The Dark Warlock's Game

Chapter 9: The Immortal Knights Return

Ferah finally released Vardy after what felt like an eternity. Removing her black great helm, she knelt before him on the grass, revealing her deathly pale face, similar to Vardy's, indicating her Undead nature.

She was a hybrid of Dullahan and Vampire, evident in her sharp, ferocious eyes with black sclera and glowing crimson red pupils. Her dark black hair was styled in a messy bob cut, partly obscuring her left eye with bangs.

"You look as good as ever," Vardy remarked, noting Ferah's stunning beauty, even more impressive in real life than in the game's graphics.

Vardy's Undead nature prevented him from being distracted by her appearance, focusing solely on his purpose. Risen Undead like them were driven by a single purpose, unlike natural Undead like Vampires or Dullahan, who experienced a wide range of emotions.

"I-I am grateful, my master," Ferah responded, closing her eyes briefly before meeting Vardy's gaze. "You too look splendid, my master. But I must ask - why have you changed your appearance? And why have you become Undead? And where is your equipment?"

"Your appearance has changed too," Vardy pointed out. "Your equipment is gone, and your level has been reset, despite remembering our past adventures."

Ferah expressed her confusion about the changes, prompting Vardy to inquire further about what happened after his departure.

"After we defeated the Howling Darkness together, we went our separate ways," Ferah explained. "I returned to my Keep in the Netherealm for rest while you addressed the United Council of our victory."

Vardy nodded, recalling the game's storyline. Ferah's return to the Netherealm after the final battle was expected, but what happened afterward was a mystery.

"And then?" Vardy pressed for more information.

"I do not know," Ferah admitted. "I fell into a deep trance, a sleep from which I thought I would never awake. In that trance, I dreamt of our adventures and our reunion."

Ferah's voice wavered as she recounted her years of waiting for Vardy's return. She had hoped he would awaken and call out to her, longing for their reunion.

"I'm sorry, Ferah," Vardy said sympathetically, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But we're together now."

"Yes," Ferah agreed, smiling at Vardy. "We are together. And I vow to never let you go again."

Vardy appreciated Ferah's loyalty but reminded her of the challenges they faced in this new world.

"You have to be careful, Ferah," Vardy cautioned. "This is a new world, different from the one you knew before. Whatever we do, you must listen to me."

"I am ready to follow your commands, my master," Ferah assured him.

"That means no "Blood Rage", unless absolutely necessary," Vardy instructed. He warned her about the dangers of losing control while in a rage, especially in this new reality.

"I understand, my master," Ferah acknowledged. "I will suppress my urges, but if necessary, I will quench my thirst outside of battle."

Vardy also introduced Ferah to Tracy and Luthor, explaining their relationship and requesting Ferah's respect for them.

"I will treat them with the utmost respect, my master," Ferah promised. "If they are your friends, they are mine as well."

Vardy felt reassured by Ferah's loyalty and took a moment to contemplate his choice of spells from the "Archive of Evil Arts Rank 2".

"Are you learning more spells?" Ferah inquired, observing Vardy's selection process based on their linked status.

"Yes, I am," Vardy confirmed. "I'll be taking "Nega Force", "Summon Undead", and "Demon Port"."

Ferah questioned his choice of "Demon Port", but Vardy explained its usefulness in interrogation, considering their new circumstances.

"I see, my master," Ferah responded, eager to assist in any way she could.

Vardy smiled at Ferah's enthusiasm, grateful for her unwavering loyalty as they faced the challenges of their new reality together.

"We gotta leave here soon," said Vardy, giving a long look at the Sign he'd made. He couldn't stick around, even if it meant leaving the Sign and the safety of the Apex Realm behind. 

Soon enough, there'd be inquiries about Sly's death, and this part of the Vagrant forest was too shallow to hide in. For the next few days, at least, he had to clear out. 

That meant no easy access to the Apex Realm, no quick refills on his "Restoration Flask", and no crafting until he got another Sign, which he'd get after finishing the first Trial Quest.

"You three," Vardy clapped his hands, commanding the Essentrias. "Scatter some of Sly's remains here and there. Leave tracks and claw marks everywhere."

This way, if anyone found Sly's remains, they'd just think he'd died to Vagrants.

Vardy had to figure out where to go next. There was no way he was going back to White Oak, not with him supposed to be dead and all. 

The answer was Haven city, where he could find more information about Dean and his gang, and where he could find some anonymity among the 300,000 people. 

There, he could wait and gather information while hunting and leveling in the Vagrant forest outside the city walls.

The issue was getting to Haven. Vardy rummaged through Sly's bag, finding packs of pills and used syringes which he tossed away. 

What was useful was Sly's Eye-Phone, but it was locked to Sly's fingerprints. Vardy had an idea. 

He called over the Essentrias and had one of them vomit out a few of Sly's intact fingers. Using one of the fingers, Vardy activated the Eye-Phone, but it still required facial recognition.

"Hm," Vardy stared at the locked phone. He wanted to access it for information about Dean and his crew, maybe even use Sly's credits for transportation, but it seemed those options were not available yet. Yet.

Haven was a tier 3 walled city, not the highest tier but still better than living in the Wastelands. 

Vardy knew there'd be black market technos capable of bypassing Sly's phone locks and forging IDs for him and Ferah. But the issue was what to do with the other undead. For now, hiding them in the forest was the only solution.

Vardy thought about becoming a Lich, which could store undead within them. But that was something to consider later. Right now, getting to Haven was the priority. Without easy transportation, he'd have to go by foot, traveling through the forest to avoid attention.

"What's that?" asked Ferah, peering at the Eye-Phone.

"This? It's called an Eye-Phone," explained Vardy. "But we can't use it. It's locked to someone I killed. Bound items are usable only by a specific individual."

"Incredible," marveled Ferah. "And I cannot even sense any magic from it."

"No magic here," said Vardy. "We're the only ones who can use magic."

"Then conquering this new world shall be no challenge at all!" declared Ferah.

"Don't get ahead of yourself," cautioned Vardy. "Humans here have evolved with unique powers, and there are monsters called Vagrants with their own abilities. We have to be careful."

"I'll always be on guard, my master," promised Ferah, raising her shield. "With this shield, I swear you will face no harm."

"Thanks, but I can handle myself," Vardy assured her. "But I'll count on you to cover me when I need it. Just like old times."

"Like old times," agreed Ferah with a smile.

"Alright, it's time to move out," said Vardy. "But first, I need to make use of this Sign before we leave."

"Create Undead", chanted Vardy, summoning Undead creatures to aid them on their journey. He created a Skeleton Archer, a Skeleton Rogue, and an Evileye for scouting.

"All done," Vardy announced.

Ferah inspected the new Undead and nodded in approval. "You all pass to serve my master."

"I'm glad they passed your screening," said Vardy. "Now, I just have one final stop before we go."

"You need something forged?" guessed Ferah.

"You're right," said Vardy. "I have to use that Soul in my inventory. If we're leaving the Sign for a while, I need to make the most of this final visit."