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."

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The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 10: Forge of the Future
Vardy stepped onto the Sign, and the teleporting light him and everyone else. In a moment, they arrived in the dim interior of the Apex Realm temple, with its gray stone and tall gothic pillars."The Apex Realm. I never thought I'd be back here with you, master," said Ferah. She seemed happy at first, but then she squinted. "Something feels off about this place.""What do you mean?" asked Vardy."The Apex Realm is supposed to be a safe space created by the twin gods Amara and Sindri. It should have a warmth to it from their powers. But I don't sense it. It feels...dead," said Ferah. "It's like this place is just a copy, lacking the real 'life' but still having its powers.""I noticed that too," said Vardy. "My theory is that this isn't the real Apex Realm. It's just a replica, still holding its powers but lacking the true essence.""Is that so?" Ferah looked around warily. "As long as you trust it, I will too.""So far, it hasn't let me down," said Vardy. He leaped over the Wellspring
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 11: The Forest’s Secret
The Evil Eye observed a Vagrant approaching Vardy, likely drawn by the scent of blood and death. It stood three meters tall, with smooth white skin and a heavily muscular body. It moved with a hunched back, dragging its knuckles along the ground. Its appearance was almost unsettling, resembling an overly muscled mannequin from a horror movie.This creature was a Geist. Vardy remembered from his research in White Oak that Vagrants were classified into three categories. Natural Vagrants, like the Essentrias, adapted to nature and behaved like wild beasts. Geist Vagrants, on the other hand, were inexplicable monstrosities that were functionally immortal and had a relentless thirst for blood and flesh. Titans were monstrously powerful Vagrants of legendary size."We're leaving," Vardy declared. He wasn't willing to risk a fight with a C-rank monster at the moment. Ferah sensed his hesitation and agreed to follow his lead."Geists hunt living humans," Vardy explained. "So, as undead, we sh
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 12: Shadows over Haven
Vardy and Ferah walked up to the Odinsons base. Odinson members stood up from tables and tarps where they enjoyed the shade to talk or play cards or inspect tech and put their hands to their hips, thumbing Bolter pistols.All of the Odinsons notably had an artificial blue left eye - a signature marking for their gang. Among this were tattoos that evoked the image of old Norse runes."What do you want, Mr. Mask?" An Odinson, a big guy, probably easily six foot two (~188cm), came up to Vardy and Ferah. He scratched his rough blonde beard with a mechanical hand and smiled at Ferah. "Or are you here to sell her? Cause' if you are, I'd buy in a damn heartbeat. Promise I won't rough her up too much, either. Gotta make sure you can keep her fresh to put food on your table, right?"A nerve became visible on Ferah's forehead, and Vardy immediately raised a hand in front of her as he sensed a lethal punch coming."No, I'm no pimp," said Vardy. "I'm here to buy tech.""Yeah?" said the Odinson. H
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 13: The Dark Soul
Quiet aftermath settled over the mobile home like a heavy shroud. Ferah stood amidst the chaos she had created, her eyes aglow with fierce inner light. Blood residue dripped from her weapons but her focus remained sharp. Vardy scanned the room with a calculating gaze - he knew they shouldn't be around here long. Odinsons might have reinforcements nearby.His voice low but urgent.”Get what we need”, Vardy ordered “quickly” Ferah nodded, her sharp eyes scanning the cramped tech room already. The kinda small Dimly lit, cluttered space was a maze of cybernetic parts, various tech forgeries, weapons and scattered equipment across the workbench. Some Burnt circuitry's acrid smell mixed with remnants of their battle, pungent odor hanging heavy. Vardy's Evil Eyes swept over the room, collecting data on every device with frenetic intensity. He needed an edge - something to aid his quest, in the impending battle.“We will need a tech card and some tools,” Vardy said, moving toward a corner wh
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 14: Unveiling the Dark Warlock
The air crackled with tension as Gardy’s mocking laughter echoed through the dimly lit room. The Colossus, momentarily staggered by Luthor’s arrow, slowly returned to its initial position itself, Its huge metal body groaning as it shifted its position.Its red eyes glowed sharply and brighter, and the air slowly vibrated with a slow sound combining a deadly energy. Luthor, covered in shadows, remains still at the doorway, his bow at a steady position, ready to strike at any moment, his expression unreadable.“You’re too late, Luthor,” Gardy hissed, stepping forward, her dark cloak swirling around her like a living shadow with its own mind. “The game has already been set in motion. Vardy’s fate is sealed. No one can escape now.” ahahaha his laughter filled the airVardy tightened his fists, his Evil Eyes glowing as he assessed the situation. Gardy was powerful, but he knew there was a weakness in her overconfidence and arrogance. She was so sure of her victory, so sure of her control,
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 15: The Fight for his Soul
