The empty stalls of the mausoleum were filled with skeletons cheering on for a fight. Had it not been for the innurable lanterns hanging around, it would have been impossible to see in the pitch-black darkness, let alone fight in it.
[I assu you are not getting paid for this performance.]
Ashton didn't bother replying. At the mont, he was solely concerned about Anna's well-being.
"Fret not, mortal," The Lich exclaid as he noticed Ashton's lingering gaze, "Your companion is safe and sound within the shell of ice. I have, but only immobilised her. She remains conscious; however, her life is in your hands."
He continued, "Defeat my loyal subjects to complete the trial, and she shall live, fail, and she shall perish. The outco is in your hands, not mine. I urge you to tread carefully, or else be prepared to taste pain that no resistance can protect you from."
"You better keep your word," Ashton replied before turning to face the generals.
In a surprising turn of events, two generals stepped back, leaving Ashton to face their leader. Whether it was for the sake of fairness or out of foolishness was up for debate. But one thing was as clear as the skies above, Ashton did not care about their righteous behaviour.
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You have begun a new chain quest!
[Objective]: Complete the second phase of the trial.
[Task]: Take down Arch Lich's summoned undead soldiers.
[Progress]: 1/11 Lich's soldiers killed.
[Reward]: None.
[Punishnt For Failure]: User Anna's death
[Mission Commissioned by]: System
[Priority Level]: 1 (The host cannot ignore the mission, nor delayed)
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Variables were one thing Ashton had co to hate with all his being. Earlier, he only had to take care of the generals and the Lich, that's all. But thanks to the moronic system, he would not have to kill not four but ten more soldiers.
'Getting upset over it isn't gonna save Anna,' Ashton thought while curling up his fingers to fight.
The general, wanting to match his opponent, also gave up on his weapon. However, it was a fatal mistake on the General's part. Just because Ashton was using his fists, it didn't an he won't use his sword.
Being the owner of the soul blade, Ashton wasn't required to physically hold Balmond in order to use it. His thoughts were more than enough to control the blade.
Massive claws popped out as Ashton rushed towards his undead opponent. The General's fist t him halfway, but a mont before they could collide, Balmond jumped out of Ashton's inventory and slashed the General's hand in half.
Ashton imdiately changed his stance and buried his claws deep within the General's helm. Rotten blood gushed out of the dark helm, covering Ashton's hand.
However, the soldier was unaffected by the cheapshot and struck Ashton with his remaining arm. Balmond once again tried to interfere but was knocked away.
Ashton was flung away, leaving a trail of dust behind him. Although he had managed to block the strike, he wasn't unscathed, as his left forearm was cracked.
The General charged again, and Ashton barely dodged his massive fist. Or so he made it seem. The mont the undead thought he had the match in his bag, Ashton kicked his knee, shattering it.
As soon as that was done, he leapt onto the bastard's back and slid his arm around the undead's neck. The undead flailed his arm's around but couldn't get Ashton off his back.
The vice grip slowly got tighter and tighter around the General's neck. Until the mont Ashton ripped his head off with his brute strength.
An instant later, the undead fell to his knees and montarily stared at Ashton before turning to dust.
The skeletal spectators loudly booed. The General wanted a fair fight, but Ashton used a weapon instead. In their eyes, Ashton had cheated in a fair fight.
[Progress]: 2/11 Lich's soldiers killed.
On the other hand, Ashton paid no attention to them and prepared for the next challenger. However, none of the remaining two generals stepped forward. At the sa ti, the crowd stopped booing.
Surprised by the sudden change in the environnt, Ashton turned his attention towards the Lich, who had raised a hand, signalling everyone to stop. Once everyone was quiet, the Lich turned his focus toward Ashton.
"Explain."
"What?" Ashton replied.
"The involvent of your weapon against an unard opponent was immoral," The Lich clarified his question, "Explain your stance and based on that, I will decide your punishnt."
"This is a war. Everything is a fair ga-"
"This is a trial, not a war, for you to show off your deplorable underhanded tactics." The Lich interrupted, "Were you in control of your blade, yes or no?"
"I wasn't." Ashton replied, thinking if he said so, the Lich wouldn't be able to 'punish' him as the blade had a mind of its own.
"Very well then, hand it over." The Lich smiled, "I'll keep the blade with since you can't control it."
Checkmate.
Neither Ashton nor Astaroth had not expected the Lich's next move. Having said that Balmond had a will of his own, Ashton could no longer command him to leave his side.
If he did, it would show that Balmond was under his command all along, hence prompting the punishnt. However, before Ashton could do anything, the Lich began giggling.
"How a fool like you beca a necromancer is a mystery worth solving," The Lich smiled, "I already know what a soul blade is, mortal. Hence, i'm well aware you were controlling the blade all along.
"Had you been honest with , I would have let you off easily, but now your punishnt would be considerably severe."
The Lich snapped his fingers, and a part of Anna's Icy coffin lted instantly.
"What do you think you're doing!?" Ashton yelled at the top of his lungs.
"Executing justice," Lich replied, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth and an arm for an arm."
The Lich summoned a skeleton to hold Anna's arm as he prepared to sever it. However, at the last mont, soone kicked the skeleton away while, at the sa ti, a dagger was lodged into his chest.
"What sorcery is this?" Lich yelled, baffled by what he saw in front of him.
Surrounding Anna's coffin were Ashton's undead. Raven was the one who had struck the Lich, while Dolos, Celeste and Sven were protecting Anna.
But that wasn't all. Atlas and Gokung had taken care of the undead generals.
"Sorcery? It's the art of necromancy. You should know it, right?" Ashton smiled.
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