hey B-Boxxy!
However, Fizzy was actually at the counter instead of working on her projects in the back. She seed to be fiddling with so wires beneath it.
Youre here, um, early!
Her eyes darted between her visitor and the door in the back. Was it really early though? If anything, the Mimics actually on the late side.
Ah well, no ti like the present! Wait right there, I have sothing I want to give you! Just, just sit right there, okay?
Boxxy nodded, which sent the gno running into the back room. Well, its not like waiting around for a bit was a problem. Normally it had to wait until she ca out of the back anyway. She ca out from her workshop almost imdiately, though. The gno ran around her counter and clambered up on the small step ladder.
Here, this is for you!
She held out a small tal ball. It was about 5 centiters in diater and had a deep groove running all around its circumference. Like it was two hemispheres that were bolted together. Well, that was pretty much what it was. There was also a rather large button on the top.
Its, uhm, a gift for, uh, for being such a great student! Yeah!
This was unlike the usual Fizzy. Normally shes far more precise with her words, but seed a bit unable to properly form sentences in front of the Mimic. She also seed to be avoiding eye contact for so reason. Not that Boxxy cared for such things anyway.
It reached out with its left arm and snatched the tal orb from her open hand. The gno seed to recoil slightly from the sudden action, but the Mimic was far too enthralled by the shiny object it had been presented with to care about her. No wonder it had such a lustrous sheen, the surface of it was coated with gold. Peering inside the device with its magical perception revealed it appeared to be an Artificer contraption rather than a simple ball. Well, that much would be obvious by the big red button on the side.
Whats this? it asked, brimming with curiosity.
Like I said, its a gift! Its, err, a prototype toy! Yeah! Its super fun! Just push the button and youll see!
The Mimic then promptly did as instructed and pressed it with its thumb.
*Click*
Huh? Why did Fizzy duck under the-
*BAZZZUZZUZUZUZUZZZT*
Blue arcs of electricity shot out from the device and into Boxxys being.
SKHRAAAAHHRG!
It let out a purely inhuman scream as the current rocket it to its very core.
You have been electrocuted. HP -258.
You have been stunned for 4 seconds.
Your Skills have been disabled for 4 seconds.
Losing control of its body, the 220 centiter figure fell on the floor. No, it would be more accurate to say it collapsed in on itself. The fake limbs and head dissolved into a sort of red, slightly pulsating at paste.
Hah Hahahaha! laughed Fizzy. I knew it! I knew I wasnt crazy! I kept telling them those dreams were far too real to be just my imagination! Well whos crazy now, eh?! Hahahaha!
It would seem she had been subjected to Xeras mind wipes one too many tis. The Mimic didnt have the luxury of deducing that though. Right now it was barely even conscious, unable to move even a single muscle fiber. Even its magical perception seed blurry. Fuzzy even.
Snack! it called out telepathically. Co to the gno shop right away!
But there was no response. It didnt feel its wounded body healing, either, despite leaving nd Flesh toggled to ON. Ah, the window did say sothing about Skills being disabled.
Now, youre mine! And youll pay for toying with ! For scheming behind my back!
The gno leaned back behind the counter and pulled a lever, the sa one she had been fiddling with just monts ago. A large number of steel rods shot out from the wooden floor, tearing it to pieces in the process and extending upwards all the way into the ceiling. The disabled monster was now surrounded on all sides, trapped inside a circular cage about 3 ters in diater.
Well see how the city guards deal with you!
The gno leapt over the counter and ran out into the street. This was not good. Very not tasty!
You are no longer stunned.
Your Skills are no longer disabled.
Snack! it tried again.
Yes, Master? ca Xeras reply.
Co towards the shop and find the gno!
Did you ss up with-
Now!
Ack! Yes, Master!
The monster tried standing up, but couldnt properly control its extremities. Its entire body was numb, like it was not its own anymore. This was the first ti it ever felt such a sensation. Or rather, such a lack of sensation.
Your flesh has been nded. HP 120.
Good, that was working again as well. However, this appeared to be the worst case scenario. Therefore, the Mimic made the decision right then and there to run. No matter how weak those city guards looked, there were over 500 of them. Not to ntion all the formidable adventurers in town!
Your flesh has been nded. HP 120.
Now that its wounds were healed up it felt its body recover more or less completely. It discarded the cheap clothes it was wearing and stood up properly on its spider-legs. It took a step towards the edge of its prison, but imdiately shrank back. Those steel bars had electricity running along their length. Blue arcs jumped between them intermittently, making it painfully obvious that anyone who touched them would be zapped.
Boxxy didnt want to touch them, didnt even want to get near them. Its normally quiet instincts were screaming at it not to get shocked. That electricity was bad. Very bad. Just looking at it made the Mimic want to hide in the deepest, darkest hole it could find.
Ah!
It finally understood. This was its elental weakness, its vulnerability. Much like how undead would be made brittle and crumble easily when bathed in flas, so too would shapeshifters lose control of their ever-changing bodies when exposed to a strong electric charge. It would seem Fizzy had done her howork and prepared a trap specifically created to capture the Mimic.
But she did not know that it could spit acid.
The chest opened up and a fleshy tongue wiggled free of it. A small opening appeared on its pointed tip and a green liquid sprayed out of it. It clung to the steel pipes and started eating away at them with a steady hissing noise. This would work, but it looked like it would take so ti.
Master, I see the gno! reported Xera. Shes shouting at a group of guards and pointing towards your location!
Right. This was way beyond salvageable.
Leave her and co to .
Understood, Master.
Next it forcefully dismissed Kora from the warehouse and started summoning her back while the acid was eating away at its prison. But thats not all it did. The corrosive liquid leaked down between so cracks on the floor, causing sparks and smoke to co out from there monts later. The Mimic used its magical perception to confirm that so wires under the floor were lted completely through.
It really should have been more suspicious of those when it noticed them earlier, but it had grown complacent.
Koras summoning finished several seconds later. Using a big chunk of its MP like this was perhaps not the smartest idea, but it needed all the help it could get right now. Besides, it had just gotten a bunch of potions to help with that should the need arise.
What was-! Eck!
The fiend let out a stupid sound when she saw her master in a cage.
Boss?! What the fuck?
Break this thing!
Ah! Alright!
Her four muscled arms gripped a steel bar each and pulled on them all at once. The tal, already weak from the acid, creaked and groaned and gave way, breaking off completely at their weakest points. Kora flexed her muscles and widened a gap large enough for the chest to exit sideways, which it did with great relish.
This event really wasnt doing much to help with the Mimic's grate trauma.
Having been released from its prison, it imdiately leapt over the counter and started unlocking the tal safe hidden in the floor. It already knew the combination since it spied on Fizzy opening it a few tis. Inside were several satchels of gold, a few gems and a weird tal tube-shaped device. It was in a hurry so it quickly tossed everything it could into its Storage without counting it.
Master! The guards are right outside the shop!
Haaaah, sighed the Mimic. Now it would have to murder God knows how many people until it reached the gate, probably wasting even more of its limited resources along the way. And now that its identity was out in the open, it would probably struggle to recover from those losses.
And today was going so well, too!
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