The Lich's Master

Chapter 12: Desicion Paralysis

‘Kyle – Lv. 20 Unclassed

INT 10 | WIS 10 | DEX 10 | STR 10 | CON 10

Available Points: 20

Achievements: Lich Killer

Player Kills: 6

Glory: 30

Key Items:

-Cacophus' Phylactery

Special Quests:

-Cacophus' Plea

-The Dying Orchard

Inventory:

- 2 Gold pieces

- Cast Metal Shield (Unidentified) [+10 DEF]’

The more he stared at his stats panel, the more indecisive he felt. What if he didn’t like whatever stat he chose? He would need to wait for at least thirty more levels before he could pick a second class.

“NECROMANCY IS THE STRONGEST, MOST POWERFUL FORM OF MAGIC. “ Cacophus’ words sounded. The Lich’s eyeholes glowed bright green. Kyle could swear that was excitement in those undead eyes. “I CAN ALSO HELP YOU BECOME A LICH LATER ON, ONCE YOU’VE GARNERED ENOUGH POWER.”

Kyle pursed his lips. “Necromancy though…?” He muttered with distaste. “I don’t know, I feel like you’ve already got the undead related things covered.” He shrugged. Becoming a Lich wasn’t exactly… exciting, to be honest. He’d rather not become a glorified skeleton with glowing lights in place of eyes.

“I DO, BUT TWO LICHES IS BETTER THAN ONE, ALWAYS!” Cacophus cackled, then turned his attention back to his work. “THINK ABOUT IT. IT’S THE MOST POWERFUL FORM OF MAGIC.”

Kyle sighed. “I’ll ponder a bit.” He muttered. The Lich wasn’t entirely wrong, and as a solo player, having skeletons by his side at all times was quite the tempting offer… but he just didn’t like the idea of Lichdom.

“I’VE PREPARED THE ELIXIR.” Cacophus’ words surprised him. His ears perked up as he hopped off the bone throne. “Wait, really?” He asked, hurrying to the Lich’s side, only to be handed a small vial filled with black liquid.

“IT’S FAR FROM PERFECT,” Cacophus clarified. “YOU WANT TO HELP THE ELVES, SO WE SHALL HELP THEM. BUT I AM A LICH, I HAVE NO MEANS OF HEALING MAGIC, NOR DO I UNDERSTAND LIVING THINGS VERY WELL. SO, I CAME UP WITH A COUNTER TO THE VENOM,” He explained absentmindedly. “THIS WILL FIGHT OFF THE VENOM. IF IT WINS AGAINST IT, THEN THE TREE WILL STILL BE POISONED BY MY OWN MAGIC, BUT THAT IS A TRIVIAL THING TO HEAL, EVEN FOR ME…” Cacophus seemed to hesitate. The green glows in his eyeholes seemed to dim as he seemingly pondered.

“What is it?” Kyle asked. If he was sure that this would work, he would probably be a lot more exciting. So, what was wrong?

“THE LOCUST GOD IS A POWERFUL DEMON. IT’S POWER IS NOT SOMETHING I CAN HOPE TO RIVAL YET. I DOUBT THIS WILL DESTROY IT’S VENOM, BUT IT SHOULD SLOW IT DOWN. BUY IT A YEAR, MAYBE A BIT LESS. DON’T GET YOUR HOPES UP, THE ELVES ARE STILL DOOMED.”

Kyle sighed. There he was, being all dark and grim and hopeless again. Considering Cacophus was a Lich, it probably wasn’t all too unusual or surprising that he was dark and grim, but Kyle sure could use some more hope just about now.

“Thanks, Cacophus.” He forced a smile. “I’ll tell them exactly what you told me. Even a year is better than nothing, right?”

“MAYBE LESS.” The Lich reminded him as he hurried away.

“Yeah, yeah.” He said, rolling his eyes. He had a vastly different perspective on things compared to the Lich, and from his perspective, this was just the first step of a long questline to gain the Elves’ trust. After all, he was in a game, so everything was possible.

He smirked, perhaps the elves could enlighten him about magic a bit too!

By the time he reached the orchard, the sun had begun to set. The sky was washed in crimson and purple as the blazing orb of fire and life disappeared behind the distant, misty mountains that marked the end of this world – for now, of course. The game was still in development after all. The map would surely be expanded upon.

As he approached the trees, he noticed some movement in the greenery.

“It’s me!” He called out, showing both his hands. “I helped deal with the annoying knight, remember?” He asked, hoping not to get skewered by an arrow immediately.

He jumped when he felt something touch his shoulder. When he turned around in a rush, his heart racing, he recognised the elven leader immediately. It was impossible to forget him after all, not with that absurdly long, white hair that swept the ground.

“You must learn to pay attention to your surroundings, human.” He said with a faint smile. “Welcome back, though I fear we may not be able to offer you much hospitality.” He raised his chin as his gaze lingered on the trees.

“I brought something for you,” Kyle immediately blurted out. “An elixir, that friend I mentioned concocted it.” He rummaged through his inventory in front of the elf, and quickly took out the small vial and handed it over.

“Now,” he quickly explained as the elf’s eyes widened. “I’m sure you can feel it – this is dark magic. Necromancy, concocted by a Lich.” He bit his lips. Maybe he shouldn’t have told the elf everything, but oh well. What was done was done. “He said this would fight off the Locus God’s venom. If it comes out on top, this will poison the tree instead, but he can easily undo the poison since it’s his power anyways.” He folded his arms. “he also warned me that he was nowhere near strong enough to win a contest of power with the Locust God, so there was a good chance this will only buy a year of time, maybe even less.”

Seeing the elf’s expression change, he added. “Probably less?”

“I see…” The elf muttered, carefully inspecting the vial. “This is not something I may decide on my own,” He finally said with a sigh. “Follow me, we shall convene by the heart of the Orchard.” He walked off, and Kyle followed.

He was pretty sure that even if he wanted to, he wouldn’t be allowed to leave until this… convention was over. Until the elves had decided what to do.

He hoped their decision wouldn’t be to kill him, and his big mouth.