The air crackled with dark energy as Sly’s desperate attack surged through the room. Vardy’s senses were on high alert, unimaginable thought circles him, the full weight of his power pressing down on him. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to unleash more force, to overwhelm Sly and end this madness once and for all. But a part of him hesitated,just for a moment. The darkness that roamed within him was potent, but it was not the only force inside of him now.The warlock’s magic stared and twisted, striking out in waves that threatened to swallow everything in its path. The walls around them cracked and splintered, the very foundation of the chamber groaning under the weight of the unleashed power. Luthor gritted his teeth, his bow pulled tight, eyes scanning the battlefield for any opening.“You can’t win, Vardy,” Sly growled, his voice filled with maddened conviction. “You will never control it. You will be mine, just like everything else.”Vardy felt the pulse of Sly’s dark e
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 16: The Rebirth of the Dark Storm
The cold wind outside the destruction of Colossus was very thick with the smell of burnt iron, more metallic odour and charred earth, though high in the sky, the sun seemed dimmer, as if the earth itself was holding its own breath. Standing at the edge of all that has been ruined, Vardy stared at the whole situation for a while, his hands still glowing dimly from the intended Magic he had unleashed moments before. The power was still with him, but it was no longer a burden, it was now a part and parcel of his life, an extension of his will.Farah on the other hand, was the first person to break the silence, That was… totally different master, you didn't just win, vardy. You changed the whole game", her voice held a note of praise and admiration, but there was something else lingering in her eyes, curiosity, perhaps. Or probably fear. Fear of what Vardy was going to become. Vardy didn't respond immediately, caution his thoughts were far gone, lost in the imp
The Dark Warlock's Game Chapter 17: The Forces of Shadows
The air vibrated with the energy of the coming storm as Vardy stood in the center of the battlefield, his mind sharp and focused despite the trouble around him. He could feel the plump of his own magic, a force that rolls just beneath the surface, ready to be unleashed at the slightest command. But now was not the time for reckless power. Now, it was about control.The Aegaon soldiers, And their dark robes swirling like smoke in the wind, took their positions, their cold eyes fixed on Vardy alone.He could see their hands twitching, preparing spells of their own, arcane energies that could destroy the entire cities. But Vardy was no ordinary opponent. He had faced foes like this before, but none had the power of the Aegaon, nor the unyielding drive that they carried."Vardy, the Dark Warlock," one of the Aegaon leaders spoke, his voice a smooth, almost hypnotic tone. "You have the blood of the ancient warlocks flowing through you, through your vain. You are dangerous. But you are also
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Chapter 106: A New Haven
“I’ve been thinking,” Tracy said as they walked. “What do you think we’ll find when we finally confront the Aegaon? What if they’re not what we expect? What if they’re not behind all of this?”Vardy glanced at her, a little confused. “I don’t know what we’ll find. But I do know this, whatever happens, we won’t be caught off guard. We’ll go in prepared. And we’ll keep our heads. The truth is out there, and it’s waiting for us. We just have to find it.”Luthor, who had been quietly walking alongside them, spoke up then, his voice low. “And we’ll find it together. No matter what it takes.”“We have to always be on the lookout.” Selene muttered.Vardy nodded.This journey, this mission, it wasn’t just about uncovering the truth about his parents. It was about understanding the world around him.And so, the four of them walked on.The Aegon would not be easy to find, nor would the truth come easily. But together, they would uncover it. As Vardy stood atop the hill, the early morning sunli
Chapter 105: I’m Leaving Haven
Vardy turned back to the boy, who was still looking up at him with those wide eyes. The boy’s face was streaked with dirt. “What’s your name, kid?” Vardy asked gently, crouching down to meet the boy’s gaze.“I’m Jorin,” the boy replied quickly, his voice eager. “My sister, she’s inside. They said she’d never make it. But now... now, she’s getting better.”Vardy smiled, his heart aching for the boy. “I’m glad we could help,” he said, his voice soft but firm. He reached out, touching Jorin’s messy hair. “Tell me about your family. Where are you from?”Jorin’s eyes brightened even more, and he immediately launched into a story. “We came from the east. My dad used to work for one of the old Altana families, but after they started... doing bad things, he left. We ran, and we didn’t know where to go. We heard about this place, so we came here. And now... now we have a chance.”Vardy listened carefully, intrigued by the boy’s story. He could hear the underlying fear in Jorin’s voice, the y
Chapter 104: The Secret Society
Vardy followed Elyra through the narrow streets of the city, his mind racing with questions. They were venturing into a part of the city he didn’t recognize, the buildings growing older.Elyra seemed unshaken, as though she had walked this path a hundred times before. Her gaze never wavered.Finally, they stopped in front of a tall, crumbling structure that seemed like little more than a forgotten relic. The building was squat, with a heavy, iron door that looked as though it hadn’t been opened in years. It looked abandoned, a place that would be easy to overlook, but Vardy sensed that Elyra had brought him here for a reason.Without a word, she stepped forward and pushed open the heavy door with a creak that echoed.Vardy hesitated for only a moment before following her inside, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, just in case.The inside of the building was dimly lit. As Vardy’s eyes adjusted to the light, he saw the faint outlines of large figures gathered in the corners o
Chapter 103: Vardy’s Resolution
“Tell us what’s next!” a man added, his voice trembling, waiting for response.Vardy swallowed hard. He wasn’t ready for this. He hadn’t come here to give a speech. He hadn’t come here to be a leader. But here he was, surrounded by the very people he was fighting for. Their hope, their belief in him, it was overwhelming.“I will fight,” he said, his voice gaining strength as he spoke. “I will fight for every single one of you, for every person who has suffered under the Altanas. But this fight isn’t just mine. It’s ours. We all have a part to play in this revolution. We will rise together, and we will take back what is ours.”The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices echoing through the market square. The applause was deafening, and Vardy could feel their expectations settle on his shoulders. He had just made a promise, a promise that he wasn’t sure he could keep. But as the crowd continued to chant his name, Vardy realized that he no longer had a choice.He wasn’t just Vardy anym
Chapter 102: At the Market
Vardy nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Someone has to. And if no one else is going to do it, then it’ll be us.”There was a brief pause, and then Luthor stood up, crossing his arms. “Alright, then. I’m in. If this is what it takes to finally bring them down, I’m with you, Vardy. We’ll fight until the last breath if we have to.”Tracy, after a long moment of contemplation, stood as well. “If you’re really going to do this, then so am I. I don’t care what it takes. We’ve come this far, and I’m not backing down now.”Vardy’s gaze softened as he looked at each of them, his friends, his allies. They had been through so much together, and now they were ready to risk everything for this cause.“Thank you,” Vardy said, his voice thick with emotion. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”Selene smiled softly at him. “We’re in this together, Vardy. We’ve always been in this together.”Luthor chuckled. “Well, it looks like we’ve got a revolution to start. Let’s get to wor
Chapter 101: We need Allies
"Every city has its leaders, Vardy," she said, her gaze steady as she met his. "We just need to find them. The ones who won’t be blinded by power. The ones who’ll keep the fire burning for the right reasons."Vardy nodded, though the worry still gnawed at him. "It’s not just about finding leaders, Selene. It’s about making sure they won’t betray us when the power starts to get to their heads."Then we keep them close," Tracy said, her voice firm. "We build a network. We bring the right people in and keep them accountable.""That’s a risk in itself," Vardy muttered. "I can’t be everywhere at once, Tracy. If things go wrong, if this thing spirals out of control… I won’t be able to stop it."Luthor clapped him on the shoulder. "Then we stop it together. You’re not alone in this, Vardy."But even Luthor’s reassuring words couldn’t erase the unease in Vardy’s chest. He had started this fight, but he had no idea how it would end."Do you think," Selene began hesitantly, her voice barely abo
Chapter 100: The Rebel
“Vardy, look at me." Selene called, her gaze still locked to him.Her voice was steady, cutting through the storm raging in his mind.But the moment her fingers brushed against his skin, a violent force exploded from the pot, and Selene was thrown backward.Her body slammed against the stone wall with a sickening crack before she collapsed to the ground."Selene!"Vardy’s world snapped.The whispers howled, furious at the interruption.Vardy’s vision turned red.The room darkened. The relics around him pulsed, the walls vibrating with a hidden force.Vardy turned his gaze back to the pot of Calabash.The source.The whispers sensed his intent."NO!"A surge of black energy shot toward him, trying to stop him.But Vardy was faster.With a roar, he lunged forward, raising his sword. With all his strength, he smashed it into the pot.CRACK!The artifact shattered.Dark energy screamed as it burst into the air. The room shook violently, the pressure lifting all at once, as if a great weig
Chapter 99: The Fall of Dean’s Chamber
“Vardy, what are your plans for Dean’s chamber?” Luthor asked before they left.Vardy turned, his gaze darting round the whole place. It was where Dean had taken as his possession, where he hid most of his things, his secret items.“We need to get these people to destroy this place, because this is too dangerous,” Selene said, darting around before settling his gaze on Vardy.“What do you mean? I should endanger their lives for my personal gain?” Vardy asked a bit skeptical of what Selene meant.Selene heaved and strode closer to Vardy, who was now down on his horse.“I mean, this is too dangerous for you, Dean would have thought so well and knew that one day, you'll surface.” Selene said and continued, “Dean is very smart and predictable.”“Do smart and predictable go together?” Tracy asked, moving closer to them, her eyes piecing deep into Vardy's.“We just have to be careful, especially Vardy.” Selene said finally, her arms akimbo.Vardy’s fingers curled into a fist. "That place n
Chapter 98: A Heavy Decision
“We can’t just sit here and do nothing,” Vardy said firmly, his voice filled with resolve. “We need to find out everything we can about the System. We need to prepare for what's coming.”Luthor, who had been silently listening nearby, stepped forward. “You’re not alone in this, Vardy. We’ll help. Whatever it takes.”Selene and Tracy, who had been standing at the edge of the group, moved closer. “We’re with you,” Tracy said quietly, her voice steady. “This is our fight too.”Vardy nodded, his heart swelling with ease. He had led them before, and they had followed him. And now, in the face of an enemy greater than any they had ever known, they were still with him.“We’ll gather our allies,” Vardy said, his voice firm. “We need to strengthen Haven, prepare for the worst, and start seeking out every scrap of knowledge we can find about the System. We’ll face this head-on. Together.”Aria’s expression softened slightly, though she didn’t look entirely relieved. She knew the path ahead woul
